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Start by checking the top or side edge of the door. Look for a certification label or metal tag stamped with details like the fire rating and information on the manufacturer. Even if it’s painted over, the tag should still be visible. Next, look along the edges for slim intumescent strips. They’re designed to swell up and seal gaps when exposed to heat. Finally, check if the door closes itself. Most fire doors have a self-closing mechanism, like an overhead closer or spring hinges. If none of these are obvious, contact a fire safety professional to help verify your door. 

A slab door is a standalone door without a frame or hardware. A prehung door is a complete set that includes the door, frame, hinges, and sometimes the doorknob and lockset.

In most cases, a prehung door is the better and easier option to install, especially for DIY projects or exterior applications, as they often come pre-weatherproofed. They require fewer tools and less experience to install properly. Although prehung doors are heavier and have a higher upfront cost, the investment is often worthwhile for a complete upgrade that includes a new frame.

A slab door may be a better choice if you are on a tight budget, have a custom-sized wall opening, or only need to replace the door while keeping the existing frame. While the initial cost is lower, you will need to purchase all the hardware separately and do more DIY work to hang it, which may not result in significant time or money savings.

If you don’t know which door sweep to buy, look into getting a strip or bristle sweep. They’re easy to find at the store, work well for most doors, and the simple installation is DIYable. Before buying one, measure your door width and make sure the one you want is long enough. Most door sweeps are 36 inches long, and you can cut them down to size with a hacksaw.

A security door costs an average of $1,400, but costs can range from $600 for a simple screen or steel door to more than $4,600 for a wrought-iron security door. You can also buy specialized locks separately for $200 to $600. If you decide to hire a pro to install your new security door, you’ll spend around $275 to $425 on labor costs.