Whether you’re replacing your front door to add more curb appeal, or you need to get rid of an old, worn-out door, understanding the ins and outs of entry door installation is important. One aspect of entry door replacement that is often overlooked is the frame around it. This may need to be swapped out as well. At Jaeger Lumber in New Jersey, we offer a wide selection of exterior doors and expert installation services you can trust. Here, we discuss why checking the frame before you install an entry door is vital to the process.
Types of Exterior Doors
There are two main types of exterior doors: pre-hung doors and slab doors. A pre-hung door comes with hinges attached to a door frame. If you’re doing a DIY project, a pre-hung door is easier to install and as well as weatherproof since you don’t have to build the door frame yourself. A slab door is just an exterior door without a frame. Slab doors are affordable, versatile, and less bulky than pre-hung doors and can be trimmed to fit most door frames. The type best for you depends on the condition of your current door frame and whether you plan to have the door professionally installed.
Inspect Your Door Frame
Before you choose a new exterior door, examine the door frame. Typically, door frames are made of wood, which can deteriorate and rot over time. The first thing to do is to give your entry door frame a visual inspection. Look closely to see if it is warped or appears distorted. Are there dark spots or signs of cracking and crumbling paint or wood? Take a house key and gently poke at the wood. If it feels soft, you’re likely dealing with wood rot. Excess moisture and years of use can contribute to this issue. The bottom area of a door frame usually starts deteriorating first due to rain splashing against the frame when it hits the ground.
Check Your Exterior Door’s Functionality
Does your entry door jam or stick when you try to open or close it? If so, the door or the frame could be warped. As exterior wood doors age and are exposed to the elements, they absorb moisture, which can cause the door to warp and rest unevenly in the frame. Exposure to rain, snow, ice, and heat can cause wood door frames to warp as well. Warping leads to doors that don’t close properly, which can result in a draft that makes your home uncomfortable and raise your utility bills.
Choosing an Entry Door
If you know how to replace a front entry door frame and you’re up to the task, a slab door is probably your best bet. There are endless designs available, from basic, unfinished wood to sturdy steel. You’ll have to purchase hinges, screws, and other hardware separately. Neither slab doors nor pre-hung doors come with doorknobs or locks, so you’ll have to buy those, too. Picking out hardware allows you to express your personal style and make your front entry door stand out. If you’re considering professional entry door installation, talk to the installers about which types of doors will provide the best weatherproofing, durability, and aesthetics.
Pre-hung doors are self-contained units that come ready to install and are weather tight, which means you won’t need to worry about weather-stripping them and making major adjustments to get a tight fight. Typically, pre-hung doors include the frame, door slab, and hinges. Pre-hung doors also come with pre-drilled holes for the lockset and deadbolt. Easy installation, energy efficiency, durability, and curb appeal often make pre-hung doors the preferred choice for many homeowners and contractors.
Learn More About Entry Doors at Jaeger Lumber
Since 1937, Jaeger Lumber has provided homeowners and building professionals with quality materials and expert installation services. We’re happy to assist at any of our eight convenient locations throughout New Jersey. Contact us today to learn more about our selection of exterior doors and the installation services we provide.
