As a homeowner you are undoubtedly going to experience unexpected repairs. These issues can pop up in a variety of areas, from leaking plumbing to lifting shingles and everything in between. If you begin to notice that your entry door isn’t functioning properly or worse has sustained damage, you will be looking for a replacement quickly. Replacing a door doesn’t necessarily mean you need to replace the entire entry door unit, you are able to replace a door without replacing the frame, even though this can be a bit tricky at times.
If you are not sure where to begin with a door replacement, it may be best to contact a professional replacement windows and doors company to help you figure out the best way to replace your door. They will let you know if an entire entry door unit is required, or if you can simply replace the door without replacing the door frame.
What is a Door Frame?
The door frame is what supports your door while it is open and shut. The frame consists of several key parts, including the jamb or the vertical posts on either side of the door, the head or the top of the frame and the sill or the bottom of an exterior door that helps keep water and air from entering your home.
Why Would You Want to Replace Just the Door and Not the Frame?
If your frame is in good condition, it is not warped, cracked, bent, or warn you may want to keep your frame and simply replace the door. In this case you will need to purchase a door slab that fits into your existing frame.
Before making the decision to replace just your door, it is good to understand why you are changing your door. If the door is not opening or closing properly or there are air leaks, you will want to ensure the issue does originate from just the door and not the frame. If the frame is bent or warped, chances are changing the door will not solve these issues.
Should I Replace Just My Door and Not the Frame?
Just because something is possible, it doesn’t mean it’s the best choice. Yes, it is possible to replace just a door and keep your existing frame, but this can lead to additional work, time and maybe even cost more than just purchasing a pre-hung door.
Installing just a door, may require you chisel out the hinge cut out to match the existing hinges on your frame and to match up the holes for the handles and the deadbolt with the old door position as well. The new door will need to match up perfectly with where the old door was installed, and this will take time and patience. With a pre-hung door all you need to do is order a replacement that fits perfectly in your opening, remove the old door and frame and install the new one.
It is most definitely possible to replace a door without replacing the frame, but understanding the reasons why your door needs to be replaced is key to knowing if you should replace just your door. If you are not sure how to inspect your door and frame consult a replacement windows and doors company for a professional opinion.
