Frequently Asked Questions
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Door FAQs
What is the difference between a pre-hung and a slab door?
As you look for an exterior door, you may hear the terms “pre-hung” and “slab.” These different types of doors are designed to meet your unique needs and budget.
Pre-hung doors are what most consumers associate with front doors. These doors are already hung in a frame and are designed to be easily installed into an existing opening. They come with almost everything needed to finish the installation.
A slab door is just the door — no frame, no spots for hinges, and no doorknob. This is the most basic and least expensive option for an entry door. A door professional will trim the door as needed and install hardware.
Pre-hung doors are what most consumers associate with front doors. These doors are already hung in a frame and are designed to be easily installed into an existing opening. They come with almost everything needed to finish the installation.
A slab door is just the door — no frame, no spots for hinges, and no doorknob. This is the most basic and least expensive option for an entry door. A door professional will trim the door as needed and install hardware.
What are the advantages of fiberglass or steel doors?
Fiberglass doors are very low-maintenance. They come in a wide variety of styles and textures and are very durable, holding up against scratches, dings, and weathering. They are a secure entry choice, as they absorb impact rather than creasing.
Steel doors are also low-maintenance as they are coated or primed at purchase. The material strength makes them a great choice from a security standpoint, and they are an affordable option.
Steel doors are also low-maintenance as they are coated or primed at purchase. The material strength makes them a great choice from a security standpoint, and they are an affordable option.
What is a flush-glazed door?
A flush glazed door is built around the glass eliminating the need for a doorlight frame and providing a very clean look. These doors are sometimes referred to as “direct glazed.”
Doorglass FAQs
How do I paint or stain the frame of my door glass?
Please refer to the instructions on the label adhered to your glass unit, and see the painting and finishing instructions for your specific product or visit odl.com/frame/paint-stain.
What are the U-factor and SHGC values of ODL doorglass inserts?
U-factor and SHGC values vary by glass type, size, and the type of door in which the door glass is installed. Contact us for more information.
What is the thickness of ODL external simulated divided light bars?
Craftsman bar: 7/8"
Traditional bar: 1-1/8"
Traditional bar: 1-1/8"
To what surface of the insulated glass (IG) assembly is the Low-E applied?
If viewing the glass from the outside of the home, the third surface is textured. The exception may be our Perspectives Textured Doorglass line, which has several textures that are on surface four of the insulated glass pane. For more information, contact us.
Does the internal grilles between glass (GBG) layout match the external GBG layout?
Internal and external grilles vary in width, making their layouts different as well. External grilles are not designed to lay over the top of internal grilles.
What are the standards for different types of glass?
- Decorative glass is handcrafted glass. Bubbles (seeds), wavy lines, color variations, and slight surface imperfections are all characteristic of decorative glass and are not considered defects.
- Safety glass: All ODL products glazed with Tempered and/or Laminated glass comply with the US CPSC Standard 16 CFR 1201 CAT I and CAT II, and ANSI Z97.1. To view glass certification standards, visit sgcc.org, or refer to the etching on the glass.
- Laminated glass: The outside impact glass meets ASTM C1172 standard for laminated glass.
What are the outside dimensions of your doorglass frames?
ODL's standard profile frame is 1-7/8" larger than the glass size.
What is the thickness of the bars in ODL grilles between glass?
Standard flat bar profiles: 5/8" & 7/8"
Contoured bar: 11/16"
Contoured bar: 11/16"
What is the leg height on a segment head transom model 532?
The leg height of our 532 transom is 6".
What surface of the insulated glass (IG) assembly is textured?
If viewing the glass from the outside of the home, the third surface is textured.
How are warranty claims handled?
View ODL product warranties, contact your distributor, or see the warranty that came with your product for details.
Blinds + Glass FAQs
Are custom sizes available?
Custom sizes are not available. However, ODL Blinds + Glass are designed to fit standard 1/2-view, 3/4-view, and full-view door windows.
Can the frames of Blinds + Glass be painted or stained?
Yes, paintable and stainable frames are available. To paint or stain white frames, an adhesion promoter is required; oak frames are ready as is for either paint or stain.
What is Low-E glass, and are ODL Blinds + Glass available with Low-E glass?
Our Low-E glass is made with an invisible thin metallic soft coating that reduces heat flow. Low-E+ glass is made with two thin metallic soft coatings, that offer additional reduction of heat flow.
Yes, Low-E and dual Low-E options are available in most sizes. For specific size availability, check our catalog.
What sort of regular maintenance is required for Blinds + Glass?
Hardly any at all. Blinds + Glass are sealed between glass to eliminate dusting, tangled cords, and damage to blind slats.
Do Blinds + Glass come with a warranty? How do I make a claim?
Blinds + Glass come with a 20-year warranty. Any claims should be submitted in writing via email, or mailed to:
ODL, Inc.
Attn: Warranty Claims
215 East Roosevelt Ave.
Zeeland, MI 49464
ODL, Inc.
Attn: Warranty Claims
215 East Roosevelt Ave.
Zeeland, MI 49464
Are Blinds + Glass energy efficient?
Thermally sealed door glass adds up to energy savings by reducing heat loss in the winter and solar heat gain in the summer. Available as an option, Low-E glass reduces heating and cooling costs, protects fabrics and carpets from fading, and reduces condensation.
Do ODL Blinds + Glass products qualify for ENERGY STAR®?
As a window, Blinds + Glass insulated glass with blinds does not qualify by itself for ENERGY STAR®. However, blinds-between-glass play an integral part in determining a window system's seal and thermal performance, enabling the window to meet ENERGY STAR® requirements. ODL offers a full selection of enclosed blinds between glass that can be used in qualified windows to meet ENERGY STAR® requirements.
How much time does the ODL Blinds + Glass blind require to acclimate after installation?
Acclimation may take up to 24 hours for window blinds. Do not operate the blind until it has acclimated.
Do changes in atmospheric pressure affect the function of ODL blinds-between-glass?
Insulated glass can expand and/or contract when it is subjected to changes in atmospheric pressure. ODL enclosed blinds between glass uses a capillary tube that lets the insulated glass (IG) adjust to variations in air pressure without allowing water vapor to enter the IG. The glass may require up to 24 hours to acclimate to the change, but then it will function normally.
Can the window that encloses the blind be gas-filled?
No. Since the operation of the blind requires the IG to adjust to differences in atmospheric pressure, the blinds include a capillary tube that precludes a gas fill.
Add-On Blinds FAQs
Are custom sizes available?
Custom sizes are not available. However, ODL Add-On Blinds are designed to fit standard 1/2-view and full-view door windows as well as select sidelights.
What sort of regular maintenance is required for Add-On Blinds?
Hardly any at all. ODL Add-On Blinds are captured behind glass to eliminate dusting, tangled cords, and damage to blind slats.
Do ODL Add-On Blinds come with a warranty? How do I make a claim?
Add-On Blinds feature a 5-year warranty. Any claims should be submitted in writing via email, or mailed to
ODL, Inc.
Attn: Warranty Claims
215 East Roosevelt Ave.
Zeeland, MI 49464
How can I clean the glass on my Add-On Blinds?
You may want to take the door blinds treatment down once a year to clean the glass; simply unlatch the clips (pivot outwards) to remove them. The Add-On Blinds glass can be cleaned with a quality window cleaner and the frame can be cleaned with a mild soap and water.
Where can I purchase ODL Add-On Blinds?
Find a retailer near you or call ODL toll-free at 866.635.4968.
What happens if I get condensation on my door glass after installing ODL Add-On Blinds?
Interior condensation is caused by excess humidity in your home. ODL Add-On Blinds do not cause condensation, but are a good indicator of humidity levels that are too high. The following is a quick guide to appropriate humidity levels:
| Maximum recommended humidity levels (based on inside home temperature of 70°F) |
|
| Outside temperature °F | Inside humidity |
| 20°F to 40°F | Not over 40% |
| 10°F to 20°F | Not over 30% |
| 0°F to 10°F | Not over 25% |
| -20°F to 0°F< | Not over 20% |
| Below -20°F | Not over 15% |
If your door glass has interior condensation, you may remove the filler strips on each side of the frame to facilitate air circulation. Alternatively, you might choose to reduce the humidity level in your home (by, for example, reducing or eliminating humidifiers). Condensation does not indicate a defect in an Add-On Blind unit and will not damage it.
Can the frames of Add-On Blinds be painted?
Yes, the frame can be easily painted with acrylic latex enamel paint.
Are ODL Add-On Blinds easy to install?
Yes. These door blinds install over existing doorglass and are designed for quick and easy installation.
How do I select the correct size Add-On Blinds?
Measure the outside glass frame dimensions on your steel or fiberglass door and select the correct size, depending on whether you have a raised frame door or a flush frame door.