Ok, it's not much of a do-it-yourself question but information on exterior entrance door frames.

I'm thining about getting new doors but I'm getting mixed information from contractors that I've spoken too relating to the frame on the current doors in my house. Some have said that it is necessary to have them replaced and others have said it is not because the current frame is stronger than the replacement (the house is approximately 37+ years old). Who should I believe?

Also what are the advantages and disadvantages of having a pre-hung door installed?

Thanks

 

Well, they are probably right about the old frame being of better quality than anything you try to get nowdays in the form of a prehung wood door. Most of the ones that have aluminum thresholds are made from pretty soft white pine, and they rot quickly in the southern humid climates. And they are more susceptable to break in, because it doesn't take much to kick them in. (which is why all deadbolt sets come with long screws now- to help prevent the jamb from being kicked in).

You can certainly get a new slab to hang into your existing opening. It will just take a better finish carpenter to hang it. If insulating around the existing frame is needed, you can always remove the trim and do that... perhaps using some of the new advances in foam sealants, like the new waterproof DAP low expanding latex door and window foam.

 

Thanks for the info XSleeper.

Actually, the comments made by the contractors were not in relation to pre-hung doors. The one contrator was saying that if he replaced the frame, I guess by building a new one himself, it would not be as strong as the current one.

What is the general rule when replacing exterior entrance doors (replace the frame or not)?

 

With the exception of commercial doors, every residential exterior door I have ever replaced has been with a new prehung door. (Steel, wood, or fiberglass slab.)

Pella makes a nice one that has a heavy duty aluminum exterior and integrated nailing fin, and I'm sure that a few other companies have something similar as well. But they're not your cheap-o doors either.