What’s the purpose of having entry doors with sidelights? How do you know if it’s time to replace them? Do you have to change the entire front door when replacing them? What are your options when it comes to sizes and styles?
These may be the questions running through your head as you ponder whether your sidelights are worth keeping. You don’t have to overthink anymore because we’ve got all the answers to your burning questions right here.
Learn everything you need to know about sidelight window replacements in this detailed guide. Let’s dive right in!
What Are Front Door Sidelights?
Sidelights are a series of rectangular-shaped windows that are placed vertically on either one side or both sides of your front doors. Sometimes they are also installed with a transom, which is a window that is strategically placed on top of the front door.
Sidelights are available in clear, frosted, tinted, or stained glass effects. They can also be made with beautiful grille styles and patterns for added flair.
Front door sidelights are great for letting in plenty of natural light without compromising your privacy. If you’re inside, they provide a glimpse of the outdoors—a visual treat if you have a thriving garden or a lawn out front.
Well-designed entry door sidelights are an excellent choice if you want to upgrade your home’s curb appeal and resale value or increase your home’s energy efficiency.
Typically, entry doors with sidelights are sold as a package deal because they are manufactured as a single unit. This creates a seamless design that will make your entryway more visually appealing.
Can You Replace Sidelights Without Replacing the Door?
Yes, you can replace only the sidelights of a front door without removing the entryway or installing the glass to an existing door. This is because everything—including the amount of sidelight glass, as well as its colour, size, shape, and placement—can be customized.
However, this process can be complex. The skills of a professional are typically needed to successfully install a sidelight to your entry door.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Front Door Sidelights
If you want to shake things up and update your home’s style from classic to contemporary, sidelights for your entry door could bring dramatic results.
However, it may be necessary to consider a replacement when:
- One or more of the glasses are broken.
- You notice that the sidelight glasses are fogging up.
- The frame or the sash has become too old, broken, rotten, or warped.
In the situations above, ordering a replacement should be done immediately because your and your family’s privacy and security are at stake.
Types and Styles of Entry Doors With Sidelights
If you love doing home renovation projects without spending too much time or effort, you will be pleasantly surprised by the limitless possibilities of sidelight replacements.
Whether you are leaning toward a more modern and minimalistic design or an elaborate and traditional entry door with sidelights, you won’t be disappointed with all of the different styles and types available to you.
You can choose any type of door design, such as the panel door, flush door, glazed door, French Door, and carved door. Then, you can take your pick from any four of the basic types of sidelight windows based on the size of the glass portion:
- Full Sidelight
- ¾ Sidelight
- ½ Sidelight
- Craftsman Sidelight
Since this is fully customizable, you can have a sidelight on one or both sides of your entry door or combine your sidelight with a transom.
Not only can you customize the visual appeal of the glass, you can also personalize the technical aspects of the windows. These include adjusting their performance and durability, using premium materials, or going with ENERGY STAR-certified windows.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Sidelight?
The price of a sidelight window replacement varies depending on the window manufacturer, material chosen, and type of glass. Alternatively, homeowners with skills and tools might be able to take on this project by following some online tutorials.
However, as mentioned above, there are downsides to the DIY approach as it pertains to sidelight replacement. First, working with glass is slightly more complicated than you might think as it requires accurate measuring, caulking, and weatherproofing.
If you do not have the right tools and expertise, it’s highly likely you’ll need to undergo a trial-and-error method that will set you back more money than if you had just hired a professional from the beginning.
Shop Customized Sidelight Windows At Clera
Whether you decide on going all out with both entry door enhancements or prefer to have sidelights over transoms, Clera Windows + Doors can help you out.
We are a major Canadian manufacturer of windows and doors with over 40 years of experience in the industry. We have an extensive collection with the highest quality standards and impressive energy efficiency capabilities. Our windows and doors are installed by a Window Wise-certified team to ensure the installation process goes smoothly.
We take care of everything, from manufacturing to maintenance. You get a hassle-free experience and a true lifetime warranty with us.
Get your sidelight window replacements with Clera Windows + Doors. To request a free home estimate, contact us today!
