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

/in , , , , , /by

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 502-822-5424 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

/in , , , , , , /by


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 502-822-5424 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!

/in , , , , , , /by

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

/in , , , , , , , /by

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

/in , , , , /by

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.

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

/in , , , /by

This is part one of our blog series, The ABCs of Doors & Windows.

When choosing new windows, you’re likely to find there are a lot of terms that may be unfamiliar to you. The following are some of the most common window terms and definitions to help you gain a clearer view when shopping for replacement windows!

Casement Window – Assembled as a complete operating unit, casement windows feature a combination of window frame, sash, weather-strip, and concealed hinges. Operating casements are hinged on one side, or at the top or bottom. They typically have a crank handle for smooth opening and closing.

Double Hung Window – These windows have two movable sashes, which allow them to slide open vertically. Coil spring blocks and tackle balancing devices keep them up when in the open position.

Single Hung Window – This window looks like a double hung window, but the upper sash is fixed. Only the bottom sash moves up and down.

Frame – This is the stationary part of the window that encloses the glass or sash, made up of the following parts:

  • Head Jamb – The horizontal component along the top of the frame.
  • Sill – The horizontal component along the bottom of the fame.
  • Side Jamb – The vertical components along the sides of the frame.
  • Jamb Liner – The covering over the space between the window frame and the finished interior wall.
  • Jamb Extension – An addition to a standard jamb to adapt the window unit to a deeper wall thickness.

Sash – The operating and/or stationary portion of the window that’s separate from the frame unit is called the sash. It includes the following parts:

  • Stiles – The vertical component along the sides of the sash.
  • Rails – The horizontal components along the top and bottom of the sash.
  • Check Rails – The horizontal components that meet in the middle of a double hung and single hung window.
  • Muntin Bars – The divisional components that extend from rail to rail or stile to stile to create the look of smaller individual panes, usually used when historical accuracy is important.

Sash Lock – This locking device holds a window shut, with larger units utilizing two locks.

As always, if you have any questions about windows, doors or what will work best for you project, CONTACT US today. In our next blog we will tackle the different parts of a door so stay tuned! To view more videos about windows and their various parts, click HERE.

Arcadia Custom: New Product

/in , , , /by

Door Store and Windows is now the exclusive Arcadia Custom Windows and Doors dealer in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Arcadia Custom produces luxury high-performance Thermal Steel and “Steel Look” Aluminum windows and doors.

Read more

International Builders Show 2019

/in , , /by

Three Can’t Miss Updates From IBS 2019

Over the course of three days this February, TDSW attended the International Builders Show (IBS) in Las Vegas, NV, where we saw the best and most cutting-edge industry innovations. If you couldn’t make it, here are a few of TDSW’s can’t-miss takeaways from the show:

Ann, Laurie and Don at IBS Las Vegas

Your Door Store and Windows team at IBS 2019

    1. This contemporary Marvin pivot door, available now for spring patio projects. It speaks for itself; see it in action below.
    1. User-friendly windows ideal for kitchen remodels: It can be challenging to reach the locks on (and even to open) double-hung windows over a kitchen sink. Marvin has integrated the lock and lift in this sleek window that’s a cinch to unlock and open in one fell swoop; as you close the window it locks automatically. Even simpler: super easy-to-open awning windows.
  1. ZIP System Flashing Tape: when considering options for water and weather-proofing, builders who care about longevity have been leaning towards butyl-based flashing tape. At IBS we were able to see up-close the advantages of the acrylic ZIP System Flashing Tape, which offers a continuous air barrier, water resistive barrier, increased structural durability, and as you can see in this video from Matt Risinger, adhesion that builds over time (even in extreme temperatures.)

Interested in learning more about these or any other products we saw at IBS 2019? Your TDSW New Construction team is here to partner with you for your next building project. Give us a call today!

A Great Product That Won’t Break the Bank – TDSW Now Offers Sierra Pacific

/in , , /by

Sierra Pacific products add a modern touch to this rustic design

At Door Store and Windows (TDSW) we pride ourselves on offering our clients the highest quality products. That’s why we’re happy to present Sierra Pacific Windows to Louisville – a stylish product with a wide array of features and colors at a cost that won’t break your budget.

We are particularly excited to offer this product line to our professional partners. As you know, building a home is an extremely involved process, and it is important to meet the project budget while still providing a quality product for the client. Sierra Pacific is extremely cost effective for new construction and remodeling projects while still offering homeowners an array of features and colors to customize and match their personal style. For example, their wood/aluminum clad products are available in 75 different exterior color options, plus the products include a 20 year warranty for rot.

“Sierra Pacific gives us the ability to provide a good quality and diverse line of products and options to match the budget needs of more builders and homeowners than we previously could,” says Ann Gregory, TDSW Co-Owner. “It completes our lineup of fine products at a variety of price points.”

Much like TDSW, Sierra Pacific is family owned and committed to making their buying process a true partnership for all involved. They are responsive, easy to work with and always have their customers’ best interests in mind.

A black finish allows the windows to stand out among the brick finishes on this home

Sierra Pacific Windows is owned by Sierra Pacific Industries, and are made using lumber harvested from the company’s 1.9 million acres of timberland in California and Washington. As the largest vertically integrated window manufacturer in the world, their seed-to-window manufacturing approach is a reflection of their dedication to sustainability and product integrity. Sierra Pacific plants every seed, manages every acre of land and harvests every piece of lumber used in their products.

TDSW will work with you to pick the best products for your project. Our New Construction team is here to help whether you are interested in Sierra Pacific or the many other products we offer. Give us a call to talk about your upcoming project and how we can help!