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Believe it or not, the exterior door of your mobile home is one of the most important aspects of your mobile home. It serves as your first line of defense and yet is among the first things people see when they come to visit. So, it’s essential to ensure your front door checks all the boxes for security, style, and value.
Here, we’ll go over five secrets you need to know about mobile home exterior doors so that you can open the door with confidence.
1. Measuring a Mobile Home Exterior Door
Are you considering replacing your mobile home door? Before you dash off to the store, it’s important to know how to measure it correctly. Don’t worry, though—it’s easier than you might think. Grab your tape measure, and let’s get started!
How to Measure Your Mobile Home Exterior Door
First, let’s discuss what you need to measure. You want to get the height and width of your door, but not just any part of it. We’re talking about measuring from stud to stud, from outside the door frame to the wood jamb.
A jamb is the thickness of your exterior wall. Most mobile homes have a jamb that’s 2 inches by 4 inches. However, it’s crucial to have the exact measurements for the width and length so that the door can properly fit on the jamb. If you include the door or the frame in your measurements, you will not have the correct size.
Here are some simple tips for measuring your mobile home door:
- Width: Measure the width of the door using the outer wood jamb horizontally from one side of the frame to the opposite side.
- Height: Measure the height of the door from the inside of the wood jamb to the floor.
For example, if your rough opening measures 33 1/2″ in width and 75 1/2″ in height, the nearest size you should order is a 34″W x 76″L door. Remember, it’s better to measure twice to avoid ordering the wrong size.
2. Dealing with a Misaligned Exterior Door
Over time, exterior doors can shift from their original position within the door frame. This shift, known as misalignment, can cause problems such as uneven spacing around the door, difficulties in closing or latching, or the door rubbing against the frame.
Factors like changes in temperature and humidity, structural shifts, or issues with hinges and hardware can cause misalignment. Fixing a misaligned door involves identifying the cause and making adjustments or repairs to ensure it functions properly and provides security.
Signs of a Misaligned Exterior Door
These signs often appear slowly, but ignoring them can lead to more significant problems later. Here are some common things to look out for:
- Noticeable Gaps: If you see gaps between the door and frame, it could indicate misalignment.
- Difficulty Closing or Latching: If your door requires extra force to close or doesn’t latch smoothly, misalignment might be the cause.
- Uneven Clearance: Check the gaps around the door; if they are inconsistent, your door might be sagging.
- Squeaky Hinges: If the hinges make noise, it could be a sign of misalignment.
- Scratches or Scuffs: Misaligned doors often rub against the frame, leaving marks.
- Drafts and Energy Loss: A misaligned door can reduce energy efficiency, leading to drafts.
If you notice any of these problems, you might need to make some adjustments. Sometimes, simply tightening screws or adjusting hinges can fix the issue and make the door work properly again.
3. Prepare Your Door for Every Season
Your mobile home’s exterior door faces the elements throughout the year, so preparing it for seasonal changes is essential. Just like you prepare your windows for winter, it’s important to seal any cracks or gaps in your doors. This helps to keep out chilly drafts and moisture during the colder months. And when it’s warmer, ensuring good ventilation can prevent issues caused by humidity.
One way to seal those leaks is to use weather stripping around the door frame. This handy material isn’t just for doors; you can also use it on your windows. But remember to also give your door a good once-over for any flaws or cracks, especially as winter approaches.
Fixing these minor problems can save you from bigger, more expensive headaches later.
4. Add a Splash of Color
Upgrading your front door can work wonders for your home’s curb appeal. Whether you prefer a vibrant hue or a subtle shade, a fresh coat of paint can turn your front door into a striking focal point that reflects your personal style. According to Zillow, investing in a new door can yield a return of between 85-100%.
But hold on a second! If you live in a mobile home park, check with your park manager before making any exterior changes. It’s also wise to review your park’s guidelines regarding outdoor painting policies.
5. Keep Your Mobile Home Secure
Every homeowner should make security a top priority. Fortunately, there are three great ways to make your mobile home’s exterior door more secure:
Change Your Locks
If you’ve recently moved or want to feel safer, changing your mobile home door locks can provide that extra peace of mind. Adding deadbolt locks to most exterior doors, except sliding doors, is a straightforward way to enhance security.
The best deadbolt locks are made of solid metal and have no visible screws. If your current deadbolt feels flimsy or outdated, it might be time to upgrade to something more robust.
Luckily, changing your locks is often a simple do-it-yourself project. Many door knobs come with detailed instructions for easy installation. However, if you rent your home or live in a land-lease community, check with your management before changing your locks to make sure you have permission.
Replace the Screws in Your Doorframe
When you glance at your front door, you’ll likely spot a metal plate attached to the side. This plate secures the locks that keep your door shut. However, the screws typically used for this plate might not be sturdy enough to withstand a strong force. As a result, your door becomes vulnerable to forceful entry and break-ins.
To improve your door’s security, it’s a good idea to replace the existing screws with longer, more durable ones. Opt for 3-inch stainless steel screws, which offer greater strength and resilience. Another option is to install a longer metal plate that can accommodate additional screws, further fortifying your door against potential intruders.
By upgrading your door’s screws, you’re taking a proactive step toward enhancing your home’s security and peace of mind.
Install a “Smart” Doorbell
While not a direct door tip, enhancing your front entryway with a smart doorbell offers numerous security advantages for your mobile home.
With a smart doorbell, you gain instant access to a live feed of your front porch whenever you need it. This feature proves invaluable for tracking package deliveries, identifying early morning visitors, or monitoring for potential intruders.
Some smart doorbell models can even be configured to send alerts whenever someone approaches your front door, providing added security.
Wrapping Up
Your mobile home exterior door plays a vital role in your home’s aesthetic appeal and security. By following these five tips, you can ensure that your door not only looks great but also functions and provides the protection your home deserves. From proper measurements to seasonal preparations and security enhancements, investing time and effort into your mobile home exterior door can significantly improve your home.
Invest in your mobile home’s exterior with Mobile Home Parts Store and enjoy a safer, more stylish entryway for years to come. Whether you need a door, new hardware, or a lock, we have the parts and supplies you need.
Tags: Doors for Mobile Home, mobile home door, Mobile home doors, mobile home exterior door, mobile home exterior doors
