Doors

Doors come in two major categories: exterior (solid core) and interior (hollow core).

Exterior Doors

Exterior doors are usually solid wood or insulated metal doors, designed to provide privacy, some protection from the weather and intruders, and can add architectural appeal. Exterior front doors are usually 36 inches wide, 1 ¾ thick while the back exterior door can be 32 inches thick, but still 1 ¾ thick. )

Interior Doors

Interior doors in modern construction are often hollow-core wood doors and designed to provide privacy and help reduce sound transmission within the home. Interior doors can range from 27 to 32 inches wide and are 1 3/8 inches thick. For handicapped purposes, the door width is usually wider for both exterior and interior, which can be up to 48 inches wide. (It is important not to use interior doors for exterior applications because they cannot provide protection against intrusion and will deteriorate when exposed to the elements)

Door Types

Doors are secured to a frame that consists of a head jamb, to side jambs, and stops (against which the door closes). Doors are secured to the frame by either metal hinges or set in tracks. Door knobs and locking mechanisms are usually not included and must be purchased separately. The types of the doors are:

• Solid core door consists of a solid lumber core, usually compressed wood fiber core, or rigid foam board laminated to a thin plywood, metal, or fiberglass facing. These doors come in both thicknesses depending upon the application. Solid core doors can come with a smooth ‘face', embossed ‘raised panels' or added decorative details to the surface. Some solid core doors come with various types of glass inserts and are generally used for rear exterior doors.
• Hollow-core door is a veneered plywood surface attached to a wood frame with cross braces of wood or more commonly cardboard strips. Hollow core doors should never be used for exterior doors (can't protect against the elements) or as a door between the garage and the house (can't provide the needed fire protection).
• Metal flush door is a metal clad door, usually used for the exterior, consists of a steel faced panel with an insulated core. A thermal-break is usually installed between the door and interior steel frame to prevent condensation. These doors are popular, especially as main entry doors to the residence and as the fire separator door from the attached garage to the living space.
• Panel (interior or exterior) door consists of a wood frame (rails are the horizontal members and stiles are the vertical members), enclosing flat or raised wood panels. Exterior panel doors may substitute wood panels with various types of glass panes, or even leaded glass inserts. Some styles of front doors are solid steel with large glass inserts and decorative iron work to provide security. These doors are extremely heavy and require special consideration when installing.
• Sliding glass door has a wood, metal, and/or vinyl frame and casing with two (single or double pane) glass panels. The door slides on a track and usually has a thermal-break to reduce condensation.
• French doors are usually wood framed doors with glass inserts that resemble windows on hinges. The glass insert(s) can either be one thermal panel unit with a decorative frame on each side to give the appearance of multiple pieces of glass or several individual pieces of glass within the frame. French doors are usually paired to provide a larger opening, usually onto a study, patio, or front porch.
• Bi-fold doors are small doors made up of a frame with a wood panel on the bottom and wood louvers at the top. Bi-fold doors get their name due to the fact that it takes two bi-fold doors to take the place of one normal style door. These are strictly interior doors and are usually installed at closets or in areas such as a recessed wet-bar area.
• Pocket doors are interior doors that slide away from the opening and into the wall. These doors are usually smooth surface have raised panels.
• Storm doors intended to provide protection from extreme weather and direct sunlight for your primary doors; in addition, they supply enhanced security, ventilation, and assist in insulating your home better during summer and winter. Storm doors are lightweight frames with various types of inserts, solid panels, glass, screens or a combination of all.

Common Defects

• Binding or Improper Fit. Binding (the door sticks or does not fit in the door frame) can usually be corrected by planing, sanding or trimming the door, or shimming the hinges for better alignment. Note: if these procedures cannot correct the problems, then there may be larger issues present, such as settling. If this is the case, it is recommended that you consult with a general contractor for further information.
• Misalignment. The most frequently discovered defects are missing or misaligned strike plates and loose locksets.
• Holes or Dents. Holes or dents in the doors particularly in paneled and hollow-core doors.
• Rot/Deterioration. Rot or deterioration from moisture and insects most frequently exists at exterior door jambs, sills and thresholds.