Although doors seem like simple devices that open and close with the touch of a hand, they actually contain many parts. There are parts installed on the door itself and parts installed on the wall or frame around the door to support it. Each of these door parts functions together to support opening and closing the door structurally and mechanically.
One of the simplest things you can do to improve your home is to replace your door. If you’re thinking about upgrading your home, it’s a good idea to learn the language before reaching out to a local door installer or contractor.
Because most doors have a basic standard design, it is easy to identify the various parts. Below are the main parts of any entry door.
1) Door Frame
A door frame is the entire structure supporting the door, including the header, jamb, and sill. The size of the frame determines a door’s size, and your door frames can be made of wood or aluminum to blend seamlessly into your home’s décor.
Door Sill, Jambs & Header
Take a step back and look at your doorframe. It is comprised of three parts: the jambs, which are vertical pieces on both sides of the door; the sill, which sits under the door at the bottom and the header, which is the top horizontal section of the frame above the door.
Hinges & Insets
Door jambs are attached to frames with two to three metal hinges on each side. The jambs can be capped with aluminum to match the exterior capping or stained to match your interior molding. A new product on the market allows your door to have a composite frame made of fiberglass to match the stains and grain of a fiberglass door. Your door may also have an inset, which is a piece of decorative glass with trim around it. The trim can be made of aluminum, steel, or fiberglass.
2) Threshold
This term should sound familiar. Need a hint? Did you carry your significant other over the threshold yet (or have plans to?)
You can identify the threshold right under the sill at the base of the floor, located underneath the sill. The threshold is the area where you step when entering or leaving and provides a secure location for the sill to be installed. Depending on your preference, it can be simple or elaborate. Most thresholds are covered with aluminum or steel but can be left wooden. There are also special ADA-compliant thresholds to allow wheelchairs to easily enter and exit a door.
3) Door Panel
A panel is simply the door itself. Often called the door slab, it is available in many options and styles. Unified Home Remodeling offers a great selection of entry, security, and storm doors to upgrade your home’s look and fit its aesthetic from manufacturers like Pella, HomeGuard, Andersen, HMI, and Provia.
With the help of our professionals, you can select doors for your home that will maximize style, energy efficiency, and performance. To receive a free estimate, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.
4) Sidelight
A sidelight is a glass panel attached outside the frame of a door, either on one side or both sides. With these tall narrow windows, more light enters the house. Sidelights can be fixed or hinged. Hinged sidelights allow for a bigger opening to easily fit objects like furniture in and out.
5) Door Sweep
Adding door sweeps to your home will improve its energy efficiency. Basically, a sweep is a piece of weather stripping that seals the gap between the door sill and the door frame at the bottom of the door. It is usually made with a flexible rubber gasket. The door sweep can be magnetic, replaceable, or embedded into the door itself.
6) Door Knob
A doorknob is a piece of hardware that opens and closes the door. A variety of materials are available for doorknobs, including antique brass, rubbed bronze, and satin nickel. Door knobs can also be handles or keyless touchpad locks.
7) Door Locks & Strike Plates
Find the parts of the door lock. The door lock is installed into the side of the door where it meets the jamb. The strike plate is a flat piece of metal with a square hole in the middle. When the door is closed, the strike plate sits on the side of the jamb. Door handles and key insertion locations are located near the edge of the front and back of the door. Knowing what material the door strike and interior components of the door lock are made of is very important in the security of your door. If the strike plate is made of thin metal or the door lock components are made of plastic, your door can be easily broken into.
It’s a good idea to know what door part descriptions mean before starting a new door project. It is the best way to enhance the curb appeal of your home, save energy, and increase the value of your property by replacing your entry door.
Entry doors vary in price and depend on your chosen style and material, such as Fiberglass, Steel, or Wood. You should also consider the parts and hardware of your new door when preparing a budget. You can choose from a wide range of prices for these components. Our prices include installation and standard hardware, making Unified Home Remodeling the best choice for replacing an entry door. If you want to dive deeper into how much it will cost to replace an entry door in your house, read this blog.
Contact Us Today For Entry Door Replacement
Once you’re more familiar with door part names and materials, it’s easier to talk to contractors like Unified to get help choosing the right door. Call us today for your Free Estimate, and we’ll help you find a door to meet your needs, wants, and budget. Contact us online or call (888) 631-2131.
