Frequently Asked Questions - Entry Doors

Entry Door FAQ's

What are the advantages of a front door without glass?

A front door without glass maximizes privacy and is usually more energy efficient than those with glass.

What is the most secure front door?

The most secure front door is one with hardware that features a multipoint locking system. This secures the door in multiple places for added security. Choosing a front door without glass is another way to increase security.

What are the advantages of a front door with glass?

Front doors with glass make a welcoming first impression by adding design interest and natural light to your home.

What makes fiberglass a good material for front doors?

Fiberglass front doors bring craftsmanship, flexibility and convenience to your doorstep. Exceptionally high quality and durable, Pella fiberglass front doors resist warping, dents, rot and withstand extreme weather beautifully. Maintenance and upkeep are minimal, while performance is reliable year-round.

Are fiberglass front doors lightweight?

Fiberglass front doors are typically lighter than wood or steel doors of the same size. Fiberglass is nonetheless strong and weather resistant.

What is a standard front door size?

One of the most common front door sizes in American houses is 36 inches wide by 80 inches tall, and almost 2 inches thick. However, not all doors will have these measurements.

Is glass in a front door safe?

Getting a front door with glass in it doesn't necessarily make your house more at risk than it was before. Remember, many people live in houses full of windows and glass patio doors. If privacy is a concern, you can choose a front door with less glass, obscure glass or between-the-glass blinds.

What is a door mullion?

A door mullion is where two products are joined together, such as an entry door and a sidelight.

What is the piece at the bottom of the door called?

The piece at the bottom of a door is called a sill. Door sills help prevent air and water from getting in your home.

What is the top of the doorway called?

The top of the doorway is called the head, door header or door head.

Should my storm door match my front door?

This is up to your personal preference. If you would like to draw your eye in to the front door and have a cohesive look, choose a color-matched or neutral storm door. If you would like to add design interest to your home, consider a contrasting storm door color.

How much is a new front door?

There are a lot of choices that can impact a new front door’s cost — including material selection, panel style with or without glass, accessories, and hardware. A new front door can cost anywhere from several hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on what you select.

If I install the product myself does it void the warranty?

No, if Pella’s installation instructions are followed, your product is covered by the product warranty. See our installation instructions here.

What is a fire door?

A fire door is one with a fire-resistance rating. Pella's steel front doors are available with a 20 minute fire rating.

What types of glass can be used in a front door?

When you choose a front door with glass, there are a number of glass options that you can choose from. With choices like energy-efficient Low-E glass, durable impact-resistant glass, and textured obscure and decorative glass for privacy, there is a glass style to meet your design and privacy needs.

Do fiberglass front doors fade?

Pella collaborates with Sherwin-Williams to prevent fading by offering long-lasting, high-performance stains and paints on our fiberglass front doors.

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