A Look Back at Door Store and Windows Over the Years

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In celebration of our 20th anniversary, we want to take a look back at some of the milestones of our business.
October 1, 1997 – Ann Gregory and her father, John Gregory open The Door Store in Hikes Point Shopping Center on Taylorsville Road with partner, David Doctor. Focusing exclusively on replacement doors, The Door Store was a unique concept for the Louisville market.

1998 – Within the first year, the Door Store installs its 100th door and starts to establish itself as an expert in Louisville door replacement.

2003 – The Door Store becomes Door Store and Windows as the company adds window products to meet customer needs for a replacement window and door company with outstanding design and installation expertise. In 2006, the company becomes an authorized installing retailer for Marvin Windows and Doors and quickly becomes one of Marvin’s star dealers.

July 4, 2005 – Door Store and Windows moves from Hikes Point Plaza on Taylorsville Road to a highly visible and easily accessible location on Shelbyville Road. The new office/showroom facility more than triples the available showroom space for the company and adds office and warehousing space.

March 2006 – As Door Store and Windows continues its growth, Ann’s sister, Laurie Scarborough joins the firm for a “temporary” period of time to help with strategic planning, marketing, accounting and operations. Nearly ten years later, Laurie finally trades her fold-up table for a real desk and takes on a partnership role in the business.

The heart of Door Store and Windows is the team. Every member has been critical to the success of the business. Several team member additions signaled major changes and milestones for the company. Craig Rowe was hired as Lead Installer and Installation Manager in 2006. Don Erickson was brought in to establish the new construction division of the business in 2009. Virginia Bell took on CFO duties in 2015 and has recently assumed the role of Operations Manager.

2013 – Finding the best manufacturer/partners has always been a key to Door Store and Windows’ success. The company evaluates and scrutinizes every partner and found a gem with ProVia Doors. ProVia has been producing high quality entry, patio and storm doors in Ohio’s Amish country for almost 40 years and truly meets high standards of excellence.

2014 – Despite difficult prevailing economic conditions from the financial crisis and the associated housing collapse, Door Store and Windows finds the right combination of great value and outstanding customer service to continue its sales growth and receive Marvin’s highest dealer recognition – the Marvin President’s Club award – for the first time. Every year since then, the company has been awarded the Marvin President’s Club award and the ProVia Platinum Club award in the same year.

2016 – Door Store and Windows is named Window & Door Magazine 2016 National Dealer of the Year. As the first Kentucky company to be awarded this honor, the company is profiled on the cover of the window and door industry’s top national publication, Window & Door Magazine, and established as a nationally-recognized industry leader.

October 1, 2017 – Door Store and Windows rings in their 20th anniversary and will celebrate by honoring the team members, stake holders, vendor/partners and, of course, the local community for helping create outstanding customer experiences for Louisville homeowners for two decades.

 

Marvin Scenic Doors

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Our Marvin Scenic Doors bring the outdoors in by blending indoor and outdoor living spaces. Marvin Scenic Doors offer three beautiful ways to open up a one-of-a-kind view.

Marvin Bi-Fold Door

The Marvin Bi-Fold Door is a simple, elegant solution for indoor/outdoor living because it opens wide to invite fresh air in. Configured from two to eight panels, Bi-Fold Doors use a unique operating system that allows the door to fold smoothly to one side, stylishly and effortlessly connecting your space to the outdoors or to another room. Marvin Bi-Fold Doors are ideal for making a dramatic connection with verandas, gardens and more, or expanding a room into adjoining interior areas.

See It In Action!

Click the image at left to watch as Ann Gregory demonstrates the Marvin Bi-Fold Door installed in our Idea Showroom. Our display door is 16′ wide and is really simple to operate. Stop in and try it yourself!

Marvin Ultimate Lift and Slide Door

Marvin Ultimate Lift and Slide Doors will add acres to your floor plan. Available in stunningly large sizes and numerous panel configurations, it allows for a seamless transition from the exterior to the interior of your home. Marvin’s industry-exclusive hardware virtually disappears to give you an incredibly clean and unobstructed view with simple, effortless operation.

Marvin Ultimate Multi-Slide Door

The Ultimate Multi-Slide Door is more than just a new panoramic door. It’s an entirely new lifestyle. Smoothly slide it open and invite into your home expansive views, fresh air and an abundance of warm, natural light. Available in large sizes with standard widths up to 50’ wide and 12’ tall, this door comes in a variety of configurations that include pocket door panels that disappear completely into the wall or a stacked-panel configuration.

Stop in our Idea Showroom to see the Bi-Fold Door in action and discuss how we can help you connect your indoor space to your outdoor space.

Team Members Visit ProVia for Entry Door Training

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Recently, three of our team members traveled to Amish Country in Ohio to participate in a training and information session at ProVia, one of our entry door suppliers. Dena Shoemaker and Karen LaMontagne, both window and door sales consultants, and Brad Keith, our service manager, experienced ProVia’s state-of-the-art production facility first-hand and came away very impressed.

Impressive Facility and People

“The first thing I noticed about the facilities was the cleanliness,” noted Karen. Dena agreed, “The facilities were extremely clean and the employees worked hard and were very efficient.” Brad has more than a decade of experience in door manufacturing and came away totally impressed with the facility and people. “Their high tech automated system made door manufacturing look easy and the people were awesome and friendly,” says Brad.

“One-at-a-time” Door Craftsmanship

Quality and craftsmanship was a theme that resonated for our team. ProVia is located in the heart of Amish Country in Ohio and employs many skilled Amish craftspeople, but they also utilize some of the latest manufacturing techniques and technology. It’s a combination of “one at a time” craftsmanship with the efficiency of a streamlined production system that can address the unique requirements of each homeowner’s custom-built door. It also results in an entry door product that reflects the care and attention of each ProVia employee.

Some Photos From The Trip…

ProVia Goes The Extra Step

Everyone in the group learned something new during the visit. From the thickness of the steel used in steel doors (49% thicker steel than competitors) to the fact that they manufacture their own threshold (because they could not find one good enough for their doors), ProVia definitely goes the extra step to guarantee a great door. And the finishing areas (particularly the hand staining) was “hands down the most impressive part of the visit”, according to Dena. All agreed that ProVia’s investment in their painting and staining areas really shows in the beauty of their finishes and the longevity of their finish warranties. Karen adds, “The attention to detail is amazing!”

If you’re looking for a new entry door, contact Karen or Dena at 502-896-1717 to set up an in-home consultation.

Multiple Window and Door Styles Can Be Crafted For a Unified Look

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There are a number of different window styles available – casement, double-hung, picture and more – each designed for a particular use. But how do you use the different styles together without your house looking like a hodge-podge of window openings? We can help.

Can You Find The Four Different Window and Door Styles In This Picture?

While all of these windows and doors look very similar, this photo shows four different styles of window/door in use – casement (at left in kitchen), double-hung (corner above lamp), and picture windows (next to double-hung) along with sliding doors (next to picture window and far right). Notice how well the different styles of windows and doors maintain the “two-over-two” grid pattern.

Watch the video at right to find out more about how the architect put the appropriate style of window/door where it was needed.

Changing Grid Pattern Sizes and Muntin Styles

Before

The original windows in this home were a mish-mash of grid pattern sizes and muntin usage that didn’t match the proportions of the house.

 

 

 

After

Adding external muntins, changing to a larger grid pattern size and adding muntins to the half-round windows makes this home look more stately.

 

 

 

Call one of our design consultants at 502-896-1717 to get started on your project. We can help you transform your home with new windows or doors.

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Recreating Door Styles is One of Our Specialties

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Finding a door that matches the door you’re replacing can be challenging…especially for older homes. But minding the details can result in a perfect transition from old to new and you get the benefits of energy efficiency, security and easier maintenance with your new door.

Only The Door Slab Was Replaced…All Else Remains Original To The Home

Here’s an example of how we were able to duplicate a 100? year old door with matching sidelites. The sidelites did not need to be replaced and the homeowners wanted to retain the existing entryway interior and exterior moulding and frame…only the door slab was replaced. The challenge was to match the new door grilles to the grilles in the original sidelites. Not only did the grilles need to match in thickness, height and style, but they also needed to line up with the grilles in the sidelites. Our design and installation team meticulously measured and photo documented the original door and existing sidelites.

Before

After

Before

After

We worked with our manufacturer, Jeld-wen, to accurately translate the measurements and photos to an engineering drawing they would use to manufacture the door. The process went smoothly and the new door slab was delivered and installed. The new door offers performance improvements with a better door-to-frame and threshold seal, improved energy efficiency with double pane glass and it still looks perfectly at home between its older twin sidelites.

If you have a historic renovation project that needs the care and attention of an experienced team, give us a call at 502-896-1717 or click here to contact us.

Before and After: Easy Exterior Design Changes for your Door

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Sometimes you really want to change your front door. Your entry door is okay – maybe a little dated – but okay. The style is traditional and timeless. The slab and jamb are still in good condition (no rot or warping).  What do you do?

Ann Gregory – Owner/Partner in the Door Store and Windows – has some ideas to transform the look of your front door.  In fact, she did this very thing on her house.  Built in the 1940s, the front door on her Cape Cod style house located in St. Matthews needed freshening. She loves the style of her front door and feels it is appropriate for her home.  The door itself was in good condition, but it looked blah! Here is Ann’s story:

“I really like the newest trend of painting doors with a bright, complementary colors.  One of my neighbors has a purple door that I am particularly fond of,” says Ann.  “My wooden screen doors were shot, and needed replacing.  With some paint, new wooden screen doors and updated accessories, I had the recipe for a quick, easy and dramatic change.”

Her first step was to identify a new color for her door.  Ann wanted the screen door and the front door to be painted the same color. She had her own ideas, but decided to consult with a colorist from Porter Paint – Tracy Burbrink.  They both chose “Dill Green.”  (Editor’s note:  Ann is really good at color selection and should have trusted her instincts.)

Next she purchased new wooden screen doors, preferring the full view glass style so her entry doors could be easily seen. Although a wood screen door can be very temperamental, it was definitely the right product for her older home.  Tim Reynolds, a member of the Door Store and Windows installation team, hung the new doors in the existing jamb.

 

Ann decided to brighten up the front door with some updated accessories.  The Door Store and Windows recently identified a new product line of door knockers to add for the fall season.  Ann picked the “dragonfly” because it reminded her of a favorite book, and it was the right size and scale for her door. She also added new street numbers by Emtek.  (Tip:  Choose large, easy-to-read numbers.  In this case, function is more important than form. You’ll be glad you did it the next time the fire department arrives at your home quickly in response to an emergency!)

Last, Ann repeated the color scheme and wood screen door replacement on her side door.

How to Improve Security – Double Doors

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If you missed the first article in this series, see “How To Improve Security – Entry Doors” for a general overview of door security.

The expansive opening of a double door offers beautiful views and outstanding access, but it also offers intruders

easy access if preventive measures aren’t taken.

“The astragal of a double door – the section where the two doors meet in the middle – is typically a weak point in the door design. Simply putting pressure on the top and bottom corners of the active door and accessing the head and foot latch bolts from the outside with a screwdriver can allow easy access.”

– Craig Rowe, Door Store and Windows Installation Manager

 

Warning signs that indicate your double doors might be susceptible to forced entry include:

  • Improper head and foot bolt latching that results in loose, easy-to-manipulate doors
  • Damaged or inoperable head or foot bolts
  • Latch bolt access from outside through the astragal
  • Cracked, rotting or warped doors or door frames
  • Lack of, or inoperable deadbolt and/or handle lock

If you do decide to replace your double door, here are some key security features to look for:

  • Choose a unit with a multi-point locking system.
  • Look for security features on the astragal such as latch bolt cover plates.
  • Discuss your security concerns with your professional installer for on-site adjustments that can be made to improve the security of your double doors.

Stop by our Idea Showroom and talk with our door design consultants, Ann Gregory and Dena Shoemaker, for more information.

Entry Door Project Leads to Delicious Science Hill Entrees

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Recently, Door Store and Windows sales consultant, Dena Shoemaker took her husband, Mike and visiting out-of-town friends, Dan and Lori to Science Hill Inn in Shelbyville, KY. Although Science Hill has been around more than 30 years, it was the Shoemakers’ first visit. Dena’s inspiration to visit Science Hill came after a chance meeting with Ellen McCarty about a new Door Store and Windows entry door. Ellen happens to be Science Hill’s Chef De Cuisine, and according to Dena, quite good at what she does!

When Dena found out Ellen’s calling, she immediately decided to visit Ellen’s restaurant – a family business like the Door Store and Windows. According to Dena, “The food was delicious, the atmosphere relaxing. We all had a lovely afternoon.” Dena ordered the shrimp and grits and loved it. She tasted some of Mike’s fried chicken which she also highly recommended.

It’s worth the trip, folks! Check out their website for pictures of the traditional entrees as well as a map to this historic site. It’s really a quick trip from Louisville, but we recommend you make reservations. It’s a popular destination. And we love supporting our wonderful customers in any way we can.

 

 

Doors 101 Lesson 1: Different Replacement Door Types

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A new door can make your home more energy efficient and create a more aesthetically pleasing environment. Whether you are looking for an entry door, patio, slider, storm, or interior door, we can help you create any look you desire.

Lesson 1:

Entry Doors are used on the exterior of your home, or for garage entry.  They can be slabs only with or without glass.  Front entries often feature side lights – or glass panels – which frame the door slab.

Patio Doors swing open and closed, and offer outstanding views to the outdoors with an expansive opening.  Both slabs may be active.  Alternatively, one door slab can be inactive while the other slab swings.

Sliding Doors slide open and closed on a track, and offer outstanding views to the outdoors as well. They work well in tight areas where there isn’t room for a swinging door.

Storm Doors offer the opportunity to showcase your entry, ventilate and let in light, and reduce drafts.  Many people use storm doors so they can open the entry door for light and keep bugs and critters out.

Interior Doors are available for virtually every opening throughout your home. There are many custom options and unique wood species to make your dreams a reality.

The Door Store and Windows offers custom and standard replacement doors installed in any opening in your house.  Click here for even more info.  Or better yet, call Dena Shoemaker our door specialist at 502-896-1717.

When to Paint Your Door Black

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Saw this terrific article on Houzz.com about painting your front door black – complete with color swatches.  Look through this slideshow of pictures and suggested color palettes.  Like!

LINK TO THIS HOUZZ GALLERY: https://www.houzz.com/photo/49463-presidio-heights-residence-traditional-exterior-san-francisco

AND THIS HOUZZ ARTICLE: https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4068875/list/Front-and-Center-Color–When-to-Paint-Your-Door-Black