Key takeaways
- Most single doors are installed in one day; double doors and reframed openings may take two.
- Clear a path and move furniture back about six feet from each door.
- A proper install includes a sill pan, flashing, fastening to the product approval and a full walkthrough.
- Test every lock and latch with the installer before they leave.
Knowing what will happen on installation day makes it easier to plan around — and helps you recognize a quality installation when you see one. Here is how a typical exterior door installation goes with our team.
Before installation day
A few simple steps make the day smoother:
- Clear a path from the driveway to each door being replaced.
- Move furniture and décor about six feet back from each opening.
- Take down wall hangings near the door — installation can cause vibration.
- Plan for pets and kids — doors will be open at times.
- Tell us about alarm contacts, cameras and smart locks on the doors.
- Confirm HOA approval is in hand, if your community requires it.
1. Arrival and walkthrough
The crew confirms the plan with you, checks the new doors against the order — size, swing, glass, color and hardware — and sets up a work area.
2. Protection
Floors are covered with drop cloths or runners, nearby furniture is protected, and landscaping near exterior work is shielded.
3. Removing the old door
The old door, frame and sill are removed carefully to limit damage to stucco, tile and drywall. In block homes, this means cutting anchors and working the frame free of the masonry.
4. Preparing the opening
This is where quality installations are made:
- The opening is inspected for rot and damage, which is repaired before going further.
- The sill area is leveled and a sill pan is installed to direct water outward.
- Flashing is applied at the jambs and head.
5. Setting the new door
The new unit is set plumb, level and square, shimmed solid at hinges, strikes and fastener locations, and fastened exactly as its Florida Product Approval specifies — anchor type, length and spacing.
6. Insulating and sealing
The gap between frame and opening is filled with low-expansion foam. Exterior joints are closed with backer rod and sealant.
7. Trim and finish
Brickmould, casing and interior trim are installed, caulked and touched up. Stucco patching or painting is completed as quoted (some finish work may need a return visit to cure).
8. Adjustment and walkthrough
Every lock, latch, hinge, sweep and weatherstrip is adjusted. Then we walk you through the door’s operation and care, and check everything together.
9. Clean-up and inspection
The old door and all debris are hauled away and the work area is cleaned. If a permit is required, we schedule the inspection and meet the inspector when needed.
How long does it take?
- Single entry door: usually one day
- Sliding or French patio door: usually one day
- Double doors or doors with sidelites and transoms: one to two days
- Reframed or widened openings: two days or more
- Multi-slide and folding systems: several days, including structural work
- Interior doors: often a whole house in one to two days
What to check before the crew leaves
- The door opens and closes smoothly without rubbing
- The latch catches easily and the deadbolt throws fully without force
- Weatherstripping touches evenly all the way around
- No daylight shows around the closed door
- Slider panels glide and lock easily
- Trim and caulk are neat and complete
- You have your keys, codes and paperwork
The first few weeks
New weatherstripping can feel snug at first and settles in with use. If anything changes — a latch that needs a push, a slider that starts to drag — call us. Adjustments are part of the job.
This guide is general information for Central Florida homeowners, not engineering or legal advice. Code requirements, product approvals and insurance credits depend on your specific property — we confirm them for your home during the estimate.