If your home needs a new entry door, you should consider adding new ones with sidelights. Here’s why.
Sidelights are vertical fixed windows that span the height of one or both sides of a front entry door. They can be built as a single tall window or multiple smaller windows mulled together. Its primary function is to allow natural light into the entry hall, which tends to be poorly lit without clerestory windows or electrical lighting.
When incorporating sidelights into your front entry door design, keep in mind that sidelights will occupy a portion of the entry door’s width. This means the new entry door sash will either have to be narrower than the old one, or the front door opening will need to be widened. Note that the latter may require additional work from new construction builders as the framing may need to be modified.
Sidelights can improve your front entry door both aesthetically and functionally. It can help boost your home’s curb appeal by making your front entry door look wider. Choosing stained glass designs can add a pop of color to a neutral or muted exterior color palette. In addition to stained glass, you can choose frosted or textured glass to prevent anyone from the curb from casually peering in.
Sidelights are essentially fixed windows, which brings up the question of whether or not they will have an effect on the entry door’s energy efficiency. Traditionally, sidelights are made with single-pane glass, which means it can cause heat loss during winter and heat gain during summer. Ask your entry door contractor about insulated glass options, not just for the sidelights, but also for the door itself.
Call Blackstone Exteriors at (515) 575-2880 for your window needs. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.