Used Exterior Doors For Mobile Homes

Table of Contents

The Appeal of Used Exterior Doors For Mobile Homes

The primary driver for homeowners considering used exterior doors for mobile homes is undoubtedly the cost savings. A new exterior door, especially one made of durable material with energy-efficient features, can be expensive. Purchasing a used door can reduce the material cost by 50% or even more, depending on its condition and source.

Beyond the financial aspect, choosing used items is also an environmentally conscious decision. It promotes recycling and reduces the demand for new manufacturing, lessening the overall environmental footprint. For those undertaking multiple renovation projects on a mobile home, finding affordable parts like doors can make a significant difference in the overall project budget.

Finding Used Exterior Doors For Mobile Homes

Locating suitable used exterior doors for mobile homes requires knowing where to look. Unlike standard residential doors, mobile home doors often have slightly different dimensions and installation methods, so finding a perfect fit among used options can sometimes require patience. However, several reliable sources exist.

Architectural Salvage Yards

Architectural salvage yards are treasure troves for various building materials, including doors and windows salvaged from demolition projects or renovations. These yards often have a wide selection of styles, materials, and sizes, and you might find doors specifically removed from other mobile or manufactured homes.

Pros of Salvage Yards

Variety: Often carry a diverse range of styles, from modern to older, unique designs.
Inspection: Allows for physical inspection of the door before purchase.
Negotiation: Prices can sometimes be negotiated, especially if minor repairs are needed.

Cons of Salvage Yards

Condition Varies: Quality can range from excellent to needing significant work.
Inventory Fluctuates: Availability depends entirely on what they have recently acquired.
Specific Sizes: May not always have standard mobile home sizes readily available.

Online Marketplaces and Classifieds

Websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and local online classifieds are popular platforms for individuals selling used items, including building materials. Searching for used exterior doors for mobile homes specifically, or broader terms like “salvage doors” or “used entry doors,” can yield relevant results from local sellers.

Pros of Online Marketplaces

Convenience: Search from home and often find local sellers.
Direct from Owner: Sometimes allows for direct negotiation and inspection.
Photos Available: Listings usually include photos, offering a preliminary look.

Cons of Online Marketplaces

Scams: Risk of encountering fraudulent listings or misrepresentations.
Condition Verification: Relying on photos requires careful in-person inspection before purchase.
Transportation: You are usually responsible for picking up and transporting the door.

Habitat for Humanity ReStores

Habitat for Humanity ReStores are non-profit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new and gently used furniture, building materials, and appliances at a fraction of the retail price. They often receive donations of doors from home renovations and construction projects.

Pros of ReStores

Low Prices: Items are typically priced affordably to support a good cause.
Organized Shopping: Stores are generally well-organized, making browsing easier than some salvage yards.
Supporting a Cause: Purchases contribute to Habitat for Humanity’s mission.

Cons of ReStores

Inventory Depends on Donations: Selection varies greatly depending on recent donations.
Specific Sizes: Finding a perfect used exterior door for a mobile home size might take multiple visits.

Other Local Sources

Keep an eye out for local demolition sales, estate sales, or even ask contractors who specialize in mobile home renovations if they ever have salvageable doors. Word-of-mouth and networking within the mobile home community can also sometimes reveal leads on available used parts.

Types of Used Exterior Doors Suitable for Mobile Homes

When browsing for used exterior doors for mobile homes, you’ll encounter doors made from various materials. Understanding the characteristics of each can help you choose the best fit for your needs and climate. Common materials include steel, fiberglass, and aluminum.

Steel Doors

Steel doors are popular for their durability and security. They are often more resistant to weathering, rust, and impacts than other materials. A used steel door in good condition can offer excellent security and longevity. However, check carefully for rust, especially near the bottom or edges, as this can compromise the door’s integrity.

Fiberglass Doors

Fiberglass doors are known for their energy efficiency and ability to mimic the look of real wood without the maintenance. They are resistant to dents, rust, and rot. When looking at used fiberglass doors, inspect for cracks or delamination of the skin, which can be difficult to repair effectively.

Aluminum Doors

Historically, many mobile homes came with aluminum doors due to their lightweight nature and affordability. While less common in newer homes, you might find used aluminum doors available. Inspect for dents, bending, or corrosion, as aluminum can pit and corrode over time, especially in coastal areas.

Important Considerations When Buying Used

Simply finding a used door isn’t enough; a thorough inspection is crucial to ensure you’re getting a functional and worthwhile product. Don’t be swayed purely by price; a cheap door that needs extensive repairs or has underlying issues isn’t a bargain.

Inspecting the Door Slab

The door slab is the main body of the door. Check for:

Dents, Scratches, or Rust: Especially critical for steel and aluminum doors. Minor surface scratches can be painted, but deep dents or significant rust are red flags.
Cracks or Delamination: Look for these on fiberglass doors. Cracks compromise insulation and structural integrity.
Rot or Warping: While less common for synthetic materials, check for moisture damage or signs of swelling or warping, particularly if any wood components are present.
Core Integrity: If possible, check if the core feels solid. Hollow-core doors offer less security and insulation.

Checking the Frame and Threshold

Mobile home doors often come pre-hung in a frame designed to fit the specific wall thickness. Inspecting the frame is just as important as checking the door itself.

Frame Condition: Look for rot, cracks, splits, or significant damage that might compromise its ability to hold the door securely or seal properly.
Threshold: The threshold is the piece at the bottom of the frame that the door closes against. Check for wear, damage, or a poor fit, as this is critical for sealing out drafts and water. Mobile home thresholds are often designed differently than standard residential ones.

Hardware and Hinges

Assess the condition of the door’s hardware.

Hinges: Ensure they are solid, not bent or rusted, and securely attached to both the door and the frame. Check that the door swings smoothly without binding.
Lockset Bore Holes: Check that the standard holes for the doorknob and deadbolt are present and in good condition. Ensure they haven’t been damaged or modified in a way that makes installing new hardware difficult.
Mail Slots or Pet Doors: Note the presence and condition of any added features like mail slots or pet doors, as these can be potential points of air leakage if not sealed or functional.

Glass Panels and Seals

If the door has windows or glass panels, inspect them carefully.

Cracks or Fogging: Check for any cracks in the glass or fogging between double panes, indicating a broken seal.
Glazing: Ensure the glass is securely held in place and the seals around the glass are intact and not brittle or cracked. Damaged seals lead to drafts and moisture issues.

Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is crucial for the door’s energy efficiency.

Condition: Inspect the existing weatherstripping around the door frame and the bottom sweep. Is it brittle, cracked, torn, or missing?
Replacement: Assume you may need to replace the weatherstripping on a used door, as this is a common wear item. Factor the cost of new weatherstripping into your budget.

Installation of Used Exterior Doors For Mobile Homes

Installing any exterior door in a mobile home requires precision, but installing a used door can sometimes add complexity. Mobile home walls are typically thinner than those of site-built homes, and older mobile homes might have non-standard door sizes.

Standard vs. Non-Standard Sizes

Many modern mobile homes use standard-sized doors (e.g., 32×76, 34×76, 36×80 inches). However, older homes might have slightly different dimensions. Used exterior doors for mobile homes found from other mobile homes are more likely to be the correct height (often 76″ or 78″ vs. 80″ for standard residential doors), but width can still vary.

Measure Carefully: Before purchasing a used door, always measure your existing door opening precisely. Measure the width and height of the rough opening from stud to stud.
Frame Depth: Also, measure the depth of your wall to ensure the door frame will fit correctly within the wall thickness. Mobile home exterior walls are often 4 or 4.5 inches deep.

Potential Installation Challenges

Frame Compatibility: If the used door comes with its frame, verify that the frame depth matches your wall thickness. Adapting a frame that is too deep or shallow adds complexity.
Opening Adjustment: If the used door is slightly smaller or larger than your existing opening, you may need to adjust the rough opening size, which requires basic carpentry skills.
Sealing the Opening: Proper sealing and flashing around the installed door unit are critical to prevent water leaks and drafts, which are common issues in mobile homes if installation isn’t done correctly.
Leveling and Squaring: Ensuring the frame is level and square during installation is vital for the door to operate correctly and seal properly.

If you are not comfortable with carpentry or door installation, it’s advisable to hire a professional. While this adds to the cost, it ensures the door is installed correctly, preventing future problems and maximizing its lifespan and energy efficiency.

Pros and Cons of Choosing Used Exterior Doors For Mobile Homes

Let’s summarize the advantages and disadvantages of opting for used exterior doors for mobile homes.

Pros

Significant Cost Savings: This is the most compelling reason for most homeowners.
Environmental Benefit: Recycling building materials reduces waste.
Potential for Unique Styles: You might find older styles or designs not readily available new.
Immediate Availability: You can often take the door home the same day from salvage yards or private sellers.

Cons

Condition Varies: The quality and lifespan of a used door are uncertain and depend heavily on its past use and storage.
May Require Repairs: Even seemingly good doors might need new weatherstripping, paint, or minor frame repairs.
Limited Selection: Finding the exact style, size, and material you want can be challenging and time-consuming.
No Warranty: Unlike new doors, used doors come with no manufacturer warranty.
Potential for Hidden Issues: Problems like minor warpage or insulation breakdown might not be immediately apparent during inspection.
Installation Challenges: Finding the perfect size and adapting the installation to a mobile home’s specific structure can sometimes be more complex than installing a new door designed for mobile homes.

Is a Used Door Right for Your Mobile Home?

Choosing between a used and a new exterior door for your mobile home depends on several factors:

Your Budget: If budget is the absolute top priority, a used door is likely the most affordable route, provided you find one in good condition.
Your DIY Skills: Are you comfortable with detailed inspection, potential minor repairs, and potentially adapting your rough opening or frame? If not, the cost of professional help or necessary repairs might negate the initial savings.
Your Patience: Finding the right used door might take time and searching across multiple sources.
Your Priorities: Is energy efficiency a major concern? While you can improve a used door with new weatherstripping, it may not offer the same level of insulation as a brand new, high-efficiency door, especially if it has an older core or single-pane glass.

For many mobile homeowners, a well-inspected, high-quality used exterior door for a mobile home can be an excellent compromise, offering improved security, appearance, and some energy efficiency gains at a fraction of the cost of a new unit.

Cost Considerations for Used Doors

Beyond the purchase price of the used door itself, factor in these potential costs:

Transportation: Cost of transporting the door from the seller to your home.
Repair Materials: Paint, wood filler, new weatherstripping, replacement hardware, etc.
Installation Materials: Screws, shims, insulation, flashing tape, sealant.
Professional Installation: If you hire a contractor, get quotes beforehand. This can sometimes cost more than the used door itself.
Hardware: You may need to purchase new doorknobs, locksets, or deadbolts.

Calculating these potential additional costs will give you a more realistic picture of the total expense of installing a used exterior door for your mobile home. Sometimes, after factoring in necessary repairs and installation, the gap between the cost of a good used door and an entry-level new mobile home door might narrow considerably.

Conclusion

Investing in a new exterior door is an important home improvement project, enhancing security, energy efficiency, and curb appeal. For mobile homeowners seeking a cost-effective solution, exploring the market for used exterior doors for mobile homes is a smart strategy. Sources like architectural salvage yards, online marketplaces, and ReStores offer potential finds at significantly lower prices than new retail options.

However, the key to a successful purchase lies in thorough inspection. Carefully examining the door slab, frame, hardware, glass, and weatherstripping for signs of damage or wear is paramount. While used exterior doors for mobile homes offer compelling cost savings and environmental benefits, they also come with the potential for hidden issues and the need for potential repairs or more complex installation depending on size compatibility. By weighing the pros and cons, conducting diligent inspections, and considering the potential additional costs, homeowners can make an informed decision and potentially find a great deal on a door that will serve their mobile home well for years to come.