Question:
I intend to replace the present garage-to-hallway hollow- core door
with a fire-retardant, steel-clad door. The house is about 20 years
old, and the door frames may not be as true as they should be. My
question is: should I buy a stand-alone door, and pray that it fits,
or buy a pre-hung door? If the consensus is pre-hung door, are there
any ideas out there on how to do the job?
Answer:
The entire frame should be replaced with the door. The frame for a
hollow core door will not be sufficient to handle the weight of a
steel door. And, the frame of the original door is not fire rated and
will significantly minimize the degree of fire retardation.
For best fire retardation, consider using a steel frame with the steel
door. Some building codes require this as well as spring hinges.
Benchmark sells a complete package that includes Adjusta-fit steel
frame, door, and spring hinges that is very easy to retrofit. See
more info at:
http://www.benchmark.hw.net/steel.html
We have used Benchmark doors and frames almost exclusively for years
and have always had great results.
