How To Pick A Front Door

The most important thing to consider when purchasing a new front door is the doors ability to withstand wind, rain, scorching sun, and would-be intruders. You also want your front door to make a good first impression. It’s sometimes difficult to find a door that meets all of those needs. Many older front doors are made of wood or wood veneer, and both of these materials tend to warp, crack, and divide into thin layers after years of exposure to the elements. Metal doors also deteriorate overtime.

The market for front doors now offers plenty of new options. Wood doors are now being engineered to resist the elements better than earlier versions, as well as metal and fiberglass ones that look like wood but provide greater security, less maintenance and can be purchased at a lower price as well. Additional options include doors with glass panels that offer more light.

If you are out looking for a new front door you will soon realize that most new doors are pre-hung. Pre-hung doors hang on hinges within a new frame. These systems also include some form of weather-stripping. Often times, the old frame on your existing door is wearing down and making the function of the door more difficult. Pre-hung doors are an ideal choice when your current frame is bad or if you're removing the frame because you want to enlarge the opening.

When purchasing a pre-hung door, be sure to first determine if you need a left- or right-hand door. If the lockset is on your right when you are facing the outside, you have a right-hand door. It is also important that you choose the proper jam as well. To do this, you will need to measure the height and width of the existing door jamb between the inside edges of the frame. You should then add 1/2 inch to the frame height and 1/2 -3/4 inch to the width. Most pre-hung doors are sold as 3-0 (36 inches) or wider.

In addition, there are other alternatives to replacing the entire frame. Door-replacement kits come with a door that is pre-hung in a small steel frame and attaches to the old one. They are easy to install and provide the added security of the steel frame. Unfortunately, these door-replacement kits reduce the original opening a slight bit and they are also available in only a few sizes. Lastly, they can't be installed over rotted jambs.

Looking For More Information On Doors?

Replacing your home's doors is a great investment. You'll want to make sure you are choosing the right doors for your house and your budget. We offer Free Door Price Quotes from local, prescreened replacement door contractors.