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How to Replace a Rotted Exterior Door Jamb

The trick is in removing the old without collateral damage. The answer is a multitool with a carbide blade.
February 08, 2023

Today, Paul is going to fix a door jamb for a friend of his Mother-in-Law's, saving her a hefty repair bill quoted by a less-than-scrupulous handyman. This video is about how to repair a door frame, not how to replace an exterior door frame.

Step by step:

  • Cut the caulk bead between the brick molding and the door jamb.
  • Pry the brick mold off using two prybars and patience. The miter joint is probably nailed together, so use a multitool to cut the nail.
  • Remove the strike plates.
  • Remove the interior trim leg, just like the brick molding was removed.
  • Remove the rotted jamb by tapping it away from the head jamb and cutting the nails.
  • Measure and cut the replacement jamb to length. Measure from the threshold to the bottom of the door stop.
  • Use a scrap of the door jamb to scribe the threshold angle, transfer the angle to the door stop on the replacement jamb, and notch the jamb.
  • Slip the new jamb in place,
  • Test the door by closing.
  • Shim tight using solid plywood behind the strike plate and at the top and bottom. This plywood gives solid backing to screw the strike plate into, making it more secure.
  • Nail off using galvanized or stainless steel nails.
  • Replace the exterior brick mold trim

In the next video of this two-part series, Paul installs the strike plate to be resistant to being kicked in

"I'm a fireman and I kick doors in all the time when we have to get into a house and make entry, and very seldom do we have one that gives us a lot of trouble."

A solid kick to the strike plate area will usually split the jamb, and the door will fly open.

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