Why Therma-Tru Double Entry Doors Are the Upgrade Your Home's Entryway Needs

Many New Jersey homeowners see the signs of a failing door. They feel drafts in the winter. They see salt air rotting the wood. They see water leaking under the door. A double entry door is a large opening. When it fails, your energy bills go up. Your home is less secure. I am Mike Werner, owner of Matera Builders. As a window replacement contractor, I help homeowners choose products that last. We focus on Andersen Windows and Andersen Doors for many projects. For entryways, Therma-Tru double entry doors are a great choice. They handle salt air and moisture without rotting or warping.

Here are the most common double door configurations available:

Most popular door size: 36 x 80 per panel, with over 1,000 configurations available across styles like Craftsman, Shaker, Colonial, and Contemporary.

Therma tru double entry doors terms you need:

• Therma Tru Craftsman Door with Sidelights
• Therma Tru Entrance Doors
• Therma Tru Front Door with Sidelights

The Engineering Behind Therma-Tru Double Entry Doors

A double door is a complex system. It is not just two slabs of material. Therma-Tru started making fiberglass doors because wood rots and steel dents. In New Jersey, wood doors swell and stick when it is humid. Steel doors rust when the salt air hits them. Fiberglass is the best option for our area. It gives you the look of wood without the work. It has a foam core for better insulation. It stays square so it does not leak air. We focus on how the door is built and how it is installed. Even a premium door will fail if the installation is not done right.

• Fiberglass (Therma-Tru)

  • Rot resistance: Excellent; fiberglass does not rot
  • Dent resistance: High
  • Maintenance: Very low
  • Insulation: High, often with a foam core
  • Warranty: Lifetime limited

• Traditional Wood

  • Rot resistance: Poor; more vulnerable to moisture
  • Dent resistance: Moderate
  • Maintenance: High; typically needs regular refinishing
  • Insulation: Low to moderate
  • Warranty: Often around 1 to 5 years

• Standard Steel

  • Rot resistance: Moderate; the door skin resists rot, but surrounding components may be affected by moisture
  • Dent resistance: Low; dents more easily than fiberglass
  • Maintenance: Moderate; may need repainting and rust monitoring
  • Insulation: High, often with a foam core
  • Warranty: Commonly limited to about 10 to 15 years

With over 60 years of innovation, Therma-Tru subjects their doors to rigorous performance testing. You can see the full scope of their engineering in the Full-Line Catalog of Door Systems.

Benefits of Fiberglass Over Wood

Fiberglass is stable. Wood is a living material. It breathes and expands. In a double door, even a small warp means the doors will not meet correctly. This leads to air leaks. Fiberglass does not warp or swell. It keeps the internal foam core dry. This ensures the door stays square for a long time.

Security and Durability Features

A double door has a unique security challenge. The active door locks into the inactive door. Therma-Tru uses reinforced strike plates. They also offer multi-point locking systems. These systems lock the frame at three points. This makes the door harder to force open. It also provides a tighter seal against rain. For coastal homes, impact resistance is also important. It helps the door withstand flying debris during a storm.

Choosing the Right Style for Your Architecture

Some people think fiberglass looks like plastic. Modern therma tru double entry doors look just like real wood. They use special molds to get the texture right. You can find a style for any home in New Jersey. Whether your home is a classic Victorian or a modern build, there is a style that fits.

Customizing Your Therma-Tru Double Entry Doors

You can choose different wood grains. Explore Wood Grain Premium Entry & Exterior Door Systems to find the right texture.

• Fir Grain: Good for Craftsman homes with a straight grain.
• Mahogany Grain: A rich texture that looks great with dark stains.
• Oak Finish: A classic look that mimics northern red oak.
• Smooth-Star: Best for a painted look. These doors have a smooth surface that looks great with paint.

For a modern look, the Pulse collection offers sleek lines. We also see interest in flush-glazed glass. This is where the glass is built into the door. It looks cleaner because there is no bulky frame around the window.

Sidelite and Transom Configurations

If your entryway is wide, we can add sidelites. These are glass panels on the sides of the doors.

• 10-inch sidelites: Good for narrow foyers that need some light.
• 12-inch and 14-inch sidelites: These give a grand look and let in more light.
• Privacy Glass: You can get light without people seeing inside. Options like Rainglass or Satin Etch provide privacy while brightening your space.

Performance Standards for Coastal Environments

Living near the water is great, but it is hard on your home. Salt spray can damage many materials. Strong winds can cause problems. A Complete Door System from Therma-Tru is built for this. These doors offer the same protection as energy efficient windows. Most of them are ENERGY STAR certified. For coastal window replacement and door projects, we look for high performance. These doors have a foam core that keeps heat in during the winter. They use Low-E glass to reflect heat. The Tru-Defense system uses special seals to keep water out. This system is backed by the Therma-Tru Lifetime Limited Warranty.

Impact Rated Solutions for Storm Zones

In many coastal areas of New Jersey, you need impact-rated products. Therma-Tru offers doors that are built for wind-borne debris. They use laminated glass and reinforced parts. These doors stay strong even if they are hit by debris. This helps protect your home during high-wind events.

Professional Installation and Long Term Care

A great door needs a great installation. If the door is not put in right, it will leak and squeak. At Matera Builders, I make sure every job meets my standards. Installing double doors is hard. The frame must be perfectly level. If it is not, the doors will not meet in the middle. We use waterproof barriers and flashing. This keeps water from getting into your home.

Proper Finishing Techniques

If you choose a wood grain door, you will want to stain it. Therma-Tru offers factory finishes. If you do it yourself, use a stain kit.

• Temperature Matters: Do not stain your door if it is below 50 degrees or above 90 degrees. High humidity can also cause problems.
• Topcoat: Always use a high-quality topcoat. This protects the finish from the sun.

Maintenance for Longevity

These doors do not need much work.

1. Cleaning: Use mild soap and water. Do not use a power washer.
2. Inspection: Check the seal pads at the bottom once a year. They are easy to replace if they look worn.
3. Screens: We recommend retractable screens for many homes. They let you open both doors for a breeze without letting in bugs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Double Doors

What are the standard sizes for double entry doors?

Most therma tru double entry doors are 80 inches or 96 inches tall. A standard double door is about 74.5 inches wide. We can also order custom sizes for smaller spaces.

Can I paint or stain my fiberglass double doors?

Yes. You can stain them to look like wood or paint them any color. Smooth-Star doors are best for a painted finish. Always use high-quality paint or the recommended stain kits.

How do double doors improve home energy efficiency?

A modern Therma-Tru system uses special weatherstripping to create a tight seal. The foam core and special glass also help. They work much better than old wood doors.

Conclusion

New therma tru double entry doors are a good investment. They improve your home and save energy. For people living near the New Jersey shore, fiberglass is the best choice. It lasts a long time and requires little care. At Matera Builders, we do not just install doors. We provide expert oversight. We make sure your home is safe from the weather. We specialize in Andersen Windows installation and Andersen Doors replacement. If you are tired of drafts and rot, we can help.

Ready to talk about your entryway?Schedule a Therma-Tru Entry Door Consultation with me today. We will look at your home and find the best solution for your windows and doors. We focus on long-term value and quality work.