The hinges, weatherstrip, bottom sweep and other door components aren’t the first things your customers think about when designing a new entry, but they matter when it comes to the long-term durability and reliability of the door system.
With a complete door system, all of the components work together at the most critical points where an ordinary door’s performance can fail, letting in air and moisture. By forming a tight seal against drafts and leaks, these components can help protect the door system and home against costly damage and deterioration. They also keep warm and cool air sealed in the house so homeowners can save on energy costs.
When the door components perform as one system, they lay the foundation for exceptional strength, security, energy efficiency, and long-term building performance.
Anatomy of a complete door system
- Fiberglass door panel delivers years of low-maintenance durability. Unlike wood, fiberglass won’t warp or rot. Unlike steel, it will not dent or rust.
- Glass should balance the amount of privacy and natural light homeowners prefer. Options with triple-pane construction will provide thermal efficiency and an easy-to-clean surface.
- Multi-point locking system engages the door and frame at three points from top to bottom for enhanced sealing and security, even under wind pressure.
- Hinges position the door to properly compress the weatherstrip, helping form a tight, even seal against air and moisture infiltration when the door closes.
- Sills provide a solid stepping surface and form a tight seal at the bottom of the door system to help channel moisture away from the home.
- A sill pan gathers leak water and drains it away from the structure, adding an extra layer of protection to help keep water away from the floor system.
- Corner seal pads (inswing only) fit securely behind the weatherstrip to help block potential pathways where wind-driven water can infiltrate the bottom corner of the door system.
- Bottom sweeps (inswing only) feature a dual-bulb, dual-fin design to help maintain tight contact with adjustable sill caps and create added barriers against water and air.
- Weatherstrip helps deliver a precise seal between the door and frame. Look for a variety of profiles to provide the best possible fit with the door system.
- Composite door frame provides a rot-free solution that delivers extra protection from the damaging effects of moisture.
When you pay close attention to every detail that goes into a complete door system, you can stand behind all of its parts, ensuring long-term performance. However, proper installation is just as important for long-lasting durability as having the best components.
Whether it’s just you or your entire crew on site, you want consistent, high-quality installations every time. Completing a certified installer training program can help build your knowledge, skills and confidence — and it shows customers you’re serious about providing an entry door solution they can trust to perform year after year.
Visit ThermaTru.com for more information on Therma-Tru premium fiberglass door systems to bring exceptional style and performance to any home’s front entry. Plus, open up more opportunities to grow your business with the Therma-Tru Certified Door System Installer Program.
