Installing side lites

There are door companies like Stanley, Therma-tru, ReliaBilt, etc. Ordering a whole sidelight panel is also a tricky installation to an existing door. Door widths and mulling can vary and be difficult to seal tightly. So you may end up with drafty air and dust seeping through the doorway. There are times when the entire entry unit must be replaced — door and sidelights.

Andersen has a variety of doors — and so does Provia, both of which offer quality entrances with sidelights as a complete unit.

Sidelight glass is available in a variety of options, frame options and grille patterns, making it easier to replicate the look of existing patterns in the home — or to create something completely different with leaded art glass. When these units need to be replaced, we advise homeowners to seriously consider calling a professional. The full unit replacement represents a bigger investment and getting the job done right, and guaranteed, can help protect that investment.

A front entry replacement, including the door, is an opportunity to enhance the look and resale value of the home. Our consultants utilize a computer aided design tool that allows the homeowner to visualize new door styles on a photo of the front of their home.

There are so many options in finishes — both internal and external — colors, hardware, window and grille combinations, art glass, etc. These windows would need to be tempered or safety glazing regardless if they directly mounted to the door or not. The best option is probably to order the sidelight attached at the factory. That way you get exact matching glass and or door panel configurations. This also gives you options for various widths and sidelights on one or both sides of the door.

Another option for an attractive door is to also have a window light above the door and the sidelights. This is called a transom. Watch this short video of an installation of a door with a single sidelight attached:. For more information, check out our exterior door installation instructions. Join our mailing list to receive the best home improvement tips, tricks, and how-to guides, along with exclusive discounts on EZ-Hang!

Facebook Twitter RSS. However, it requires just a little extra attention; especially if the sidelight is attached to hinge side of the door. Mark the location in the center of each post. Drill a wire hole for the post mount lights. Run the wire from the transformer to the first post and rail light, leaving a loop of extra wire at the location of the rail light. New Decks : Run your wire from post to post in the railing groove you created before starting.

Do not install the top rail until after the lighting system has been tested and verified to work! Existing Decks : Loosely run the wire along posts and underside railings, threading them up and creating a loop in each deck post. Do not secure any of the wire with staples at this point. Cut back any excess wire and leave enough exposed to make connections without excess bulk. Separate each wire pair into in single strands. Stay consistent in matching wire types as you continue through the wiring process.

Taking one wire from each light fixture and its counterpart from the wire threaded into the post, hold the two wires together with the ends even. Twist a waterproof wire nut onto them, pushing firmly until hand-tight.

Repeat for the second set of wires. Wipe away any excess silicone sealant, and then wrap the connections with electrical tape to prevent accidental movement. Coil the wire and wire nuts into the recessed hole on top of the post, ensuring the rail lights are in position. DO NOT secure the post cap, rail light, handrail or wiring until you have tested the entire lighting system.

After connection to an outlet, turn the transformer switch to the "ON" position. Tip — If the transformer has a photo eye built into the transformer, place a piece of tape over the photo eye for testing a low voltage system during daylight hours. It may take minutes for the photo eye to respond after covering. Finish the wire installation. Having verified that the light system works, unplug the power source to the transformer.

Take care not to hit any wires with screws. Existing decks : Secure the wiring along the posts and under the handrails by using the staple gun.