Pre hung exterior door

Types of pre hung exterior door

A pre-hung exterior door is an already assembled door that includes a frame, threshold, and door itself. The door is already hung on the frame with hinges, making it easy to install. The door jambs, which are the vertical sides of the frame, are also included. It is an excellent choice for replacing an old door or installing a new one, as it is easy to install and comes with all the necessary parts.

There are several types of pre-hung exterior doors, including:

• Steel doors: These pre-hung steel exterior doors are made of steel and are known for their durability and strength. They are often used in commercial buildings and homes for their security and low maintenance requirements.
• Fiberglass doors: Pre-hung fiberglass exterior doors are made of fiberglass and are known for their energy efficiency and resistance to weather elements. They are often used in coastal areas and homes for their lightweight and low maintenance requirements.
• Wood doors: Pre-hung wooden exterior doors are made of wood and are known for their classic and elegant appearance. They are available in different wood species, including oak, mahogany, and pine. However, they require more maintenance than steel and fiberglass doors.
• French doors: Pre-hung French exterior doors come in pairs and are characterized by their multiple small glass panels that extend from the top to the bottom of the door. They are ideal for creating a bright and airy space that connects to outdoor areas.
• Sliding doors: Pre-hung sliding exterior doors are quickly hung because of their large glass panels that slide horizontally. They are ideal for areas where swinging doors are not practical and can be used to connect indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Patio doors: Pre-hung patio exterior doors are similar to sliding doors but are specifically designed for use in patios. They are available in different materials, including wood, vinyl, and aluminum, and are ideal for areas where swinging doors are not practical.
• Single doors: Pre-hung single exterior doors are the most common type. They consist of one door slab that swings open to allow entry. They are available in various materials, styles, and sizes.
• Double doors: Pre-hung double exterior doors consist of two door slabs that open simultaneously. They are often used in grand entrances and are available in various materials and styles.
• Metal doors: Pre-hung metal exterior doors are made of metal, usually steel, and are known for their strength, durability, and security. They are often used as entry doors for homes and commercial buildings and can be painted or left in their natural finish.
• Glass doors: Pre-hung glass exterior doors are characterized by their large glass panels. They are designed to allow natural light to enter a space and are often used as entry doors for patios or balconies.

Functions and features of pre hung exterior door

• Frame and Jambs:

  The frame of a pre-hung door is comprised of the door frame or jambs, which are the vertical pieces of wood that support the door. The top horizontal piece is called the head. The jambs are the ones that the door swings on. There are also the casing, which are the decorative frames around the door that people see from inside and outside. The casing makes the door look nice and finished.

• Threshold and Sill:

  The threshold is the bottom piece of wood that the door swings over. It's the first thing people step on when going through the door. The threshold has to be tough so it can take a lot of footsteps. The sill is the part of the door frame under the whole door window. It acts as a ledge and keeps things from falling through the window.

• Hinges:

  Hinges are metal pieces that connect the door to the frame. They allow the door to swing open and closed smoothly. Hinges are made of two plates with a pin running through the middle. One plate is attached to the door frame, and the other is attached to the door itself. Hinges come in different sizes and colors for different kinds of doors.

• Locks and Handles:

  When people want to open or close a pre-hung door, they will use the handle. The handle makes it easy to push or pull the door open. Sometimes, doors without handles are harder to open. Locks are important for safety. They keep the door closed so people inside are safe. Deadbolts are special locks that make it harder for people to unlock the door from the outside.

• Striker Plate:

  The striker plate is a piece of metal attached to the door frame near where the lock goes. When the door closes, the deadbolt or doorknob falls into the hole in the striker plate, keeping the door locked. Without the striker plate, the door could easily be pushed open. The strike plate helps protect the frame from getting damaged by the lock.

• Weather Stripping:

  Weather stripping is a material placed around the edges of exterior doors. It helps seal gaps when the door is closed. Weather stripping prevents drafts of air from blowing inside. It also keeps bugs and dirt from coming through the cracks. Weather stripping helps keep homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Scenarios of pre hung exterior door

Pre-hung doors are commonly used in various scenarios. These include the following:

• Replacement:

  Replaced pre-hung exterior doors is often used when replacing old or damaged doors. In this case, the new door frame, hardware, and door itself as a unit fit into the existing frame. This method provides faster installation and ensures proper alignment and security.

• New Construction:

  During new construction, a pre-hung exterior door is installed as it comes. This includes the door frame, casing, and door. This ensures uniformity in installation and provides an effective seal against air and water.

• Changing the Swing:

  Sometimes, a pre-hung exterior door can be used to change the swing of an existing door. This involves removing the old door and frame and installing a new one designed to swing in a different direction. This method is useful for altering room flow or improving accessibility.

• Accessibility Improvements:

  Pre-hung exterior doors can be used to improve accessibility in a building. For instance, a wider door can be installed with lower thresholds to accommodate individuals with disabilities or mobility challenges. The pre-hung design ensures proper alignment for a safe and secure fit.

• Frame Replacement:

  A pre-hung exterior door can also be replaced with another one when replacing the door frame. This method is useful when the existing frame is warped or damaged. The pre-hung design ensures a proper fit and seal, preventing air and water leaks.

How to choose pre hung exterior door

• Material and Durability:

  Choose a material that is both durable and appropriate for the climate. Ensure the door can withstand the weather and is resistant to warping, rotting, and damage.

• Quality of the Frame and Jambs:

  Ensure that the frame and jambs are of high quality. Look for solid materials and check the joints and connections. Quality framing ensures stability and longevity.

• Glass Quality and Features:

  If the door has glass panels, check the quality of the glass. Look for durable, energy-efficient glass. Consider additional features like decorative grills or privacy glass.

• Weather Resistance:

  Ensure the door is resistant to weather elements. Look for features like weatherstripping, storm doors, and corrosion-resistant hardware. A weather-resistant door lasts longer and requires less maintenance.

• Security Features:

  Ensure the door has strong security features. Look for solid core doors, quality locks, and reinforced frames. Consider additional security measures like security cameras and alarm systems.

• Installation Process:

  Consider the installation process when choosing a pre-hung door. Look for doors that are easy to install and come with detailed instructions. Consider the skills and tools required for the installation process.

• Cost and Budget:

  Consider the cost of the pre-hung door and its features. Look for doors that fit your budget and offer good value for money. Consider the long-term costs, like maintenance and replacement.

• Customizability:

  Consider the customizability options when choosing a pre-hung door. Look for doors that allow customization of size, style, and features. A customizable door meets your specific needs and preferences.

• Reviews and Recommendations:

  Read reviews and recommendations when choosing a pre-hung door. Look for doors with positive reviews and high customer satisfaction. Consider professional recommendations and expert opinions.

pre hung exterior door Q & A

Q: What are the commonly recommended sizes for a pre hung exterior door?

A: For single doors, the width is usually 36 inches, and the height is 80 inches. For double doors, the combined width is 72 inches, and the height is also 80 inches. However, custom sizes are available upon request.

Q: What are the commonly recommended materials for pre-hung exterior doors?

A: The most common materials for pre-hung exterior doors are wood, fiberglass, and steel. Wood is traditional and customizable; fiberglass is low-maintenance and energy-efficient, and steel offers high security and durability.

Q: What is the average lead time for ordering pre-hung exterior doors?

A: The average lead time for ordering pre-hung exterior doors is typically one to four weeks. This can vary depending on the complexity of the order and whether the doors are standard or custom-made.

Q: What kind of hardware is commonly recommended for pre-hung exterior doors?

A: Once the door is installed, the recommended exterior door hardware includes the door handle, lockset, deadbolt, door hinges, and door stopper. All of those recommended installed hardware can incur an additional cost for buyers.

Q: What kind of weatherstripping is recommended for pre-hung exterior doors?

A: Foam weatherstripping is recommended for pre-hung exterior doors. It's easy to install and provides good insulation. Alternatively, V-strip weatherstripping, made of plastic or metal, is also recommended for its durability and effectiveness in sealing gaps.