Removing exterior door without damage

[stupidgringo]

I installed two sets of exterior french doors about three months ago. I installed them incorrectly - the jambs are flush with the studs instead of the drywall. Now it's time to install molding and I'd like to fix my mistake. I caulked with silicone caulk under the theshhold. Having done so, can I remove these doors to re-install them without damaging the threshold?

I ask because when I've removed exterior doors in the past, the threshold has stuck and been ruined by removal. Those doors were new construction doors and I don't know if it was caulk or something else creating the adhesion.

Thanks for your help.

[Al Bundy]

stupidgringo wrote in news: [e-mail]:

Is the molding going to pretty much cover the jambs? If so, why not just extend the jambs 1/2" with a strip of wood. Gotta be better than pulling the door, fixing one FU and creating 3 more. Hopefully you have a table saw.

[aemeijers]

I'd fake it with some square stock on the edge of the jamb. Probably have to rip to fit. Maybe even cut the drywall back a tad to make room- not a problem as long as casing will cover it.

aem sends....

aem sends....

[willshak]

on 8/27/2007 12:25 AM aemeijers said the following:

I had a similar problem with narrow jambed doors in a wide rough opening. I used 3/4" round molding to cover the gap between the casement molding and the door jamb.

[stupidgringo]

Thanks for your replys.

My initial plan was to fill the gap with square stock, but it just didn't look right to me. The hinges are recessed and if I leave a slight reveal with the casing, I can tell it's not attached to the jamb. It would work if it's my only option, but I'd rather re-install the door.

Any thoughts on the threshold and caulk?

Thanks.

[DanG]

As others have said, if the exterior is a good fit, you may be best off extending the jamb. You can set the extension back an

1/8 and then install the trim back another 1/8 rather than trying to make everything flush and having the hinges buried.

If you still think moving the jamb is your best go, you might be able to run a Sawzall under the threshold to release the caulk. It should also be possible to replace the threshold.