Replacing A Back Door

shewhoguards

So, first year in first house and I'm learning as I go along:-)

My back door, I think, needs replacing, as it lets all the drafts in. Last winter it was awful for cold - you could actually hear the wind whistling through it. When it was really bad I just cooked early and then headed up to my bedroom for warmth for the rest of the night, but obviously this is Not A Long Term Solution.

It's summer (apparently) and the rain thudding against it is a reminder I should probably do something about it now cash is less tight as I don't want my heating money pouring through the cracks. Will I need to replace the door frame, or just the door? Where's decent-but-cheap and how much should I budget for it?

bobinbognor

Its probably best to buy a door and frame complete. This way you know the door will fit and you wont get wind whistling through. The factory fitted hinges mean the door will swing perfectly too. Buying just the door presents some problems you may not have thought about, like: is it an old door, i.e before British Standard sizes were introduced - could be the old carpenter who made it just built the door on site to fill the hole he was given. Also you don't really know what condition the frame is in, probably rotton if much water has got into it over the years. Try a local builders merchant rather than a DIY store for really good advice. It may cost a little more but you will get a better product.

coolagarry

I wouldn't replace the door just because it lets in draughts... assuming the door itself is in good condition. Draught proofing is a different thing to door replacement.

ukwoody

Call some local chippies and ask them to pop round a give a quote. A basic door and frame (if you need a frame) would take a day to fit so that would be about £120 -£150 depending on where you are. The doors cost from about £35 upwards (ordinary softwood back doors) and frames from about £20. Obviously it all depends on style, but ask them to bring a Howdens or Magnets catalogue with them so you can see the styles.
It's not often the frame needs replacing, but it does happen. The suggestion of a pre hung doorset is good , but can be very expensive.
woody