Overhang Requirements

Entry, Patio or Double (French) Exterior Doors

Every exterior door requires protection and there are many factors to consider such as exposure to natural elements, color choices, storm door use, and the degree of homeowner maintenance required. All these factors must be evaluated to determine your final choice. Protecting your exterior door unit is extremely important and can help lower required maintenance, improve performance, and ensure the longevity of your exterior door unit.

Door Type:

Depending on your door type (wood, fiberglass, or steel), some door materials will require more protection from the elements than others. Wood doors need the most protection and will require the most maintenance depending on exposure. Fiberglass and steel doors can tolerate more exposure but still require adequate protection.

Overhang:

In short, every exterior door—Entry, Patio or Double (French) Doors— should have an overhang to protect the unit from natural elements. Overhangs should extend at least four feet wider (two feet each side) than the door unit and at least five feet out from the house. In extreme exposures (facing south or west) or climates (desert or coastal) overhangs should be double that size.

Inadequate overhang protection can lead to color fading, component damage and water related issues such as warping, wood failure or leakage. Adequate overhangs increase your choice of door types, design, colors, and specifications. They also ensure years of dependable performance. Exterior door units constructed with ADA Sills void warranty coverage even with proper overhang due to required sill construction for ADA compliance which can cause potential water infiltration.

Colors:

The effect of natural elements, especially the sun, is generally underestimated. The face of an exterior door can exceed 120 degrees in many applications. Prolonged exposure at these temperatures can quickly deteriorate the finish and physically damage the door/door unit. Light colors reflect heat, dark colors absorb heat. Consider sun exposure and overhang protection when selecting a color for your door. Your choice of colors can directly affect your door’s longevity and performance. Door Specials does offer solar reflective prefinishing solutions to help combat this issue – please see our prefinishing warranty for more details.

Storm Doors:

Storm Doors can protect your new door but, in hotter regions, they can also quickly harm an entry system. The temperature behind a storm door can exceed 200 degrees in many applications. Sun exposure, ventilation, color choice and overhang protection should all be evaluated when considering a storm door so please be aware.

Warranty Statement:

Please follow these guidelines to ensure years of maximum performance from your new Entry System from Door Specials. Failure to abide by these overhang requirements will void your exterior door system warranty as well as the prefinish warranty.