Question:
Can anyone help me out here?
I'm going to replace my side-entry garage door. The door is on the outside
and I'll also need to install a pet door.
What type of door would be best, metal fiberglass, or wood?
Is it easier to install a pre-hung door.Can anyone in the group please help me?
Answer:
Pre-hung doors are normally intended for new applications since they include
the frame as well as the door. To replace an existing door, you are
probably better off buying just a door since you won't have to rip out the
existing framing. You will likely need to drill/hole saw for the knob and
lock-set and chisel out for the hinges.
The type of door is a personal choice depending on price, insulation factor,
look, durability, etc. Your building supply store should be able to help
you compare. Installing a pet door would probably be easiest in a solid
wood door but can be done in any of them.
Metal is stronger and the most burglar-resistant.
Fiberglass won't rot or rust.
Wood (solid) is pretty good, wood (hollow-core) is ghastly.
I'd go for the pre-hung door. You won't have to jack with getting the hinges
and locking mechanism lined up, it's already weather-stripped, etc. You
won't need special tools (like a router). You only need a big enough hole,
some shims, and trim.
Hint: Do everything you can to the door before you hang it: prime, paint,
install the pet door, prime underneath, etc.
Don't forget to slather buckets of silicone caulk UNDER the door sill before
you mount the frame.
