Depending on how you consider it, a sidelite is either a narrow, inoperable door with glazed panels, or it is a fixed window connected to one or both sides of an entry door's frame. Either way, a sidelite is a supporting player that should be chosen to complement the style and materials of the entry door, and most of the specifications that apply to an entry door apply equally to the sidelite.

Though sidelites sometimes feature solid panels, they are often fully-glazed in order to maximize the amount of natural light admitted to an entry hall. Some sidelites are even hinged so that they can enlarge the size of the door opening, making it easier to move large pieces of furniture into and out of the house.

Sidelites are often part of an entry door system that includes the door, one or two sidelites, a continuous threshold, and all attendant framing into a single unit. These systems may even include a glazed transom above the door. However, the greater the amount of glazing, the more important it becomes to choose it carefully. Building codes in areas prone to severe weather often hold entry doors and door systems to higher standards regarding their ability to withstand high winds and wind-blown debris. Check these requirements before choosing a sidelite.

Key Specifications:

Size type--Sidelites are offered in a relatively narrow range of stock widths and heights. Custom units are available, though with some manufacturers "custom" sometimes refers to a non-stock combination of standard features.

Nominal dimensions--The nominal width and height refer to the sidelite itself, not to the frame. They are given in inches, or in feet and inches. Height typically corresponds to the nominal dimension of the adjacent door.

Wood species--Species is an important determinant of the dimensional stability, durability, and cost of a sidelite.

Color/Finish--Sidelites are available either unfinished, primed and ready for painting, or with a factory-applied final finish. Unfinished products are the best option if the sidelite has to match existing finishes or colors. Factory-applied finishes generally last longer than site-applied finishes but aren't available in as many colors.

Lites--Lites are areas of glazing that replace solid panels. Their primary advantage is in admitting natural light to dark entry halls.

Lite configuration--The number, size, and location of lites have a substantial effect on the security of the sidelite as well as its energy efficiency.

Top profile--Most sidelites have a squared-off top. Arched-top or radius sidelites offer a dramatic appearance but are more expensive. In the case of a partial arch or partial radius sidelite, the top profile comes in left-hand and right-hand configurations.

Texture--Fiberglass and steel sidelight panels can be textured to resemble wood doors; this is generally associated with more expensive models.

Corresponding door type--Sidelites are available for standard side-hinged entry doors as well as for sliding and swinging patio doors.

Types of Sidelite Frame Materials:

Solid wood--Wood sidelites are available in both softwood and hardwood species to match entry doors. As with doors, the choice of wood depends on the desired appearance but should take climate and the entry's exposure into account. Weather extremes are hard on wood doors and invariably increase maintenance requirements. In areas where insect activity is significant, consider sidelites framed with wood that has been preservative-treated to resist rot, insect attack, and moisture absorption. In keeping with the fact that a sidelite is much like a window, aluminum-clad wood sidelites are also available. Cladding protects the wood and serves as a durable, low-maintenance surface.

Steel--A steel sidelite is a composite construction of galvanized steel wrapped around an insulating core of polystyrene or polyurethane. Wood stiles and rails provide a thermal break. Some are available with a factory-applied final finish, though in a limited number of colors.

Fiberglass--These units feature composite construction similar to steel sidelites, except that the exterior surfaces are smooth or textured fiberglass. Fiberglass can be stained or painted. Because it is a more resilient material than steel, it is more resistant to denting.

The cost of a sidelite is based on the material used for its frame but can increase dramatically depending on what type of glazing it has. As with entry doors, the arrangement of glazing is sometimes described by its location or by how much of the sidelite it fills. A 1/2-view sidelite, for example, is half glazed and half solid. There are many options for decorative glazing, including etched glass and leaded glass. One manufacturer offers over 20 different glass textures, from rippled to frosted, in several colors. Textured glass offers a way to increase indoor privacy without blocking daylight. A high-strength outer panel can be specified if security is a particular concern. Gray- or bronze-tinted glazing should be considered in order to minimize solar heat gain, while low-e glazing is the best option for minimizing heat loss.

Additional Resources:

American Architectural Manufacturers Association
www.aamanet.org

American Institute of Architects (AIA)
www.aia.org

American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
www.ansi.org

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
www.asce.org

Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC)
www.abc.org

Associated General Contractors of America
www.agc.org

Association of Window & Door Installers (AWDI)
www.awdi.com

ASTM International
www.astm.org

Blue Book of Building & Construction
www.thebluebook.com

Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association
www.buildershardware.com

Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP)
www.bcap-energy.org

Building Officials and Code Administrators (BOCA)
www.bocai.org

Building Trades Directory
www.buildingtradesdir.com

Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)
www.csinet.org

Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association
www.dasma.com

Door and Hardware Institute
www.dhi.org

Efficient Windows Collaborative
www.efficientwindows.com

ENERGY STAR
www.energystar.gov

Glass Association of North America
www.glasswebsite.com

Glazing Industry Code Committee
www.glazingcodes.org

Insulating Glass Certification Council (IGCC)
www.igcc.org

Insulating Glass Manufacturer's Association
www.igma.com

International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO)
www.icbo.org

International Window Film Association
www.iwfa.com

National Association of the Remodeling Industry
www.remodeltoday.com

National Fenestration Rating Council
www.nfrc.org

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
www.nfpa.org

National Glass Association
www.glass.org

National Institute of Building Sciences
www.nibs.org

Northeast Window & Door Association
www.nwda.net

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
www.osha.gov

Protective Glazing Council
www.protectiveglazing.org

Safety Glazing Certification Council (SGCC)
www.igcc.org

Screen Manufacturers Association
www.smacentral.org

Steel Door Institute
www.steeldoor.org

Steel Window Institute
www.steelwindows.com

U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
www.eere.energy.gov

Window & Door Magazine
www.windowanddoor.net

Window & Door Manufacturers Association
www.wdma.com