Replacing Sidelights Next to Your Front Door

Replacing sidelights next to your front door can improve the aesthetic of your home and enhance its curb appeal. This guide will walk you through a step-by-step process of removing and replacing your existing sidelights, ensuring a clean and professional result.

Tools and Materials Needed

Blade and cutting edge clay blade for cutting paint Level bar for prying operations Handplane for trimming sidelights to size Rcouter saw for cutting sidelights to length Acrylic-latex caulk Pencil and measuring tape Hand nailer and 1-inch pins Thin putty knife Primer Nails slightly larger than the original nails

Steps for Replacing Sidelights

Step 1: Removing the Sidelights

From the inside, use a blade to cut through the old paint along the external edge of the stop globules. Then use a firm cutting edge clay blade and level bar to carefully pry the stop globules from around the sidelight band. Step outside and use a blade to slice through the paint around the outside of the sidelight. Use your hand to gently tap the wood edge of the sidelight.

Step 2: Installing New Sidelights

If your front door has two sidelights, repeat steps 1 through 4 to remove the second sidelight. Trim the new sidelights to fit the existing openings. Cut them to length with a router saw and trim them to width with a hand plane. Brush a layer of exterior-grade primer onto each of the four edges of the new sidelights. Apply a continuous bead of acrylic-latex caulk around each of the four sides of one opening. Reinstall the first stop globules around the inside of the new sidelight. Secure the stops with a pin nailer and 1-inch pins. If there are two sidelights, repeat the previous two steps to install the second sidelight.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Stop Moldings

Stop moldings are essential for holding the sidelights in place, so removing them requires careful handling to avoid damaging the door or surrounding areas.

Step 1: Cutting the Paint

Use a blade to cut the interior paint between the frame and the stop molding to prevent major paint chips on the frame or moldings.

Step 2: Removing the Moldings

Using a thin putty knife, slide the knife between the frame and molding to pry the molding. Gently pry the molding from the center outward to the ends, ensuring you are as close to the nails as possible to prevent breaking the molding. If possible, gently tap the molding back in place to extract the nails. If the molding is not re-usable, pull the nails through the molding and use slightly larger nails when reinstalling to avoid chip damage.

Tips and Tricks

Use a proper cutting edge. A clay blade is ideal for safely cutting through paint without damaging the underlying door. Apply caulk carefully. Ensure the caulk is applied evenly and fills the gaps to enhance the appearance and seal the sidelights properly. Take your time with stop moldings. It’s better to take your time and ensure accuracy than to rush and risk damaging the door or moldings.

Conclusion

Replacing your sidelights is a rewarding project that can significantly enhance the beauty of your home. With the proper tools and a meticulous approach, you can achieve professional results and add value to your property.