The door frame is most likely twisted. To confirm this and know which corner needs to be adjusted, nail in finish nails at each jamb corner. Then tie a string to each of the bottom nails while pushing the string knot tight to the jamb. Draw each string diagonally across the door frames and tie to the opposite nails. Push the two strings down tight against the jambs at each nail. The strings will cross in the middle and should just touch. It there is a gap between the crossing strings or the strings are pressing against each other at the point that they cross, then the frame is twisted. As you push out or pull in a corner of the frame, you will see the results in the way that the strings touch or spread apart. The goal is to have them touch very lightly. Then the door frame is in one flat plane. When that plane is plumb, the doors will not swing on their own. For a great video on how to install French Doors see this Katz Carpentry video: th-cam.com/video/Gr46nuFA1Bw/w-d-xo.html
Great stuff, and i am happy that you got them in, if not set 100% So here is my 2c, as a traditional carpenter for over 25 years..i know a bit. I suspect the front face of your property is not 100% plumb, hence your door frame may be plumb to the face of the building, but the building is out of plumb. so even if it is a little off, the doors will swing open / closed, as proof in your video. You need to "wind" the doors frames in, so that they line up with each other(usually to within a 32nd of an inch) by eye. To do this, open both doors and slip something under them to ease the weight a little, but do not put pressure on them(this will let the frames rest) then go outside and look up and down the closest door jamb(on the outside edge) to the inside edge of the opposite jamb, and compare just how parallel they are to each other. This will let you know if your frames are twisted. So look from right outside, to left inside up and down the door jamb(frame) to unwind it, then you can can calculate which door will sit open and which side to adjust(you may have to do both). You can also do this by using the string method, put thin string diagonally from the 4 corners see if they meet in the middle at the X point, this will also let you know if your frame is twisted, simple, timeless, proven to work. I suspect this is the case for both frames, as you have the closing gap in the middle which is off. This will usually indicate that either the frame is twisted of the hinges are not set 100%, and as you are using modern hinges, they will swing open very easily. The 2nd door you worked on is poof of the above concept, as you said that the frame is 3/4 of a inch sticking out of your property, this can be fixed, and fairly easily, just it will take time and experience to perfect your hand skills. Have a chat with your neighbours and ask about, maybe you can get a friend or a old carpenter to pop over and help out, i hear icecream is a good bribe :P As to the closing gap between the doors, others have said just weather strip it and be done... yup it will work, but can you live with knowing you didn't do your best work? And remember you are going to live there, looking at it every day... just a thought... Good luck and let us know how things move on Ran
We had 6 sets of French doors in our previous home we built. One set was in part of the dining area. We ordered the doors to swing outward onto the large porch area because if the doors swung inward the dinning table was in the way. They would open almost 180 degrees and be completely open. Absolutely loved them! The only set that swung inward was the entry door set.
I love to see you guys put such pride in your work, no one cares like you do. Way to many people say if it looks good it is good that is not true, it's always worth your effort to do a great job especially when it's for your future children. Great job & thanks again for sharing your extraordinary talent with all of us.
I have always wanted a phone operated door opener so that I could open the door on my way in out of the rain. Of course it would also unlock the door. I would love to see you guys implement this idea and explain its nuances.
Boy, that's a tough one Jess! One thing I think you could do rather than " beating your head against" whatever, is decide to let it rest over night. It will be there in the morning! In the morning decide to do one of 2 things 1) ask an expert or 2) act on what your thoughts developed overnight. Your process of not letting go until you have a solution does work for you. Not saying it's broken just felt your complaints warented an alternative to your current pattern. If you like it employ it. If not stick with what you do. Forgive me if I miss read you expressed thoughts. Love you guys! Happy home building!
I worked 24 years at the local community college and had a chance to work with a carpenter when he was working on a door that was swinging like yours. I did not completely understand what he did but he basically bent the hings close to the pin and that change the orientation of the door just enough to prevent it from moving by itself. Maybe there is someone there you can ask and have them explain the process. I also saw on a television fix-it program where they removed one of the hing pins and bent it just a little bit and that caused just enough friction to prevent the door from moving by itself but not enough so that you would notice it when moving the door yourself.
I feel you about the doors. This old house doesn't have a single door that works properly. They either swing open because the antique knobs don't catch or they rub the floors or the door frame. Some days the problems are different because of humidity and the doors stick shut and you have to shoulder check them to open them. My husband wants to keep it all original but he also yells at the kids because they have to slam the front door three or four times to shut it.
Everything is adjustable. Keep going until you are satisfied. Good job! After jamb extensions doors will not open as far. 2x6 doors would have been better. Lesson learned. Love your show 😚
So before you start hanging doors inside, check into the STABILA Jamber level. It's 6'6" and has magnets that hit standard hinge placement. It makes plumbing doors so much easier. Warning, It isn't cheap.
Yes Jesse, I can understand feeling starting a new project is not there sometimes because of running into more fixing. But remember your doing this together, help from good friends, and the satisfaction of fixing and completing another project done and closer to completion. Also how great it’s going to look too! Great job you guys and looking awesome.
I know that you are already done with this project by now, but this was the most thorough and informative video on French door installation I've watched.
Jessy I know there is nothing to do about it now, but when I installed our french doors I was lucky enough to not have a nailing flange on the outside. This allowed me to install them so the hinge was on the same plane as the inside wall, so no worries about how far they swing open. Yes they are installed on 8 inch SIP walls I just put the jam extension on the outside and trimmed it on both sides. I think your door swing will be restricted once you have the jam extension and casing installed. Just for giggles you can stick a 3/4 in. board level with the inside wall and another 3/4 in piece at 90º then see how far the door opens. Good luck.
Take a string from top right corner to bottom left and from top left to bottom right and check if the door is twisted a little when the stings just touch it’s not twisted
I suggest that you look for deep door hinges to allow for the clearance you'll need to get around your SIPs. This moves the pivot point and will solve your future problem with trim reducing the range of motion.
The door problem is most likely in the way the hinges were set. You'd have to slide the hinges in or out in the casing. Oh and the difference between a good carpenter and a so-so one, the ability to fix your mistakes.
Remember that the weight of the door is on the outside of the hinges. When installed plum, they will always want to close by them self. Not so noticeable when the door is lighter than the ones you are installing. And always install your doors plum, because crooked trim will drive you crazy 😅
Had the same problem years ago. This is what you do level and plumb your door frame don't put the level on the doors. Then make adjustments on the hinges them selves. Your talking big doors here and they will move. You will notice the difference from winter to summer.... live with it after that....lol
If you do want door stops bolt a Magnet plate into your door outer frame edge. Your door should be metal so when you have it open the magnet attached to the Wall holds it in place and with a little force you get the door to release. Common method used in Europe
Congrats guys....all windows are in!!! Great accomplishment for you to be able to stand back and breathe a sigh of relief!!! This video came up so quickly....great job Alyssa!
Hi. It´is necessary to remove the protection foil immediately from the window glasses. Otherwise the Sun and UV rays will burn in a hologram from the stickers into the glass if the stickers stay to long on the glas.
There is an art to hanging/installing doors. A good door guy can have you where want to be in about 5 minutes per door. Might be worth getting a referral from your hardware store and 'pay' a guy with some canned goods to show you the magic.
When you had that teeny tiny gap at the top of the door, maybe placing a thin metal shim (pop/soda can) behind the hinge would close the gap. Also, I'm quite sure there's minut warpage of the doors due to the extensive glass.
It is all on how the hinges are mounted on the frame-easy fix. We went through all that with 4 new custom entry doors. To the rescue came an old grandfather Clockmaker that adjusted the hinges with wood glue, wood match sticks and many years of adjusting problem doors. He fixed all 4 doors in under an hour! Factory made does not mean they work properly! Good Luck!
Yep, totally get it... and others have put the same comment that I am... its not the door, its the wall/frame is not plum to either side. This happens naturally - so its not something that you did, nor can you fix. Easier fix... Make the door plumb & flush to where you want, get a piece of weather stripping that covers the gap in the middle - put it on the main first side door, & call it a day. Blocks out the weather, dust and bugs, & doors work like you intended and were manufactured to work! total cost is probable less than $10.00 for both doors and you won't spend the $1000 dollars in man hours trying to make it 'fit' where it just simple is not going to 'fit'!
Being a perfectionist is not a bad thing, it is your house and the better built it is the better you will sleep in the future. I wish I was as much of a perfectionist as you. You do however need and deserve a bit of R&R, you both work so hard and long hours that you need to recharge the batteries (not the ones in the equipment but your personnel ones). the house looks great and you are getting there.
I think you should have the doors so they automatically swing open Reasoning Bean, if I want the door open I have it open all the way. If I want it closed I haven't closed all the way and latched. If air flow is not enough in the house with the windows open I would need the doors wide open as well, not partially open
Jesse, you hit the nail on the head about the doors putting the hinges under extreme torque when hitting the inside of the SIP. It will quickly ruin those expensive doors and the jambs from having to repair it with longer screws as well having to remove the hinges after they bend from the same problem. That door is a very heavy lever against the jamb. Only way I found to protect them is a door stop (on floor or up high) that engages the door at the latching end when opened to some preferred degree before that contact. Good luck!
It makes sense to make the side your going to use all the time perfect, and take what you get with the other side to an extent, because with French doors when you want both open it's usually going to be all the way open.
I remember, long ago, when doors & windows was a stack of beautiful mahogany lumber on the floor. I built so many, cabinets too, it became an easy, enjoyable task! Then I met my first pre-hung door. I pulled my hair out too!! A perfect door in a not so perfect wall. Square peg in a round hole... ya gotta cheat a little! It’s ok.
In years past doors were built to be installed without nailing flanges. You installed plumb and square. Then you tweaked your trim to make up the difference if the wall was out of plumb. Attaching the fin at the factory kicks the problem down the road for someone else to correct.
Those hinges are adjustable in all 3 axis, look better at them and you will know how to get this perfect ;) Also you might want to look at them every season change cos they tend to require some adjustment every now and then.
French doors in the U.K have adjustment setting in the hinge which use align key to bring it in or out and to stop the door swing back or forward , Jesse have a look and see on your French doors . Stuart from Northern Ireland
Hi guys first comment for me been watching for quite a while ,having installed many doors in my days I believe your doors have a twist in them from either manufacturing error or shipping /storage .To check them place a level vertically on face of doors at hinge side then on strike side they should be the same,if not your EXPENSIVE doors are to blame and not your installation methods.these things are not always the installers fault .I realize this is an older video and you have resolved this already (hopefully)but thought it might help someone else in the future.
No shame in getting yourself to master craftsman status, Jesse. I know of a very self-selected few who started with their own homes, and have continued on- buying properties (100-yr old houses); restoring them in full detail. Taking a year or longer, and when a house is complete, it becomes a top dollar rental that never stands empty. Stick with your own perseverance. Someone will always weigh in the negative... That is most often about something on the inside of them. No one's approval is required to live your own life well. The two of you, just keep on doing what you're doing.
my grandfather told me anyone can hang a door, only a carpenter can do it right, well i learned that how you start is how you finnish. so all the fussing with the sips so you can get drywall in, is why you're having a tough time with the doors.
Keep doing what you do, if i were to build my own home with the skills you two have, i would be far more picky, i would want my home to be a work of art and a turning point in craftsman ship..
Get your door jam plumb and level, then tweak the hinges with a nail set. It takes some tweaking to get them right. Setting French doors can be frustrating.
Installing windows and doors are “So Great”, I bet you want to Move In? Sometimes you need to take a break when dealing with double doors......Your Active door is where you start for adjusting good Luck.... Well you two, it’s time for the “Roof”!!!!!! “Get your Home Weathered Proof”, you will be so relieved and have that “great accomplishment Feeling”. Nicely Done
I have a 3' door that I installed. Light was dim when I set it and I was sure it was plumb but it self closes. After shining a light on the level. It is ever so slightly out of plumb and that's enough to make it swing. All our doors have bearing hinges.
Three words, "wide throw hinges"! Wide throw hinges are designed to work for situations like yours so you won't have to taper your jamb extensions. Oh and DO NOT USE hinge mounted door stops they put a ton of pressure right at the hinge where you don't want it. I've seen hinge stops either break from the weight of the door or if they don't break they can rip hi hinges out of the jamb or door itself.
Screw the naysayers, there is nothing more satisfying than a proper fitting door. I installed my shop bathroom door nearly 5 months ago and I still love the sound of that thing shutting. Having said that, installing french doors is way harder than installing a window or a single door. There's something to be said for a professional install on those like you did with the gable windows. Anyway, keep tinkering with it and you figure it out.
Love your videos. My daughter has high end French doors and they are adjustable. If I remember correctly the adjustments were made with an Allen wrench. Just a thought.
Are adjustable jamb screws not a thing in the US? Bigger diameter piece into the jamb (to be covered by a cap/ and slimmer screw into the stud/wall, and they can be adjusted relative to each other adjusting the jamb.
first I enjoy your videos. as the owner of an older farmstead have been through the agony of trying to make things straight and level to work properly. have run into a similar situation but on a large single door. ultimately after much head scratching and sailor talk. discovered that if I checked plum on the casing it didn't agree with plum checked on the hinges themselves. fortunately a representative from my local supplier was there to estimate some other products and I showed him the problem. ultimately they replaced the door and all was well.
I was taught that the great Carpenters can do three things: frame a roof, install doors correctly, and build stairs. Sometimes the trick is taking a match box (cardboard) and putting it behind one of the hinges. The carpenters shim up the frame until everything is plumb and level. It is not an easy job with doors, although some do fall in place nicely.
Only took me, 2 contractor friends,and a bottle of Jameson in moderation to get my French expletive doors to be level and plumb, and not require leaving open 1-3 nights in dead of winter. And a new rotator cuff repair. Wish you luck, didn't drink before the darned doors.
Doors are frustrating sometimes you just have to walk away for the day and start again in. The morning sometimes it will just click. You will get it eventually. Another tip is to use a piece of thin cardboard behind the hinges and they stop flying closed.
I am so happy for you guys, that all your glass is in place, all the doors, ( taking into account your 2 temporary doors) are also in place. This should be a real load off your minds. Now onto the roof to get more peace of mind to be truly dried in... Thanks for all the fun videos!!
Your level is self checking. Just check for plumb with the level, then flip the level over and check the reading with the other side using the same bubble. If it gives you the same reading you are golden. If it is different you have a problem.
PBS program, "This Old House" has a program on door alignment and why doors swing closed or swing open, Hope it can help you with any problems you're having.
Interesting that you fit the frame with the doors hung. We would normally remove the doors from the frame, fit the frame square and plumb, and then fit the doors and line everything up with adjusting the hinges. Lot lighter and easier to handle and adjust .
The door frame is most likely twisted. To confirm this and know which corner needs to be adjusted, nail in finish nails at each jamb corner. Then tie a string to each of the bottom nails while pushing the string knot tight to the jamb. Draw each string diagonally across the door frames and tie to the opposite nails. Push the two strings down tight against the jambs at each nail. The strings will cross in the middle and should just touch. It there is a gap between the crossing strings or the strings are pressing against each other at the point that they cross, then the frame is twisted. As you push out or pull in a corner of the frame, you will see the results in the way that the strings touch or spread apart. The goal is to have them touch very lightly. Then the door frame is in one flat plane. When that plane is plumb, the doors will not swing on their own. For a great video on how to install French Doors see this Katz Carpentry video: th-cam.com/video/Gr46nuFA1Bw/w-d-xo.html
Great stuff, and i am happy that you got them in, if not set 100%
So here is my 2c, as a traditional carpenter for over 25 years..i know a bit.
I suspect the front face of your property is not 100% plumb, hence your door frame may be plumb to the face of the building, but the building is out of plumb. so even if it is a little off, the doors will swing open / closed, as proof in your video.
You need to "wind" the doors frames in, so that they line up with each other(usually to within a 32nd of an inch) by eye.
To do this, open both doors and slip something under them to ease the weight a little, but do not put pressure on them(this will let the frames rest) then go outside and look up and down the closest door jamb(on the outside edge) to the inside edge of the opposite jamb, and compare just how parallel they are to each other. This will let you know if your frames are twisted. So look from right outside, to left inside up and down the door jamb(frame) to unwind it, then you can can calculate which door will sit open and which side to adjust(you may have to do both).
You can also do this by using the string method, put thin string diagonally from the 4 corners see if they meet in the middle at the X point, this will also let you know if your frame is twisted, simple, timeless, proven to work.
I suspect this is the case for both frames, as you have the closing gap in the middle which is off. This will usually indicate that either the frame is twisted of the hinges are not set 100%, and as you are using modern hinges, they will swing open very easily.
The 2nd door you worked on is poof of the above concept, as you said that the frame is 3/4 of a inch sticking out of your property, this can be fixed, and fairly easily, just it will take time and experience to perfect your hand skills. Have a chat with your neighbours and ask about, maybe you can get a friend or a old carpenter to pop over and help out, i hear icecream is a good bribe :P
As to the closing gap between the doors, others have said just weather strip it and be done... yup it will work, but can you live with knowing you didn't do your best work? And remember you are going to live there, looking at it every day... just a thought...
Good luck and let us know how things move on
Ran
Your attention to detail is absolutely awe inspiring. I love it. Keep up the good work and this will be a home for generations.
You guys are such an inspiration to me. Being a perfectionist is not a bad thing either. It's a great habit!
I have to say that the money shot is that drone footage rotating around the outside of the house after everything was installed. Absolutely gorgeous.
I am SO proud of how the 2 of you are working and accomplishing slowly but surely xxx
We had 6 sets of French doors in our previous home we built. One set was in part of the dining area. We ordered the doors to swing outward onto the large porch area because if the doors swung inward the dinning table was in the way. They would open almost 180 degrees and be completely open. Absolutely loved them! The only set that swung inward was the entry door set.
I love to see you guys put such pride in your work, no one cares like you do. Way to many people say if it looks good it is good that is not true, it's always worth your effort to do a great job especially when it's for your future children. Great job & thanks again for sharing your extraordinary talent with all of us.
I remember when this project was only a garage floor. U came a long way
I have always wanted a phone operated door opener so that I could open the door on my way in out of the rain. Of course it would also unlock the door. I would love to see you guys implement this idea and explain its nuances.
Boy, that's a tough one Jess! One thing I think you could do rather than " beating your head against" whatever, is decide to let it rest over night. It will be there in the morning! In the morning decide to do one of 2 things 1) ask an expert or 2) act on what your thoughts developed overnight.
Your process of not letting go until you have a solution does work for you. Not saying it's broken just felt your complaints warented an alternative to your current pattern. If you like it employ it. If not stick with what you do. Forgive me if I miss read you expressed thoughts.
Love you guys! Happy home building!
I worked 24 years at the local community college and had a chance to work with a carpenter when he was working on a door that was swinging like yours. I did not completely understand what he did but he basically bent the hings close to the pin and that change the orientation of the door just enough to prevent it from moving by itself. Maybe there is someone there you can ask and have them explain the process.
I also saw on a television fix-it program where they removed one of the hing pins and bent it just a little bit and that caused just enough friction to prevent the door from moving by itself but not enough so that you would notice it when moving the door yourself.
I feel you about the doors. This old house doesn't have a single door that works properly. They either swing open because the antique knobs don't catch or they rub the floors or the door frame. Some days the problems are different because of humidity and the doors stick shut and you have to shoulder check them to open them. My husband wants to keep it all original but he also yells at the kids because they have to slam the front door three or four times to shut it.
Everything is adjustable. Keep going until you are satisfied. Good job! After jamb extensions doors will not open as far. 2x6 doors would have been better. Lesson learned.
Love your show 😚
I agree totally, some doors can drive you nuts ( especially french doors). Your doing a great job inspite of it all. Thanks for sharing!
I love Bugaboo. Beautiful cat!
Awesome!! Your house is looking more like a home! Beautiful!!
Do not ever apologize for doing a job correctly.
So before you start hanging doors inside, check into the STABILA Jamber level. It's 6'6" and has magnets that hit standard hinge placement. It makes plumbing doors so much easier. Warning, It isn't cheap.
someone may have said it in the comments already but if you put a heavy grease in the hinge it will help with it swinging/ghosting
Haa so relaxed after all doors n windows installed.
Yes Jesse, I can understand feeling starting a new project is not there sometimes because of running into more fixing. But remember your doing this together, help from good friends, and the satisfaction of fixing and completing another project done and closer to completion. Also how great it’s going to look too! Great job you guys and looking awesome.
I know that you are already done with this project by now, but this was the most thorough and informative video on French door installation I've watched.
You can get hinges that have an extended pivot point bringing the pivot point into the interior enabeling the door to open completly
Jessy I know there is nothing to do about it now, but when I installed our french doors I was lucky enough to not have a nailing flange on the outside. This allowed me to install them so the hinge was on the same plane as the inside wall, so no worries about how far they swing open. Yes they are installed on 8 inch SIP walls I just put the jam extension on the outside and trimmed it on both sides. I think your door swing will be restricted once you have the jam extension and casing installed. Just for giggles you can stick a 3/4 in. board level with the inside wall and another 3/4 in piece at 90º then see how far the door opens. Good luck.
What a milestone guys. The place is really coming together. Keep it up.
I feel the need to say - I'm SO proud of you guys! ! !
Take a string from top right corner to bottom left and from top left to bottom right and check if the door is twisted a little when the stings just touch it’s not twisted
I suggest that you look for deep door hinges to allow for the clearance you'll need to get around your SIPs. This moves the pivot point and will solve your future problem with trim reducing the range of motion.
Parliament hìnges
Seeing the windows and house dried in, makes it look like a house now and you can get on with the rest as and when.
Just declare the self-closing doors a FEATURE, problem solved. Good enough IS good enough.
Congratulations on this milestone!
The door problem is most likely in the way the hinges were set. You'd have to slide the hinges in or out in the casing. Oh and the difference between a good carpenter and a so-so one, the ability to fix your mistakes.
Remember that the weight of the door is on the outside of the hinges. When installed plum, they will always want to close by them self. Not so noticeable when the door is lighter than the ones you are installing. And always install your doors plum, because crooked trim will drive you crazy 😅
Had the same problem years ago. This is what you do level and plumb your door frame don't put the level on the doors. Then make adjustments on the hinges them selves. Your talking big doors here and they will move. You will notice the difference from winter to summer.... live with it after that....lol
If you do want door stops bolt a Magnet plate into your door outer frame edge. Your door should be metal so when you have it open the magnet attached to the Wall holds it in place and with a little force you get the door to release. Common method used in Europe
10 dollars they have to redo. They didn’t account for the sub floor and flooring
Congratulations!!! You now have a air tight shell finally! That's a huge accomplishment.
Congrats guys....all windows are in!!! Great accomplishment for you to be able to stand back and breathe a sigh of relief!!! This video came up so quickly....great job Alyssa!
Hi. It´is necessary to remove the protection foil immediately from the window glasses. Otherwise the Sun and UV rays will burn in a hologram from the stickers into the glass if the stickers stay to long on the glas.
There is an art to hanging/installing doors. A good door guy can have you where want to be in about 5 minutes per door. Might be worth getting a referral from your hardware store and 'pay' a guy with some canned goods to show you the magic.
Your original vision (the model) is becoming a reality. Looking very nice.
When you had that teeny tiny gap at the top of the door, maybe placing a thin metal shim (pop/soda can) behind the hinge would close the gap. Also, I'm quite sure there's minut warpage of the doors due to the extensive glass.
It is all on how the hinges are mounted on the frame-easy fix. We went through all that with 4 new custom entry doors. To the rescue came an old grandfather Clockmaker that adjusted the hinges with wood glue, wood match sticks and many years of adjusting problem doors. He fixed all 4 doors in under an hour! Factory made does not mean they work properly! Good Luck!
Yep, totally get it... and others have put the same comment that I am... its not the door, its the wall/frame is not plum to either side. This happens naturally - so its not something that you did, nor can you fix.
Easier fix... Make the door plumb & flush to where you want, get a piece of weather stripping that covers the gap in the middle - put it on the main first side door, & call it a day. Blocks out the weather, dust and bugs, & doors work like you intended and were manufactured to work! total cost is probable less than $10.00 for both doors and you won't spend the $1000 dollars in man hours trying to make it 'fit' where it just simple is not going to 'fit'!
Being a perfectionist is not a bad thing, it is your house and the better built it is the better you will sleep in the future. I wish I was as much of a perfectionist as you. You do however need and deserve a bit of R&R, you both work so hard and long hours that you need to recharge the batteries (not the ones in the equipment but your personnel ones). the house looks great and you are getting there.
I think you should have the doors so they automatically swing open
Reasoning Bean, if I want the door open I have it open all the way.
If I want it closed I haven't closed all the way and latched.
If air flow is not enough in the house with the windows open I would need the doors wide open as well, not partially open
just think of all the work you guy have done! each day a little closer ,
Jesse, you hit the nail on the head about the doors putting the hinges under extreme torque when hitting
the inside of the SIP. It will quickly ruin those expensive doors and the jambs from having to repair it with
longer screws as well having to remove the hinges after they bend from the same problem. That door is a
very heavy lever against the jamb. Only way I found to protect them is a door stop (on floor or up high) that engages the door at the latching end when opened to some preferred degree before that contact. Good
luck!
It makes sense to make the side your going to use all the time perfect, and take what you get with the other side to an extent, because with French doors when you want both open it's usually going to be all the way open.
I remember, long ago, when doors & windows was a stack of beautiful mahogany lumber on the floor. I built so many, cabinets too, it became an easy, enjoyable task! Then I met my first pre-hung door. I pulled my hair out too!! A perfect door in a not so perfect wall. Square peg in a round hole... ya gotta cheat a little! It’s ok.
hinges always go flush with the wall even on exterior doors,theres flashing if your worried about weathering
In years past doors were built to be installed without nailing flanges. You installed plumb and square. Then you tweaked your trim to make up the difference if the wall was out of plumb. Attaching the fin at the factory kicks the problem down the road for someone else to correct.
Those hinges are adjustable in all 3 axis, look better at them and you will know how to get this perfect ;)
Also you might want to look at them every season change cos they tend to require some adjustment every now and then.
French doors in the U.K have adjustment setting in the hinge which use align key to bring it in or out and to stop the door swing back or forward , Jesse have a look and see on your French doors . Stuart from Northern Ireland
Even though I know where y'all are with the build because of Instagram I still watched this video with a huge smile and am so proud of y'all!!!!!
I REPEAT PUT THE LEVEL ON THE HINGES NOT THE CASING. THEY MAY BE NOT INLAYED EXACTLY EVEN. PLEASE DO NOT BEND THE HINGE PINS. .......
Hi guys first comment for me been watching for quite a while ,having installed many doors in my days I believe your doors have a twist in them from either manufacturing error or shipping /storage .To check them place a level vertically on face of doors at hinge side then on strike side they should be the same,if not your EXPENSIVE doors are to blame and not your installation methods.these things are not always the installers fault .I realize this is an older video and you have resolved this already (hopefully)but thought it might help someone else in the future.
The windows and doors look great! It really looks like a home now.
No shame in getting yourself to master craftsman status, Jesse. I know of a very self-selected few who started with their own homes, and have continued on- buying properties (100-yr old houses); restoring them in full detail. Taking a year or longer, and when a house is complete, it becomes a top dollar rental that never stands empty. Stick with your own perseverance. Someone will always weigh in the negative... That is most often about something on the inside of them. No one's approval is required to live your own life well. The two of you, just keep on doing what you're doing.
my grandfather told me anyone can hang a door, only a carpenter can do it right, well i learned that how you start is how you finnish. so all the fussing with the sips so you can get drywall in, is why you're having a tough time with the doors.
You get to make your self-happy nobody else well.
Keep doing what you do, if i were to build my own home with the skills you two have, i would be far more picky, i would want my home to be a work of art and a turning point in craftsman ship..
Hinge locations in door frame... Don’t expect the manufacturer of the door assembly to do you any favors. Love you guys
Put the level on the hinges not the casing. maybe the hinges are not set into the casing equal
Oh! my goodness guys... the house looks awesome with windows, black outer trim good choice.
It's coming along so nicely! Well done to both of you.
Get your door jam plumb and level, then tweak the hinges with a nail set. It takes some tweaking to get them right. Setting French doors can be frustrating.
Installing windows and doors are “So Great”, I bet you want to Move In? Sometimes you need to take a break when dealing with double doors......Your Active door is where you start for adjusting good Luck.... Well you two, it’s time for the “Roof”!!!!!! “Get your Home Weathered Proof”, you will be so relieved and have that “great accomplishment Feeling”. Nicely Done
It's looking/feeling like home. Good job guys!
I have a 3' door that I installed. Light was dim when I set it and I was sure it was plumb but it self closes. After shining a light on the level. It is ever so slightly out of plumb and that's enough to make it swing. All our doors have bearing hinges.
Thank God for the opportunity to watch your videos showing the manner by which you are able to accomplish the tasks in building your house.
Shalom
Looks amazing
So proud of y’all for the awesome progress
“Just keep swimming just keep swimming” lol movie reference
Three words, "wide throw hinges"! Wide throw hinges are designed to work for situations like yours so you won't have to taper your jamb extensions. Oh and DO NOT USE hinge mounted door stops they put a ton of pressure right at the hinge where you don't want it. I've seen hinge stops either break from the weight of the door or if they don't break they can rip hi hinges out of the jamb or door itself.
Easy enough to check your level - so check that first. If your level is ok, then it can only be either your walls or the doors- good luck.
A SOLUTION to your exterior door hinge problem - Use Extended Door Hinges... (Also known as Wide Throw Hinges)
I have followed your journey from the start and enjoyed every minute thank you both Regards from the UK.
Screw the naysayers, there is nothing more satisfying than a proper fitting door. I installed my shop bathroom door nearly 5 months ago and I still love the sound of that thing shutting. Having said that, installing french doors is way harder than installing a window or a single door. There's something to be said for a professional install on those like you did with the gable windows. Anyway, keep tinkering with it and you figure it out.
french doors are always leaking somewhere.heat and cold will change tolerance on all material.
Alyssa, your B-Roll lead-ins have become quite professional... good work!
If you have trouble with doors swinging bend one or more of the pins a slight amount causing them to bind a slight amount.
Love your videos. My daughter has high end French doors and they are adjustable. If I remember correctly the adjustments were made with an Allen wrench. Just a thought.
Are adjustable jamb screws not a thing in the US? Bigger diameter piece into the jamb (to be covered by a cap/ and slimmer screw into the stud/wall, and they can be adjusted relative to each other adjusting the jamb.
Your spot on take your time and set both doors up correctly it will be worth ir
first I enjoy your videos. as the owner of an older farmstead have been through the agony of trying to make things straight and level to work properly. have run into a similar situation but on a large single door. ultimately after much head scratching and sailor talk. discovered that if I checked plum on the casing it didn't agree with plum checked on the hinges themselves. fortunately a representative from my local supplier was there to estimate some other products and I showed him the problem. ultimately they replaced the door and all was well.
I was taught that the great Carpenters can do three things: frame a roof, install doors correctly, and build stairs. Sometimes the trick is taking a match box (cardboard) and putting it behind one of the hinges. The carpenters shim up the frame until everything is plumb and level. It is not an easy job with doors, although some do fall in place nicely.
Only took me, 2 contractor friends,and a bottle of Jameson in moderation to get my French expletive doors to be level and plumb, and not require leaving open 1-3 nights in dead of winter. And a new rotator cuff repair.
Wish you luck, didn't drink before the darned doors.
Doors are frustrating sometimes you just have to walk away for the day and start again in. The morning sometimes it will just click. You will get it eventually.
Another tip is to use a piece of thin cardboard behind the hinges and they stop flying closed.
Over the years I have found that the devil is always in the details. Good for you taking the time to get it right.
congrats that is a nerve racking job !!!! nicely done
I am so happy for you guys, that all your glass is in place, all the doors, ( taking into account your 2 temporary doors) are also in place. This should be a real load off your minds. Now onto the roof to get more peace of mind to be truly dried in... Thanks for all the fun videos!!
Check the hinges are sitting right with the frame work, some times the hingese need to be repositioned on the frame to get the door to hang right.
Ill be happy when you get the roof done
Your level is self checking. Just check for plumb with the level, then flip the level over and check the reading with the other side using the same bubble. If it gives you the same reading you are golden. If it is different you have a problem.
Wow! It looks amazing! Good job!
Details, Details, Details... Thanks for sharing your journey. You will do it!
PBS program, "This Old House" has a program on door alignment and why doors swing closed or swing open, Hope it can help you with any problems you're having.
A 1" extention on the hinges will move the door 2" further in allowing them to sit flush on the interior walls.
Take out the middle hinge pin and bend it ever so slightly to give it friction and it will stay in place better
Interesting that you fit the frame with the doors hung. We would normally remove the doors from the frame, fit the frame square and plumb, and then fit the doors and line everything up with adjusting the hinges. Lot lighter and easier to handle and adjust .
its is what it is . are the jambs straight? are the doors absolutely flat ? probably not that why its a compromise game .....