A carpenter is installing a pre-hung exterior door unit into a wood-framed opening. After verifying the opening is plumb and level, they set the door in place. What is the most effective sequence of shimming and fastening to ensure the door operates correctly and maintains a weather-tight seal?

Question: A carpenter is installing a pre-hung exterior door unit into a wood-framed opening. After verifying the opening is plumb and level, they set the door in place. What is the most effective sequence of shimming and fastening to ensure the door operates correctly and maintains a weather-tight seal?

Answer options:

• Shim only the hinge side at hinge locations, then fasten the strike side.
• Shim the top and bottom of the frame first, then check for operation. ✅ Shim at the top hinge, the bottom hinge, and near the strike plate, then check reveal and fasten at these points before adding intermediate shims.
• Fasten the entire hinge side first, then shim the strike side gradually.

Correct answer: Shim at the top hinge, the bottom hinge, and near the strike plate, then check reveal and fasten at these points before adding intermediate shims.

Explanation: The most effective sequence involves shimming at critical points: the top hinge, bottom hinge, and directly behind the strike plate. This establishes the door's position and allows for checking the reveal and testing operation before adding additional shims and fasteners. Shimming only one side or fastening completely before shimming the other can lead to binding or an uneven seal.