Anatomy of an Exterior Door: The Ultimate Guide to Door Parts

The anatomy of an exterior door is a thing to learn before upgrading your home entrance.

Choosing a new front entry door from Vinyl Light door company in Toronto might be one of the best ways to make an effect on your home's curb appeal. It's simple to replace your front entrance door and set up an exterior door installation, or select the one for a new construction project. Being familiar with the technical insides will help with this process.

To make it easier for you we will define the typical elements of a door in this blog. Also don’t hesitate to get through more information here:

Anatomy of a Front Door and Its Parts

The anatomy of a front door includes the parts and the all decorative accents that surround it.

Anatomy of a Front Door and Its Parts

Let’s have a closer look at the anatomy of a front exterior door:

  • Doorway - the part of the front entry doors that people walk through when the panel is open.
  • Door panel/slab - the part of the front entrance doors that swings open and shut. Sometimes known as the door slab. Smaller panels are frequently packed between the anatomy of an exterior door stiles, rails and mullions to form a complete door slab.
  • Dentil shelf - the decorative ornament typically inserted beneath the panel's quarter light, is regarded as a signature feature of artisan style.
  • Bore hole - the door panel has a hole bored into it for the locks’ hardware.
  • Fixed panel - half of a double door known as a fixed panel is frequently secured in place by a flush bolt that can be unlocked to open.
  • Transom - the horizontal beam that spans the top of a doorway and separates the door from an upper decorative window located in between the transom and header.
  • Sidelight - the large, thin windows that are placed on one or both sides of a front door to enhance the design of the entranceway and add more light.
  • Mullions - the thin wood strips which are vertical and horizontal parts used to divide portions inside a panel, window or door frame.
  • Sticking - the stiles and rails that support the panels and have a decorative edge.
  • Stile - the two vertical segments. The lockset and the hinges are attached to the lock stile and the hinge stile.
  • Glass / Glazing - the glass installed into a door panel, sidelight or transom. Argon Low E gas is usually pumped between glass panes of glazing to add additional insulation.
  • Grills - the small bars which provide the appearance of dividing lights. Grilles may be placed on the top of a single pane or permanently fitted between panes.

Exterior Doors

Anatomy of an Exterior Door Frame

Anatomy of an exterior door frame:

  • Frame - the structure holding the door panel and sidelights and is fastened to the rough opening. A header, sill and two side jambs made of wood, vinyl or fiberglass make up this structure.
  • Brickmold - the trim used as anatomy of front door surround to cover the space between external door frames and walls.
  • Rough opening - the hole in a wall intended to accommodate the door frame, which is constructed using standard framing materials. It is 2 inches wider and 1 inch taller than the door unit itself with a frame.
  • Jamb - the vertical elements on either side of the door frame complete the anatomy of an exterior door jamb. One jamb has mounting hinges inserted, while the latch strike plate is located in the other.
  • Sill / Threshold - the part of the door frame that attaches to the floor at the bottom. The door sill is covered with a threshold to give weather protection.
  • Header - the horizontal portion of the door frame that forms the top of the doorway.
  • Trim or Casing - the decorative pieces affixed to door frames to cover the gap inside between the rough opening, jambs and header.
  • Stop molding - keeps the door from swinging past the closed position and is fastened to the internal edge of door frames where the door sits.

Our company can offer exceptional service and high quality windows and doors in Brampton, Toronto, Mississauga and other cities in the GTA.

Anatomy of an Insulated Exterior Door

Anatomy of an Insulated Exterior Door

Anatomy of an insulated exterior door includes the main general parts from which the door consists of outside.

Inside the door has 2 components:

  • LVL Wood Stile & Rails which run along the perimeter of the door to keep its structure and to have the support for the lock and hinges
  • High-Density Foam in the core for the door’s shell support and insulation

Vinyl Windows and Doors Replacement Company

The main things about insulation to pay attention on in the anatomy of front door are:

  • Door material, such as steel entry doors and fiberglass ones with a foam core.
  • Glass insulation - the more panes the better energy efficiency.
  • Locks hardware - multipoint lock system holds the door at three points and this way along with security features provides a solid level of insulation.
  • Weatherstripping - the material which is flexible located between the door panel and frame. Weatherstrips work in conjunction with the jamb to keep your home warm and free from outdoor particles, supporting the prevention of air leaks.
  • Door sweep - located at the bottom of a door to connect with a sill to prevent draft and water infiltration.

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