When it comes to your business, nothing is more irritating than a door that isn’t working correctly.  Perhaps it’s dented, is difficult to open and close, or doesn’t latch properly. Vandalism can also wreak havoc on a door, especially a metal one. Unfortunately, a door replacement can be expensive, especially if you have to replace the frame as well.

Can you replace a hollow metal door without replacing the frame and perhaps save a little money?

Short Answer:

Yes….but not always!  It’s possible to keep your existing frame under certain circumstances.  In fact, it doesn’t usually bother us at CLAD to leave it as is, saving you labor and material costs.  Replacing just the door is known as door slab replacement in the industry.

Longer Answer:

Different manufacturers use specific hinge and strike locations on the frame.  So unless you are using the same manufacturer, you may in fact, have to replace the frame if the hinge and lock locations don’t match up.

Other considerations:

You may need to consider replacing the frame if it is:

  • Dented
  • Warped
  • Damaged
  • Rotted
  • Improperly installed

What if the door doesn’t fit the frame?

Many times, if it’s not a standard frame, we can make a custom door that will fit in the frame.  This is common on welded frames that may take a little more time and effort, but it’s not impossible. So it’s definitely possible to make a custom hollow metal door fit an older frame, but depending on the condition of the frame, it might not always make sense to do so.

Replacement steps:

  • Measure the width, height, and thickness of the existing door to ensure you purchase a replacement door slab that matches these dimensions.
  • Inspect the door frame for any damage or debris. Clean the frame and ensure it is level and plumb. If there are any major structural issues with the frame, they should be addressed before proceeding with the replacement.
  • Close the door and check the gaps around the edges. The gaps should be uniform and consistent. Adjust the hinges if necessary to achieve the desired fit. Make sure the door latches properly and there are no issues with alignment.
  • Install the door handle, lockset, and any other hardware.
  • Open and close the door several times to ensure it operates correctly. Check for any sticking, rubbing, or misalignment issues. Make any necessary adjustments to achieve a proper fit.

Our team at CLAD will make sure we follow these steps and get your door installed in a timely manner.  We want your door to be usable as quickly as possible.  At CLAD, you can count on us to do the job right.