Maybe you're tired of walking in and out of the same front door every day and want to upgrade your look. Or maybe you’ve noticed some damage to your front door that’s either allowing water to leak in when it rains or makes it difficult to open and close.
Whether replacing your door is a want or a necessity, you never want to waste more time, money, and effort than you need to.
Replacing your front door may not seem like a large project. However, like with any home improvement project, it can cost more than a pretty penny.
When you look at your front door, you probably only consider the swinging part the actual door that needs replacing. While it’s true you can replace just the swinging door, you can also replace the entire door system.
Southwest Exteriors has been an exterior home remodeling contractor in San Antonio for over 30 years. We specialize in entry and sliding door replacements and only do full replacements of the entire door system.
We always recommend replacing the entire door system because we know that it makes a difference. Typically, if you are experiencing problems with your door, replacing just the slab will not solve it. However, replacing just the slab might be just what you’re looking for.
This article will outline the main differences between a full door replacement and just replacing the door slab so you can choose which is the better option for you.
After reading, you will understand what it means to replace your entire door system and the difference between replacing the entire system versus just the slab.
What is a door slab?
A door slab refers to the door itself, without any of the associated hardware or frame. Essentially, it is the rectangular, flat panel that is hung on hinges to create a functioning door.
Door slabs can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, steel, fiberglass, and glass. They come in various sizes and styles to suit different types of interior and exterior doors, such as entry doors, interior doors, and closet doors.
It's important to note that a door slab by itself is not a complete door, as it needs to be installed within a door frame and fitted with hardware such as hinges, a doorknob, and a lock. If you are looking to replace or install a new door, it's typically best to purchase a complete door unit, which includes the door slab, frame, and hardware, to ensure a proper fit and function.
What is the difference in replacing the entire door system versus just the slab?
Now that you know the parts of a door system, you can understand the key differences between replacing the entire system versus just replacing the slab.
The biggest differences in replacing the door system versus just the slab are in the cost, installation, and longevity of the door. Let’s break those down.
1. Cost of replacing the door system vs. the slab
The first thing you probably think about when replacing your door is how much it is going to cost. It’s hard to give a range on how much replacing a door costs, however, replacing the entire door system will be significantly more expensive than just replacing the slab.
When factoring in the cost of your project, you must consider the size and quality of the door, customizations, and installation. The more complex and custom your door is, the more it will cost you. However, replacing just the slab will be less expensive than replacing the entire door system.
2. Installation of the door system vs. the slab
The second-largest difference between replacing the door system versus just the slab is the installation. Replacing the entire system requires the installer to expose a little of the frame of your home to install the door system properly.
Replacing just the slab only requires removing the slab from the hinges and screwing them into the new slab.
It is important to have realistic expectations about the quality of the installation or the entire system versus just the slab. If you are experiencing problems operating your door, it may be unlevel. Replacing the slab will not fix that.
3. Longevity of the door system vs. the slab
The longevity of replacing your door system versus just the slab goes hand in hand with the installation.
If your door is not opening or closing properly and you’ve had it rebaligned multiple times, replacing just the slab will not fix the balance issues. This means that if you are
If you are looking for a long-term solution when replacing your door, replacing the entire system will be the best solution for you. On the flip side, if you are just looking for an easy, quick solution to replacing your door and aren’t concerned about the longevity of it, replacing just the slab might be the better option for you.
Replacing the entire door system vs. just the slab
Now that you know the difference in the cost, installation, and longevity of replacing your entire door versus just the slab, you can choose which option may be a better fit for you.
Replacing the door system is a long-term solution to replacing your door. With a high-quality installation, it ensures your door will last in your home and will function successfully for years.
If you just replace the door slab, you can risk the door not fitting properly. This, in turn, will create operation issues and can allow for water and drafts to infiltrate your home. However, if you’re just looking for a short-term, quick fix, then you may want to just replace the slab.
At Southwest Exteriors, we only offer full door system replacements because we know they ensure a successful and proper door replacement. While you can replace just the door slab, we want you to be educated on what makes up a door system and the difference between replacing the door system and the slab.
If you’re considering replacing your front door, you’re probably wondering about how much it costs, what your options are, and how to ensure a successful installation.
This article will outline seven of the most common types of doors, their pros and cons, and how to maintain them. Then, you can have a better idea of which door is best for you.