Everything You Need to Know About Prehung Exterior Doors

If you're in the process of building a house or planning to replace your existing doors, you might have come across prehung exterior doors. They have increasingly gained popularity in many homes due to their ease in installation, long-term functionality and aesthetic appeal. This article dives deep into everything you need to know about prehung exterior doors including their definition, types, benefits, and how to select the best for your home or construction project.

What are Prehung Exterior Doors?

Prehung exterior doors are entirely assembled doors that include the frame, hinges, and door slab, all ready to be fitted into the existing doorway. These door units are so-called because they're 'pre-hung' in the frame before being installed and hence the name, prehung doors.

Reasons for Installing Prehung Exterior Doors

Prehung doors come with a multitude of benefits from their ease of installation to being great value for money. The advantages of choosing a prehung exterior door include:

• Ease of Installation: Since the door comes with its frame, installing a prehung exterior door is typically easier than a slab door, especially if you're not a very skilled DIY person.
• Energy Efficiency: With their tight seal, prehung doors are great for keeping out elements and improving energy efficiency in your home.
• Durability: Most prehung doors are made with quality materials making them long-lasting and offering great value for money.

Types of Prehung Exterior Doors

There are various types of prehung exterior doors available in the market. These include:

• Wooden Prehung Doors: Known for their rustic appeal, they add a classical touch to your home's exterior. However, they require regular maintenance to keep them looking great.
• Fiberglass Prehung Doors: These doors are highly durable and resistant to elements such as rust and scratches. They can mimic the look of real wood while offering superior insulating properties.
• Steel Prehung Doors: If security is your top priority, then this is the type of door you need. They are strong, sturdy and their good insulating properties can help lower your energy bills.

Choosing the Perfect Prehung Exterior Doors

Selecting the perfect prehung door depends on various factors. Here are some aspects to consider when deciding:

• Size: It's crucial to take proper measurements of your doorway to ensure the door fits perfectly.
• Style and Design: Choose a door that complements the style and architecture of your house for a consistent aesthetic appeal.
• Material: Depending on your priorities (such as aesthetics, security or durability), select the best material that suits your needs.
• Price: Prehung exterior doors come in a range of prices. Always choose a door that matches your budget without compromising on quality.

Installation of Prehung Exterior Doors

When it comes to installing prehung doors, you can either choose to do it yourself if you're a seasoned DIY person or hire a professional. Here's a basic outline of the installation process:

• Remove the Old Door: Begin by taking out the old door and cleaning up the doorway.
• Fit the New Door: Carefully align the prehung door into the opening, ensuring it's levelled.
• Secure the Door: Once the door is correctly positioned, secure it using screws through the frame and into the wall.
• Final Touches: Add the doorknob or door handle and make any necessary finishes such as painting or staining.

Prehung Exterior Doors for a Beautiful Home Entry

Prehung exterior doors are a great investment for every homeowner. With their ease of installation and variety of options to choose from, they provide a perfect combination of functionality and aesthetics. Remember to keep in mind factors such as size, style, material and price when selecting the best prehung exterior door for your home. With the right choice, you can elevate your home's exterior look and increase its value in the long run.

Comprehensive FAQ About Prehung Exterior Doors

How are prehung exterior doors different from slab doors?

A prehung exterior door comes pre-assembled with its frame, which ultimately provides a pretty much fool-proof installation process. On the other hand, a slab door is simply the door itself, meaning you would have to reconstruct or adjust your existing door frame to ensure a good fit.

Can a prehung exterior door be sealed for better energy efficiency?

Absolutely! Sealing a prehung exterior door improves its energy efficiency by limiting the amount of air that can enter or exit your home. It's best to use weather stripping and door sweeps on your prehung door to prevent drafts and improve your household energy usage.

Can prehung exterior doors come with sidelights or transoms?

Yes, definitely. Many manufacturers offer prehung exterior doors that come with sidelights or transoms. This adds an element of style and allows additional light to pour into the entranceway of your home.

How long does it take to install prehung exterior doors?

The installation process of prehung exterior doors may vary depending on your expertise and preparation. Generally, with all the necessary tools and materials ready, a professional installer can accomplish it in two to four hours.

What are the size options for prehung exterior doors?

The standard size of a prehung exterior door frame is typically 32 or 36 inches wide by 80 inches tall. However, they also come in other sizes to fit various door openings. It's essential to measure your door opening correctly before purchasing a prehung exterior door.

Are prehung exterior doors safer than regular doors?

Due to their construction, prehung exterior doors tend to be more secure and stronger compared to doors installed in an existing frame. This is because they are often made of sturdy materials and the frame is built specifically for that door, ensuring a snug, secure fit.

Can I paint or finish my prehung exterior door?

Of course! Many prehung exterior doors come primed and ready for paint or stain. Whether you want a bright color to make your entrance stand out, or a beautiful stain to enhance a wooden door, you can easily customize your prehung exterior door to meet your aesthetic needs.

Are there energy-efficient prehung exterior doors available?

Yes, there are energy-efficient prehung exterior doors on the market. These are typically constructed from materials that offer superior insulation properties like fiberglass or steel, and some may have a special Energy Star rating. Using such doors can help to reduce your energy consumption and heating and cooling costs.

Pros and Cons of Prehung Exterior Doors

PROS

1. Easy Installation

One of the most significant benefits of prehung exterior doors is their ease of installation. Since they come pre-assembled with the frame, they are usually easier and quicker to install compared to slab doors. Labor and time costs are significantly reduced, particularly if you are doing the work yourself.

2. Ensures Proper Alignment

Prehung doors are designed to ensure proper alignment. They come with the door already hinged to the frame, reducing the need for exact measurements and removed the risk of possible misalignment during installation, which can lead to issues with door functionality.

3. All-Inclusive Package

Prehung exterior doors typically come as an all-inclusive package that includes the door, frame, hinges, and oftentimes, pre-drilled holes for the handle and lock. Not having to purchase each of these components separately can lead to cost savings.

4. Good for New Construction

For new construction, prehung doors are a great choice. They make it easy to create a tightly fitted seal in a new doorway. This is crucial for exterior doors where energy efficiency and weather resistance are key considerations.

• Variety of Designs: There is a vast array of stylish prehung exterior door options on the market to suit every home style and personal preference.
• Reduced Draft: The tight fit of prehung doors can reduce drafts, helping to improve home energy efficiency.

CONS

1. Higher Initial Cost

Although prehung exterior doors can be cost-effective in terms of installation, their initial cost is higher than the slab doors. This is because of the additional components and work that goes into their production and assembly.

2. Difficult to Handle

Due to the pre-attached frame and hinges, prehung doors are bulkier and heavier than slab doors. This can make them more difficult to handle during transportation and installation, particularly for DIY enthusiasts.

3. Not Always Fit to Existing Doorways

While prehung doors are excellent for new construction, they may not always be the best choice for replacing existing doors. The existing frame has to be completely removed, and there may be issues with fitting the prehung door into the existing doorway perfectly, especially in older homes where doorways may not be to standard sizes.

4. Less Customization

While prehung exterior doors come in a variety of designs, they may offer less customization than slab doors. If you have a very specific design in mind or require unique dimensions, you may have fewer choices with prehung doors.

• Waste Generation: Replacing an existing door with a prehung door can create a lot of waste, as the entire frame needs to be discarded.
• Appropriate for Professional Installation: While they are considered easier to install, given their weight and size, prehung doors are usually best installed by professionals. For DIY enthusiasts, this can mean an added cost.

Summary

When it comes to efficiency and saving time during installation, prehung exterior doors are the go-to choice. With the door already mounted onto the frame, they eliminate many steps that can be a hassle in the installation process. The popularity of these doors comes from the major convenience they offer and the professional finish they guarantee when installed properly.

If you're thinking of a door replacement, prehung exterior doors make a smart choice. They provide solid security and excellent insulation against weather variations, making them a practical choice for any home. Prehung doors also come in a wide range of designs and materials, meaning there’s definitely something to match your style.

So, whether you’re a homeowner wanting a quick replacement, or a contractor looking to save on labor costs, prehung exterior doors are worth considering. They promise a neat, sophisticated look for your home while offering durability and perks like soundproofing and energy efficiency. Overall, investing in a prehung door can make your life easier and enhance your home’s curb appeal.

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