Correct Terms for Parts of Windows and Doors You Thought You Knew

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We Speak Windows and Doors Fluently

At Door Store and Windows, we spend a lot of time talking to customers about how to improve and enhance their homes. And, while we’re proud to be Louisville’s Window and Door Experts, we’ve also accidentally become experts in translating the funny “window and door” terms we hear.

It’s always helpful to know the correct terminology, and our recent blog article talked through the official terms for windows and door parts. But, we’ve heard every “almost right,” “do you actually mean this?” and “let me take a stab at what you’re looking for” term, and we can always figure out what you really need.

In this guide, we’ll walk through terms we hear that are often confused with official parts of windows and doors. If you’re guilty of using one of these incorrect terms, don’t worry, we’re here to talk you through it.

Doors: An “Opening” Act

From grand entryways to backyard patios, doors come in many forms—and with many names. Here’s a breakdown of commonly confused terms and what you should know:

Our customers often start with a simple request, “I’d like a door with window glass in it.” Here is a list of what you may be looking for:

  • Entry Doors – Points of access from the exterior to the interior of your home. These could be on the front, back or sides of the house.
  • Scenic Doors – Expansive glass units like multi-slide or a bi-fold systems designed to reduce solar heat and maximize natural light.
  • Patio Doors – Any door leading to a backyard or deck.
  • Storm Doors – A secondary door frame installed outside an entry door that offers protection from the weather.

French Door

A French door is a door with multiple glass panes that run the length of the panel. It is a common misconception that all French doors are double doors. But, French doors can be a single door or double doors. If you’re after that classic, light-filled look, be sure to say French door. (Fake French accent not required, but always appreciated.)

This is an example of a single French door:

Single French Door

Here is what most people imagine when they think of French doors:

Double French Doors

Bi-Fold Door

“Zig-Zag door” is actually a bi-fold door which is made up of two or more hinged door panels that fold against one another when opened. Bi-fold doors are commonly used for patio entrances or between interior and exterior home spaces. Bi-fold doors do resemble zig-zags but that is not an official term.

Bi-fold Door

3-Panel Patio Door

If you are looking for a door with door-sized windows on the sides you are looking for 3-panel patio door which includes three large window glass panels, one or more of which may slide or open on a hinge.

Sliding Door or Gliding Door

A sliding door is the most common term for doors that move horizontally along a track and often provide outstanding views to the outdoors. These doors usually consist of large glass panels and may be part of a larger exterior frame built for energy efficiency. Some people refer to them as, “gliding doors.” The most important thing is your sliding door should glide. If it isn’t gliding, it is time for your sliding door to be replaced.

Sidelights

Sidelights are the “windows next to your doors” so that is usually what we hear. We’ve heard these described in various ways, but sidelights is the official term for the narrow, vertical window units on either side of an entry door.

Sidelight

Skylights

Speaking of sidelights, we have had many people refer to them as “skylights next to the doors.” So, let’s talk about skylights. Skylights are also called roof windows because they are windows installed in your roof or ceiling.

Door Sweep

You might have always thought about it as “that rubber thing under the door,” but it’s actually called a door sweep or a door bottom. It helps block drafts and increase energy efficiency.

Deadbolt Lock

A deadbolt lock is a separate locking mechanism that provides added security, often placed above your standard door handle. You might have called it “the top lock” or “extra lock,” but “deadbolt” is the industry term.

Weather stripping

Weather stripping refers to the process of sealing the gaps around door frames and window openings to prevent air and water from entering or escaping. It utilizes strips of material, often made of rubber, foam, felt, vinyl, or even copper and is essential for energy-efficient homes.

Windows: Let’s “Clear” Things Up

When it comes to using correct window and window frame terms, we’ve seen a lot of glassy stares. But windows come in more varieties and functions than you might realize. Here’s how to talk about them like a pro.

Awning Windows

You might have described them as “lift-up windows,” but knowing the technical name helps ensure you get the right hardware and operation. An awning window is an operable window that is hinged at the top and opens outward from the bottom, often using a crank.

Awning Window

Casement Windows

We’ve probably heard all the slightly incorrect names for a casement window. It swings outward, like a door, and is often opened with a crank or lever mechanism. It’s one of the most energy-efficient types due to its tight seal. We’ve heard them called “swinging windows,” “crank windows,” “push-out windows,” “windows that go out”, “windows that open like a door”…well, you get the idea.

Casement Window

Casement Window

Double-Hung Windows

A double-hung window features two operable window sashes that slide vertically. The upper sash and lower sash can both move, which improves ventilation and ease of cleaning. You might have called these “up-and-down windows” or “push-up windows.” While those names describe the movement, “double-hung” captures the full functionality of being able to open both the top and bottom.

Double Hung Window

Transom Window

Okay, we have to admit — this name is probably tricky to recall. A transom window sits horizontally above a door or larger window and is often fixed, though sometimes operable. But, you could certainly describe them as “windows above the door,” and we promise we’ll know what you’re talking about!

Transom windows above Sliding Doors

Muntin Bars and Grilles

This is one of our favorites because the names are entertaining! “Sticks in My Window,” “Tic-Tac-Toe Board,” or “Squares on My Window” to name a few. They all refer to the strips that separate glass panes within a window frame. These features create simulated divided lite designs for decorative elements and are often made of decorative wood or composite material.

Seal Failure

We hear this many times, “I can’t get my windows clean!” If you see condensation or fog between multiple panes of insulating glass units, it’s likely due to seal failure. Yes, you can describe this as “foggy windows,” but saying “seal failure” really gets to the root of the problem, and this problem reduces both clarity and energy efficiency.

Remember, Your Home Has a Language All Its Own

Staying informed on all the correct terminology is really our job, not yours, and we’re always ready to talk through your home improvement needs, no matter what words you use. Whether you’re ordering replacement windows or upgrading your entryways we’re ready to clear up any confusion you might have.

Any time you need help identifying what you’re looking for, we’re always happy to walk you through it at Door Store and Windows. Contact us or stop by—like we said, we speak window and door fluently!

A Helpful Guide to Door Parts

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If you’ve ever shopped for new doors, you know there’s a lot more to them than just door hinges and door panels. Doors have a long list of parts and pieces the average homeowner may not be familiar with. Below you’ll find a brief introduction to some of the most common parts of a door that will help you better understand your purchasing options and hopefully lead to a more informed decision about which new door is right for your project!

Door Structure

The door structure is the support system of the door that allows it to function.

Door Frame

Made up of side jambs, head jambs, and mulls, the door frame provides the structure to the door opening. It’s the surrounding part of the door opening that the door panel fits into.

Door Panel

Sometimes called a slab, the door panel is the whole part of the door that swings back and forth. A door panel can be made of a single piece or multiple pieces. Many doors are divided into several smaller panels of wood or glass.

Rails

The rails are the horizontal segments along the top, bottom and sometimes middle of the door, depending on the panel configuration. Rails provide stability for the door and help hold the panels in place.

Stiles

The narrow, vertical components on either side of a door panel are called the stiles. The lock stile is on the side with the door knob or handle, while the hinge stile is on the side with the hinges. Stiles provide stability and structural support for the door panels.

Casing

The casing is essential for door replacement, as it is the interior trim that surrounds the door and covers the gap between the door and the drywall. It also serves as a decorative element to hide the door frame, insulation and caulking.

Cladding

The vinyl, fiberglass or aluminum jacket that covers the wooden core on the exterior side of a door is called the cladding. Usually used on exterior entry doors, it helps preserve the wood and improve its weather resistance. Cladding can also improve insulation and sound proofing.

Door Jamb and Head Jamb

A door jamb is the vertical component of the door frame, located on either side of the door. The head jamb is the horizontal piece at the top of the door frame, spanning the width of the door and connecting the two vertical jambs. The door jamb and head jamb work together to provide support and stability to the door.

Door Hardware

Door hardware includes locking systems and hinges. The hardware provides security and can be a stylish design element.

Hinges

These are the pieces of hardware that allow the door to swing open and closed. Standard-sized doors typically have three hinges while larger, heavier doors may have four or more to help bear the load. Hinges can be in-swing or out-swing. Standard exterior doors are typically in-swing but if the door leads to a small interior area, out-swing may be a better option.

Strike Plate (or Strike)

This thick metal plate is attached to the door jamb and has a hole to accommodate the door bolt (or multiple holes for multiple bolts). The strike plate guides the bolt into the jamb and is essential for security. It reinforces the door jamb and helps prevent forced entry.

Lockset

The lockset is the complete door lock system including the lock mechanism, knobs, keys, plates, strikes, door latch, key cylinder, and other components that allow the door to lock in place and better prevent forced entry.

Multi-point Lock

This is a locking system where the hardware locks at different places in the door but can still be controlled by a single lock mechanism. It allows for added security and ease of use.

Door Sweeps and Seals

This section covers the door parts that help fill the gaps between the door and frame.

Door Sill

The bottom, floor-fastened component of an exterior door frame is called the sill, which helps to seal the entry from leaks and other intrusions.

Door Sweep

Creating a weather-resistant barrier between the bottom of door panel and the sill, the sweep is made of rubber, foam, neoprene or vinyl.

Threshold

The threshold is the strip of metal, wood or fiberglass that covers the sill on an exterior entryway, providing an added seal against things like weather, drafts, and pests.

Door Glass and Door Windows

Sidelights (or Sidelites)

These tall, narrow windows are found on one or both sides of the door, allowing more light into the entry way and improving the view.

Divided Lites

Divided lights can also be called Grids, Grilles or Muntins. Divided lites create the look of multiple, individual panes of glass in a door. They can use many different panes of glass or can be simulated to mimic the look of multiple panes to take advantage of the improved energy efficiency of a single pane. Divided lites are popular in a wide range of architectural styles, from historic replications to modern farmhouses. 

Insulating Glass (IG)

This glass panel assembly consists of two or more sealed glass panes separated by a space between to reduce heat transfer. Insulating glass, which can contain argon for improved thermal insulation, is one of the most impactful window and door features in terms of energy efficiency. 

Obscured Glass

Often used on entry doors and bathroom windows, obscured glass features a pattern in the pane that provides privacy while maintaining some visibility, as well as allows in some natural light.

Tempered Glass

This safety glass is required for doors with large glass elements. The glass is heated and then cooled rapidly in a controlled environment for added strength. The tempering process also makes the glass safer due to the pebble-like fragments created when shattered.

Transom Windows

These windows are located above a door and can be either stationary or operating. They allow more natural light to enter while also adding a decorative touch. Transom windows come in a variety of sizes and shapes and some open for better venting. You can opt for double paned glass or decorative glass.

Custom Doors to Match Your Style

Door Store and Windows offers a wide variety of doors with an almost endless selection of options to incorporate into your home, no matter your style or need. We also love to talk doors! Our consultants would be happy to meet with you to help you decide what type of door functions and looks best in your home.

Of course, if you have any other questions about entry doors, interior doors, storm doors, or whatever kind of door you need for your next project, CONTACT US today. You can also learn even more about doors, parts of a door, or other door-related goodness our Doors 101 video

How to Choose the Right Size Holiday Wreath for Your Door

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Wondering how big your holiday wreath should be? We asked the experts at Digs Home & Garden.

Need a new door to hang that wreath on? Give us a call at 502-896-1717 or send us an email to set up your free in-home, no-obligation consultation.

Common Door Problems and What You Can Do to Fix Them

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As the adage goes, when one door closes another opens. But what happens if your door sticks? 😉 Seriously though, issues with the doors in your home can be a headache. Here are some of the most common problems homeowners face, as well as some tips on how to remedy them.

A Sticking Door – No, we’re not talking about the grandkids getting their popsicle juice all over the doorknob. What we’re referring to is a door that doesn’t open easily. So, what exactly causes a door to stick? Typically, it’s expansion and contraction of the door slab, often caused by humidity or other environmental factors. Usually when this happens the door will eventually return to normal operation with the seasonal changes in temperature.

However, sometimes the you may need to remove the door slab and trim it on the hinge side or bottom—or sometimes both. If you trim the hinge side, the hinges will have to be re-mortised so they’ll sit flush in the new spot. If the bottom is trimmed, you’ll need to either replace the door sweep or reinstall the existing one. Needless to say this kind of intricate work—especially on an entry door—is best left done to a professional.

A Door That Swings Open on Its Own – Unless you’ve got a bad case of poltergeists (we’re kidding!), a door that swings open is caused by the door not being plumb. A simpler way to put it is the door is tilted in an open position. The best way to fix this is to remove and reinstall the frame so you can re-plumb and level it to ensure a better fit.

A Drafty Door – Can you feel air coming in around the edge of your door?  This is caused by a bad seal. Weather stripping can get torn, smashed or broken over time. A warped door will also cause it not to seal. If the door is not warped, then just replacing the weather stripping might fix the issue. However, if the door is warped, additional weather stripping might be needed or you could try adjusting the hinges so the door fits more evenly within the frame.

A Sticking Lock – When your lock is sticking, it can be either the door or the lock that’s the issue. It’s possible that the strike plates in the frame are not aligned with the locks, due to the door settling or sagging. A way to resolve this issue is to move the strike plates so they are again aligned with the locks. A simpler reason a lock might stick is it needs lubrication. You can squirt a small amount of dry lubricant or graphite powder inside the slot where the key goes, insert the key, then lock and unlock the door a few times to ensure the entire locking mechanism is lubricated.

 Are you having other issues with your doors or are you interested in replacing the ones you have? Give us a call at 502-896-1717 or send us an email to set up your free in-home, no-obligation consultation.

Just the Right Fit: Finding the Perfect Door for Your Space

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When configuring doors for your home, it’s important to consider a few important factors before making a decision. Which way should the doors swing? Should they slide instead? What about single versus double doors? Here are some tips and tricks to consider when planning your entryway so you can make the best choices for your space.

Swinging Doors

The most common door in the Louisville, Kentucky and the surrounding area is an inswing door, which opens inward or into the house. Variations can include single or double doors or even a patio unit, combining a fixed door panel with a swinging panel. When using inswing doors throughout the house, it’s important to account for traffic flow and furniture layout so the inward swing doesn’t interfere with the living space.

If traffic flow or furniture do turn out to be an issue, another option is an outswing door. These doors pull open to the outside of the house, though you’ll still need to have room on the stoop or porch for the door to swing unimpeded. Not all outswing doors are equal. Marvin builds an outswing door which manages water infiltration. Other manufacturers do not. Make sure to  check the manufacturer’s door warranty to understand your risk.

 

Sliding Doors

In situations where neither an inswing nor outswing is ideal, you might consider a sliding door, which has no swing at all. Instead, it slides open and shut, maximizing space. Additionally, for interior entries in newer homes or new builds, pocket doors can be created to hide the door inside the wall when not needed. For spaces where the walls cannot accommodate pocket doors (and privacy is not a major concern), barn door concepts are a great option. These doors hang from specialized hardware, allowing them to easily slide over the adjoining wall when open.

 

Finding the Right Fit

Depending on your preference, there are many ways to configure your entryway beyond the classic look. Front doors with sidelites can be replaced with double doors, for example. One current trend is removing sidelites and transoms and replacing them with a double door configuration that spans the full width and height of the entry, creating a truly grand entrance. Due to the complexity of this entryway configuration, you’ll likely need to work with a custom door manufacturer and expert installation team like Door Store and Windows to get the job done right. The results though will speak for themselves!

 

Before picture of a client’s door with sidelites and transom. They wanted to replace the entry with something a bit more modern. 

Look at this transformation. Sidelites and transom – gone!

Accommodating ADA Requirements

As our population gets older, requests for entryway thresholds that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) have become much more common. Ordinarily, door thresholds are 1 1⁄2” to 2” high, which can be difficult to navigate for those with trouble walking or who are in wheelchairs. ADA thresholds are much lower—1⁄4” to 3⁄4” high—to make it easier to enter. However, these thresholds are not rated against wind and water infiltration and require adequate overhead protection and cover to minimize water seepage. Often, it can be more cost effective to designate one entry for ADA-compliance to avoid the possible need for major structural additions and changes.

Ready to learn more about choosing the perfect door for your space? Give us a call at 502-896-1717 or send us an email to set up your free in-home, no-obligation consultation.

Types of Glass Doors and How to Use Them to Enhance Your Living Space

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There’s something about doors with glass that really enhance a space. They offer a fresh appearance while creating openness and making the room brighter by introducing more natural light. And if you want to take advantage of the view—to simply enjoy the scenery or to keep an eye on wandering children or pets—glass doors are the clear choice. (Pun absolutely intended.) There are many types of glass doors in various sizes, configurations, and design options to achieve your unique vision. Whether it’s a classic sliding French door on the patio, an interior door that adds a modern design touch, or a multi-slide scenic door that brings together your exterior and interior spaces, there’s a glass door to fit your needs and complement your home.

Entry Doors

An entry door (often called the front door) usually faces the street and is the main entrance to a house.  Door designs for modern or contemporary homes include narrow stiles and rails with large glass expanses, while other designs are more classic and may have traditional lines with wider stiles and rails, ogee sticking, and grille patterns on the glass. Or you might explore an entry door  coupled with sidelights and an overhead transom. Many glass options are available, including clear, obscure, decorative and art glass. The style and design choices are practically limitless.

Interior Doors

One often overlooked design choice is using glass for interior doors within a home. They can add a more modern element to the aesthetic of a living space. They can also be a great choice in more traditional designs. One of our favorite configurations we’ve installed included double doors with glass panels to create a closed, quiet office space, while retaining existing light and openness between the private space and adjoining room.


Bi-fold Doors

Bi-fold doors have multiple panels hinged together to open and close like an accordion, which is why they’re also referred to as folding or accordion doors. These doors are great for spaces with stunning views, or for indoor/outdoor spaces. We recently installed a bi-fold door between an open kitchen concept room and a screened porch. During good weather conditions, the living space is doubled for this Louisville family. They also close the doors and let the teenagers use the screened porch while the parents enjoy the adjoining room. If you have plenty of room, bi-fold doors can span widths up to 55’ feet, making a truly dramatic statement.

 

Sliding Doors

These doors, built with one or more door panels that slide open on a bottom track or from hanging rollers on the top, include barn doors, French doors, pocket doors, lift and slide doors and multi-slide doors. Unlike doors that swing open, sliding door panels stack, which makes them perfect for narrow rooms like balconies or patio-facing rooms where inside furniture might be in the way. They can be as simple as a two-panel patio slider or as complex as a full wall of moving glass. Below you’ll find a video of one of our recent sliding door projects, which consisted of bi-parting panels with adjacent fixed panels to save floor space. As you will see, these doors provide easy access to the deck—and a beautiful view from inside.

 

Multi-Slide Doors

A sliding door with multiple moving panels that either stack or conceal in a wall pocket when open is called a multi-slide door. They add an expansive view to huge openings, with options available over 50’ feet in width and 12’ tall. Some are even available with push-button motorized operation for ease of use. While standard sliding doors are great for replacement projects, multi-slide doors are best suited to new construction projects or large-scale remodels, due to structural requirements.

Swinging Doors

The swinging door is the most common door style, featuring one or more hinged panels that swing open and closed. An outswing door swings away from the house while an inswing swings in. There are millions of design options, depending on material, functionality, and design. They look right at home in traditional architectural settings as well as more contemporary settings. For smaller spaces, a single-hinged glass door might be the right choice while double doors can create a more elegant entrance for larger rooms.

 

Lift and Slide Doors

Lift and slide doors create a wall of glass for wonderful views, with the added benefit of easy, weightless movement due to an operating mechanism that lifts the door panels off the bottom tract. These doors are available in dozens of configurations, fitting openings as wide as 47’ and 12’ high. Panels can stack in full view or be concealed within a wall pocket. Lift and slides are the perfect combination of functionality and beauty—easy to use and a joy to behold!

As you can see, no matter what you have in mind, there’s a door with glass panels to match your vision. If you’d like to meet with one of our window and door specialists to discuss how a glass door might take your project to the next level, give us a call today at 502-896-1717 or send us an email to set up your free in-home, no-obligation consultation.

We’ve Added Weather Shield to Our Robust Product Lineup!

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We’re proud to announce our new partnership with Weather Shield, a family-owned manufacturer of high-quality doors and windows. In business since 1955, they offer a solid mix of styles, shapes, sizes, and price points. Weather Shield fits perfectly into the broad selection of Door Store and Windows products, rounding out our offerings to better serve our building and remodeling customers who are always on the lookout for unique lines at a competitive cost. Our partnership is exclusive, making Weather Shield products only available locally at Door Store and Windows. That means our customers have another quality option available when bidding competitive jobs or working within finite budgets.

Room with Weather Shield Windows.

 Weather Shield’s product lines include several collections for a range of needs and design visions. The all-aluminum VUE collection delivers clean lines and mulling for ultra-modern tastes. For those looking to enhance the expansive views of custom high-end homes, the Contemporary collection checks that box. Weather Shield also offers traditional wood-clad windows at two price levels with its Premium and Signature series, both of which feature  a variety of colors, hardware, and finishes.

Laurie Scarborough, co-owner of Door Store and Windows, said, “We chose to partner with Weather Shield not only to broaden our selection of quality doors and windows, but because of how they do business. They’ve been family-owned and operated since the start, so they’ve had the freedom to take a long-term perspective that emphasizes quality over volume. Their products are well-constructed, beautifully designed, and backed by a competitive warranty. Not to mention they offer an excellent value for our price-conscious customers. It’s a win-win all around.”

To learn more about Weather Shield’s wide-range of products, visit weathershield.com or contact us with any questions.

 


View the video below to check out some examples of Weather Shield’s product design flexibility.

 

The ABCs of Doors & Windows: The Parts That Windows and Doors Have in Common

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This is part three of our blog series, The ABCs of Doors & Windows. Follow the links to read parts One and Two.

Brick Mold Casing (BMC) – This is the exterior molding on a window or door frame that sits against the structure’s exterior material, serving as a decorative boundary for siding, brick or other material.

Casing – The casing is the interior trim that surrounds the window or door which covers the gap between the window/door and the drywall, hiding the frame, insulation and caulking.

Cladding – The vinyl, fiberglass or aluminum jacket that covers the wooden core on the exterior side of a window or door is called the cladding. It helps preserve the wood and improve its weather resistance.

Divided Lites – Divided lites create the look of multiple, individual panes of glass in a window or door. They can use many different panes of glass or they can be simulated to mimic the look of multiple panes to take advantage of the improved energy efficiency of a single pane. Divided lites are popular in a wide range of architectural styles, from historic replications to modern farmhouses. 

Insulating Glass (IG) – This glass assembly consists of two or more sealed glass panes separated by a space between to reduce heat transfer. Insulating glass, which can contain argon for improved thermal insulation, is one of the most impactful window and door features in terms of energy efficiency. 

Obscure Glass – Often used on entry doors and bathroom windows, obscured glass features a pattern in the pane that provides privacy while maintaining full light transmission.

Screens – Screens are made of close-mesh woven material of metal or fiberglass attached to an aluminum or wood surround, inhibiting the entry of insects while still permitting light, air, and field of view when windows and doors are open.

Tempered Glass – This safety glass is required for large windows and windows that are low to the ground. The glass is heated and then cooled rapidly in a controlled environment for added strength. The tempering process also makes the glass safer due to the pebble-like fragments created when shattered.

Transom – These windows are located above the main window or door and can be either stationary or operating. They allow more light to enter while also adding a decorative touch. 

Weather Strip – Made of felt, foam tape or formed plastic, this strip of resilient material around the door or window reduces air and water infiltration by sealing the sash and frame.

We hope this series on door and window parts has helped you better understand the long list of terms you’ll hear when looking to update or upgrade your home.  Of course, we could not cover everything, so if you have any questions about windows, doors or what will work best for you project, CONTACT US today.

The ABCs of Doors & Windows: Getting to Know Your Door and All Its Parts

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This is part two of our blog series, The ABCs of Doors & Windows. Part one can be found HERE.

Just like with windows, doors have a long list of parts and pieces the average homeowner may not be familiar with. Below you’ll find a brief introduction to some of the most common door parts and pieces that will help you better understand your options and hopefully lead to a more informed decision about which door is right for your project!

Frame – Made up of side jambs, head jambs, and mulls, the frame provides the structure to the door opening. It’s the surrounding part of the entry that the door panel fits into.

Hinges – These are the pieces of hardware that allow the door to swing open and closed. Standard-sized doors typically have three hinges while larger, heavier doors may have four or more to help bear the load.

Lockset – The lockset is the complete door lock system including the lock mechanism, knobs, keys, plates, strikes and other components that allow the door to latch and lock in place.

Panel – Sometimes called a slab, the panel is the whole part of the door that swings back and forth. Many doors are divided into several smaller panels of wood or glass.

Rails – The rails are the horizontal segments along the top, bottom and sometimes middle of the door, depending on the panel configuration.

Stiles – The narrow, vertical segments on either side of a door panel are called the stiles. The lock stile is on the side with the door handle or knob, while the hinge stile is on the side with the hinges.

Sidelites (or Sidelights) – These tall, narrow windows are found on one or both sides of the door, allowing more light into the entry way and improving the view.

Sill – The bottom, floor-fastened component of an exterior door frame is called the sill, which helps to seal the entry from leaks and other intrusions.

Strike Plate – This thick metal plate is attached to the door jamb and has a hole to accommodate the door bolt (or multiple holes for multiple bolts), which extends into the plate to lock the door.

 

Sweep – Creating a weather-resistant barrier between the bottom of door panel and the sill, the sweep is made of rubber, foam, neoprene or vinyl.

 

Threshold – The threshold is the strip of metal, wood or fiberglass that covers the sill on an exterior entryway, providing an added seal against things like weather, drafts, and pests.

Of course, if you have any questions about doors or what will work best for you project, CONTACT US  today. In our upcoming final installment of the The ABCs of Doors & Windows, we’ll cover those parts common to both doors and windows! To view more videos about windows and their various parts, click HERE.

Simple Cold Weather Door Problems SOLVED

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Recently, we published a blog about solutions for drafty windows during the winter. Just like windows, winter chills can pass through your entry doors as well. Substantial heat loss and increased energy bills can be attributed to these door problems.

Unlike windows, which may remain unopened for months, doors are used daily and need to be energy efficient. There are no quick tricks to reduce cold problems such as covering or sealing them during the winter like a window. Doors need to be kept in good condition for their functionality and your comfort to be maximized.

Here are simple solutions to common door problems in the winter:

Drafty Doors

If you can feel the breeze near your front door, it is time to seal up the gaps. First, check the weatherstripping at the bottom of the door. If it is missing or disintegrating, it is simple to replace. Choose from plastic, rubber or foam inserts that you can find at your local hardware store.

Next, check the door threshold. Oftentimes in colder weather, the threshold screws become loose. Tightening the screws will raise the threshold and form a better seal against the bottom door sweep. A good test to see if your door is sealed: try to pass a dollar bill between the bottom sweep and the threshold. If it is difficult to do, then the door is sealed. Another good test is to get down on the floor to see if any daylight is showing through — so low that you are pressing your cheek to the floor for a perfect vantage point.

If you are still experiencing drafts after these two fixes, there might be bigger problems such as rot or other changes in the structural integrity of your door. You will need a door expert to diagnose the problem and we can do that for you.

Check and adjust your door hardware to ensure there are no gaps.

Frosty Doors and Hardware

Similar to the seal on a door threshold or frame, a door’s hardware needs to be sealed as well. Remember that hardware is filling a hole in the door that can become loose. Evidence of this gap in the door will be hardware that is cold, wet or even icy/frosty. Considering the heavy usage on door hardware, especially on an active door, loose hardware is usually the culprit.

Check to see that your hardware is centered over the doorknob hole first. Then when the hole is completely covered by the hardware, tighten all the screws on the doorknob or handle. This should alleviate the problem.

Check the seals and hardware on patio and sliding doors.

Frosty Patio or French Doors

Both sliding patio doors and French doors in a home are subject to developing frost on the inside of the door for a few reasons. First, the humidity inside the home can cause frost to develop on the glass inside the house. But when the frost is developing on just the glass doors and not any windows in the house, gaps in the door may be to blame, not the inside humidity of the house.

To check for drafts on patio doors, ensure that the seal is intact by closing and locking the doors. The hardware on the active sliding door needs to be sealed and tightened as well. The older your patio door, the draftier it can become due to normal wear and tear.

With French doors, one side is the “active door” and the other side is the “passive door”. The active door has the lock hardware and should be sealed tight. The passive door is more problematic, especially if the top and bottom slide bolts that keep it in place are not properly locked. With heavy use, all of this hardware on both the active and passive doors can become loose and out of position, thereby creating gaps letting cold air in the home.

Door Draft Stoppers are simple but effective solutions.

But, It’s a Rental

So your door is a little drafty, but your residence is a rental and you do not want to make any permanent changes. A quick and easy solution to a drafty door is the very cost-effective Door Draft Stopper. Placing this at the bottom of your door is literally a draft stopper. These come in many shapes and sizes to fit your door. Click here for a helpful list of the best sellers on Amazon. If you are really wanting to be budget conscious, simply roll up a bath towel and place it at the bottom of the door.

This Is Not My Forever Home

It may be difficult to justify the cost of a new door for anything other than your forever home.  However, door problems do not get better on their own and plans for moving can get delayed months, even years, leaving you uncomfortable in your home. A good door is a sound investment and has a significant Return on Investment; over 70% of the cost can be recovered during the sale of your home. So, go ahead and replace that drafty old door and live in comfort and security while you are thinking about moving. Just think, a potential home buyer will take notice and appreciate the beauty of your front door, and the obvious care you have given to maintain your home.

Drafty doors, just like drafty windows, can substantially impact the inside temperature of your home as well as your utility bill. These solutions to common door problems during the winter season can positively impact the comfort in your home with just a few simple steps.