MY HOUSE IS OLD. like late 1890's or very very early 1900's build. it's been in my family since the 30's. the front doors are double. they're also the ones that've been there at LEAST since the 50's. they're not very secure, nor do they insulate well as they're mostly glass. it's time to look into replacing them. i'd like to still have glass in them, but want extra security out of them, and want better insulating frmo them.

 i don't know much if anything about what to look for in a door, nor do i know anything about brands. i've been cruising home depot's website, and they've got some very nice looking doors.

 

 any suggestions?

1 hour ago, 1LtCAP said:

MY HOUSE IS OLD. like late 1890's or very very early 1900's build. it's been in my family since the 30's. the front doors are double. they're also the ones that've been there at LEAST since the 50's. they're not very secure, nor do they insulate well as they're mostly glass. it's time to look into replacing them. i'd like to still have glass in them, but want extra security out of them, and want better insulating frmo them.

 i don't know much if anything about what to look for in a door, nor do i know anything about brands. i've been cruising home depot's website, and they've got some very nice looking doors.

 

 any suggestions?

I'm a purist... a real "architectural preservationist" type. I, too, have an old house (1860s). But, it sounds like your doors were a much later addition anyway, so I'm cool with replacing them (gee, aren't you relieved I approve? LMAO!!)

Seriously though, I would urge you to look at pictures of houses from that era - or even try to find old pictures of your town that might show your house - and at least try to get something that reflects the architectural styles of the time. Too often people replace windows and doors with "modern" versions that really strip away the architectural design integrity.

They have companies that make reproduction doors too (you'll find them advertising on websites like This Old House). I have original double doors with 2 glass panes in each --- they are drafty and (no doubt) a total security nightmare --- but I would never replace them. Instead, one of my very next upgrades will be low profile (full glass/narrow frame) storm doors from one of the security storm door companies. There was a thread on here at one point that listed security storm doors. See if you can find it. Perhaps that's another option for you to consider? It's a quicker, easier find, too.

You could add those now... and take your time looking for a pair of appropriate-looking front doors at some later point. I can't imagine better insulation or security than 2 sets of locked doors.

 

Most frequent error by DIY front door installers.   Not setting the bottom of the threshold high enough to make it over a floor mat as it opens inward.

take note 

cremone bolts( 2-4) and weather stripping. As far as glass. 3m makes some nice stuff. A storm door is a good idea.

 

I will not question an Anderson product. I’ve installed high to low and I would put them in my home. Stay far away from Kolbe

32 minutes ago, Barms said:

Most frequent error by DIY front door installers.   Not setting the bottom of the threshold high enough to make it over a floor mat as it opens inward.

take note 

In @1LtCAP‘s case from other postings. His dwelling’s door was most likely cut into the rim and floor joists ( fairly common for the time).

 

All prime doors are Temp glass and insulated. Fiberglass doors will not conduct as well as steel. I would stay with fiberglass, Twin door set is called a french set. Are  your doors now wood? Some older homes were taller openings. Might have to close down or open up for a standard french set. Custom size width or height. will be mucho dinero! When ready to order, pop off clamshell on interior to get correct size of daylight opening!

2 hours ago, Mrs. Peel said:

I'm a purist... a real "architectural preservationist" type. I, too, have an old house (1860s). But, it sounds like your doors were a much later addition anyway, so I'm cool with replacing them (gee, aren't you relieved I approve? LMAO!!)

Seriously though, I would urge you to look at pictures of houses from that era - or even try to find old pictures of your town that might show your house - and at least try to get something that reflects the architectural styles of the time. Too often people replace windows and doors with "modern" versions that really strip away the architectural design integrity.

They have companies that make reproduction doors too (you'll find them advertising on websites like This Old House). I have original double doors with 2 glass panes in each --- they are drafty and (no doubt) a total security nightmare --- but I would never replace them. Instead, one of my very next upgrades will be low profile (full glass/narrow frame) storm doors from one of the security storm door companies. There was a thread on here at one point that listed security storm doors. See if you can find it. Perhaps that's another option for you to consider? It's a quicker, easier find, too.

You could add those now... and take your time looking for a pair of appropriate-looking front doors at some later point. I can't imagine better insulation or security than 2 sets of locked doors.

 

see? yours is probably nice. mine? built by drunken monkeys snorting crack right after they started their lsd trip. and they had no clue how to use a tape measure, level or square. my hallway is nearly 2ft wider at the front of the house than at the rear.

and yea. i'm not rushing at all.

2 minutes ago, 1LtCAP said:

see? yours is probably nice. mine? built by drunken monkeys snorting crack right after they started their lsd trip. and they had no clue how to use a tape measure, level or square. my hallway is nearly 2ft wider at the front of the house than at the rear.

and yea. i'm not rushing at all.

That’s referred to as” historical character “ 

jus sayen 

( do they rilly not build them like they used to...)

3 minutes ago, Zeke said:

That’s referred to as” historical character “ 

jus sayen 

( do they rilly not build them like they used to...)

Only for a hefty price.

1 hour ago, Zeke said:

I will not question an Anderson product. I’ve installed high to low and I would put them in my home.

This.

Don't put on storm doors. When replacing prime doors opening will change. Put you money in a new prime door set. Then later add storm doors. [ I had a door & window co. for 32 years]

16 minutes ago, 1563621 said:

Don't put on storm doors. When replacing prime doors opening will change. Put you money in a new prime door set. Then later add storm doors. [ I had a door & window co. for 32 years]

while these doors used to be directly exposed to the outside, they're now somewhat sheltered. by a poorly poorly insulated porch. the porch though....that's another whole topic. suffice it to say it's a gigantic heat leak

20 minutes ago, 1LtCAP said:

while these doors used to be directly exposed to the outside, they're now somewhat sheltered. by a poorly poorly insulated porch. the porch though....that's another whole topic. suffice it to say it's a gigantic heat leak

I also installed alum porches, PM me some pics.

2 hours ago, 1LtCAP said:

see? yours is probably nice. mine? built by drunken monkeys snorting crack right after they started their lsd trip. and they had no clue how to use a tape measure, level or square. my hallway is nearly 2ft wider at the front of the house than at the rear.

and yea. i'm not rushing at all.

OMG, I'm laughing... but @Zekeis correct... your narrowing hallway and out-of-plumb walls should be viewed as "historical character" or even my preferred term: "quirky charm". Yeah, that's it. My place was not a fancy Victorian - no marble floors or stained glass or anything like that. But my brother, a former carpenter, has consistently remarked how just about everything in the house is still perfectly plumb after nearly 150 years. So, I think it was well-built - perhaps by a local professional carpenter.

If you're not in a huge hurry on the doors... you could immediate do some cheap things to help out on the energy side, like foam weather stripping,  a draft stopper placed at the bottom of the doors - maybe some foam or caulk on the porch (if it's a closed-in porch). I was surprised how much draft I cut down just by using little low cost things like that. Might as well go through the whole house - checking doors, windows, switch plates and outlets, those foam pipe noodles to insulate the hot water pipes in the basement or crawl space. You can tighten up all over the house and save yourself on your heating bill.

Now, I'll let all the smart people who actually know what they're doing take apart everything I just told you and tell why it was wrong... and what you really need to do! I don't mind... I know I'm a mere amateur. Just another smitten old house owner.

i measured the width last night. only 47'ish inches wide. that's gonna make things even more fun. 156,.....i'll take some pics and pm em to ya this weekend sir