How To Upgrade Your Odd-Sized Entry Door

Posted by admin - May 26, 2011 - News - No Comments

An example of an entry door with sidelights.

Most people don’t think about the size of their entry door until they want to install a new one. If they start their shopping at one of the big home and garden stores, they may be shocked to find that they don’t see the same size doors on the rack as they see at home. They may also find that the employees at the store aren’t much help in solving their odd-size door dilemma.

Although roughly 60% of the market has a 36″-wide entry door, and another 25% has a 36″- or 32″-wide, double entry door combination, there are pockets of homes in Southern California that were designed and built with 5′-wide (60″) entry doors. Until recently, the big manufacturers have been reluctant to accommodate this segment of the marketplace, which is why they aren’t found at the “big box” stores. And even though there are more 60″-wide entry doors being made, the range of styles and decorative options is still lacking.

With over 20 years of experience installing entry doors in Orange County and surrounding areas, Today’s Windows and Doors can offer several options for these odd-sized entry door customers. The first option is to design the entry with a 36″ door flanked by two panels, or “sidelights.” Sidelights can be either glass, wood or fiberglass panels that complement the entry door. We would have to install two 10″ sidelights with a 36″-wide door, and although they usually come in 12″ 0r 15″ panels, we see the major door manufacturers are offering more choices every month.

 

At Today’s Windows and Doors, we can modify the home’s entryway to accommodate a double door. 

Our second option is to modify the entryway to accommodate a double door, with either two 32″-wide or two 36″-wide doors. Today’s Windows and Doors is a certified, licensed and bonded general contractor with trained craftsmen on staff to do the job—no outside contractors are used. This is a popular option for many of our clients, as it offers the most choice in doors, for both style and material.

Choosing a new entry door is not just about the look. It is crucial to evaluate your home and the direction that your entry door faces in order to choose the right material for your new door. Wood is more likely to expand and contract during changes in the weather, while fiberglass is more likely to withstand the effects of direct sunlight. If these factors are not considered before installation, a homeowner may find that the door’s warranty is invalid.

The perfect entry door installation begins long before workmen arrive at your home. Make sure that your entry door installation is done professionally from start to finish, no matter what size your door is. Contact us for a free consultation, either at one of our three showrooms or at your home.