[Shop-talk] Replacing a Door

[Jim Franklin]

On Nov 7, 2010, at 7:57 PM, Douglas Braun wrote:
>
>
> 1: Do current building codes call for a fire-resistant door between a
> garage and the living area?  (The existing door dates from the 70's.)

All the ones I've seen do. And they require a spring so that it shuts
automatically. But a quick call to your inspector could tell you for sure.
>
> 2: The doors I see at HD, etc. are all pre-hung.  Do you think it
> would make more sense to discard the frame that comes with the door
> (or maybe order a non-hung version) and fix the door to the existing
> frame, or rip out the existing frame and use the new one?  One
> downside of ripping out the old frame is that I would have to re-do
> the surrounding trim.

It's much easier to get a pre-hung and rip out the existing frame (use a
sawzall). The trim, unless it's ornate or complex, is easy to replace. With
some care you can cut through any caulk, and using a 5 in 1 tool gently start
prying the trim off. WHen you have enough room, slip a wide-bladed pry bar in
there. Try and do it at the studs where the nails are, or use a piece of hard
material to spread the pry bar load out so you don't puncture the sheetrock.