I haven't gone out to the back to look at how bad it is for a couple of months. Will have to get pictures, charge up the jawsaw and other yard tools, and cut down the weeds and small trees. I need to cut down that pervasive tree that keeps coming back as far down as I can and then cover it with something to block it from getting even a hint of sunlight and hopefully it won't be able to grow. I'm sure the door is in worse condition now. Really need to get it replaced but need to replace the header.
There is an old part of a sectional sofa and a mattress in the area that I need to chain to the hitch of the truck and haul away. We are under a "no burn" order for now. It rained today and I'm sick so no yard work.
Anyway, I got some things for the exterior. Need to replace the light above the door so we got this crappy Hampton Bay light (Mom picked it)
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Hampton...oor-Wall-Lantern-Sconce-BPM1691-WHT/202022516
And I got this to mount it on:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KWX1BRQ
There is still somewhat of a gap with how it fits on the siding so I will use rope caulk in the gaps and then seal around with Lexel or Big Stretch or something. It is a combo mounting block and electrical box. The alternative was to get a pancake box and separate mounting block and cut the siding. This should be easier to install.
I've since learned that instead of 1/2" plywood between the outer 2x6s for the header, a 1/2" foam board can be used in between (some people use it on the outside, but it is safer in the middle). In some places in TX it is actually code to have the foam board in the middle.
For the door sill (under the threshold, I still have some leftover 5-1/2" x 5/8" pvc board. I can paint it. Might even leave the "wood" texture side up for slip resistance. But might just go with smooth. I need to measure the scrap that is already painted to see if it is wide enough.
I'm waiting for a siding tool to arrive-- ordered it Oct 31 but it seems to be lost. I just contacted Amazon & they will send a replacement. UPS tracking said it was never in their hands-- only a label created. Anyway, back to the project:
I will be adding a 40"x40" awning over the door so I will need to add blocking. It looks similar to this:
I will be painting the black parts white. I'm considering bumping it out from the wall so it sticks out more. Overhang from the eaves is around 24". I also want to figure out how to affix some sort of gutter or drip edge (or whatever it is called) to the front so the water will divert to the sides instead of coming down on people who walk under the awning.
Need to:
- Remove exterior trim & rotted sill
- Repair damaged floor
- Add flashing around door & under sill
- Take off old rotted door
- Remove improper header & install new header
- Add new jack studs & cripples
- Install door
- Add blocking for awning
- Install awning
- Run wiring through header for exterior light
- Install box mount for light
- Install light
- Install/build some sort of steps outside of the back door-- preferably with a landing
- Replace pieces of vinyl siding that have hole cut for dryer vent & cut hole for new dryer vent (have extra vinyl siding leftover down at workshop)
Since the box is shallow I intend to use wago lever nuts.
Will need to replace the old sliding glass door too, but this one takes priority.
I'm thinking of replacing the trim around the door with vinyl instead of wood. I can always get more pvc boards and trim them down if need be. I may need to temporarily remove the J-trim for some of the work so I can get the flashing to wrap properly-- although, I might just tie in under where the trim was. Will need to measure the trim so I know what size to replace it with.