Doors and Windows - Entry Door Installation

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12-23-01, 11:15 AM
I just had a new outer entry door installed on my house by a contractor. In order to close the locking latch on the door, the door must be pulled (when from the outside) tight prior to turning the latch. The door cannot be merely pulled closed and the latch then turned. The contractor says this is the propper way to instal the door in order to create a tight seal. I have never had a door like this and am wondering if anyone has any experience in this area and can advise. Thanx in advance for your help.


Mike Swearingen
12-23-01, 12:35 PM
He's right.
You're O.K.
You need to have that door sealed tight.
Merry Christmas!
Mike

lefty
12-23-01, 02:17 PM
I'm assuming that this door has both a lockset (knob) and a deadbolt in it. He's right, to a point. The door needs to seal tight, and because you have to pull on it to lock the deadbolt from the outside, it is tight. But you could use a small round file on the interior side of the strike plate for the deadbolt to relieve it so the deadbolt will lock without having to pull on the door. If the door can be wiggled back and forth when just the lockset is keeping it closed, there may be a tab inside the strikeplate of the lockset you can adjust (with a screwdriver) so the lockset is keeping the door closed tight.