Can You Add Glass to a Metal Front Door?

Maybe you’ve read through our website and seen the benefits of adding glass to your current fiberglass door and wondered whether you can do the same for a metal door. The short answer is, yes you can, and here are some benefits and things to consider before taking the plunge.

Why Add Glass to Metal Doors?

Adding glass to your existing metal doors gives you the same benefits as for your fiberglass doors, including:

Aesthetic Appeal

The main reason people choose to add glass inserts to their existing doors is to make them look better and stand out in the neighborhood. Glass inserts or sidelights give your home a modern and sophisticated look, especially if you opt for a custom design.

And it’s not just the outside that gets the “wow” factor because glass inserts allow more natural light to flow into the house, creating a warmer, more inviting atmosphere. 

Functional Advantages

Adding glass isn’t just for looks; you get functional benefits too. 

Modern glass inserts are often double or triple-glazed offering improved insulation, which can keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer taking some of the stress off your HVAC system.

While most people think glass is a security risk, security risk, inserts come with tempered or laminated glass, which is much stronger and more difficult to break than regular glass. And if you live in an area where severe storms like hurricanes are the norm, you can get impact-resistant glass to protect your home from flying debris. 

Finally, data suggests that upgrading your front door gives you a potential return on investment of around 75%. 

You wouldn’t think it, but the front door is one of the first things potential buyers notice when they see the house. If it looks dingy, dated, or damaged, a potential buyer could get the idea that you’ve not been diligent about upkeep. 

Things to Consider Before Adding Glass to Your Door

Door Structure

Before deciding to install glass into your metal doors, you must look at its structure to see whether glass is a good option.

The first thing to consider is the core type. Solid core doors, typically filled with wood or other material, are better for modifying with glass inserts. They provide a strong framework that can support the glass securely. 

Hollow-core metal doors, on the other hand, are prone to warping or damage during modification. 

The next thing to consider are the internal reinforcements if any. Some metal doors come with internal reinforcements or built-in frames specifically for making modifications easier. 

Lastly, consider the door’s weight because adding glass can alter its distribution. Your current hinges may need to be reinforced to accommodate the additional weight. 

The Metal

What kind of metal is your door made from? Steel doors are harder and more durable and require more effort and specialized tools to cut. Aluminum doors, however, are softer and easier to modify but don’t offer the same level of security as steel. 

Professional Installation

While there are many DIY projects you can do around the house, adding glass to your metal door should be left to the pros, and here’s why.

Professionals have the right tools and experience to cut the doors precisely without compromising their structural integrity. They also ensure the glass is sealed correctly to prevent leaks and drafts.

Cutting metal is a safety risk, given the shape of edges and the potential for shattered glass. Expert installers who work with these materials know how to avoid accidents that could cost an amateur a trip to the hospital.

Let Our Pros Add Glass to Your Metal Doors

The Glass Door Store does one thing better than anyone else — doors. Your doors plus our glass is a combination that will make neighbors and passersby look twice at your house. 

Once you provide us with the measurements and you’ve selected the glass you want, our professional installers will bring our mobile cutting equipment right to your home for an expert fit guaranteed. 

Call us today and let us help you transform your front door from ordinary to extraordinary. In Lakeland, call 863-272-7311 or in Tampa, call 813-991-0028.