ANT Forum

Garage-to-house door is dented, doesn’t latch cleanly, and lets fumes creep into the laundry room. Kids run through that doorway all the time, so a self-closing, safe, and tighter door matters more than looks. Confused about fire ratings, weatherstripping that won’t trip people, and whether a peephole or small glass panel is allowed. Budget is moderate, and a straightforward, code-friendly setup is the goal. What should be on the spec sheet before placing an order?      

For that location, look for a 20-minute fire-rated door (check the certification label), usually a steel, solid-core slab with a matching frame. Self-closing hinges are often required, and they’re easier to live with than a surface closer. Pair the slab with smoke-rated perimeter gaskets and an automatic door bottom so you seal fumes without creating a toe-stubber. Keep glass out or choose a fire-rated vision lite if local code allows; many areas prefer no glass at all. Order a prehung unit to get a square frame, confirm jamb depth to match your wall, and verify the swing and handing before checkout. Mid-range sets with correct labels and hardware are easy to compare at buildmart windows and doors where you can double-check sizes, thresholds, and latch sets. During install, use a sill pan, anchor the hinge side into studs, and test the self-close to ensure it latches from just a gentle push.