uPVC Door Side Panels
uPVC Door Side Panels
What is a Side Panel
and why might a door have a side panel?
A "side panel" is any panel fitted directly to the side of a door frame. Another name for a side panel is a "side light", particularly if it is glazed.
A side panel differs from finishing trim or an add-on, as it is affixed, or "coupled", to the frame and contains a panel of glass or solid uPVC, rather than being a strip of uPVC.
As to why a door might have a side panel, there are two reasons:
- The doorway is wide and cannot be filled by the door alone or by add-ons
- To maximise natural light indoors
The types of side panel
and what each panel offers
You may find one of these three types of side panel in your doorway:
Full Side Panel
An uninterrupted panel that matches the height of the door & frame.
When glazed, it is perfect for maximising natural light; when solid, it fills in the space of a large doorway.
Side Panel with Midrail
A side panel that matches the height of the door & frame, but is interrupted at the half-way point by a midrail.
The bottom and top can be seperately made solid or glazed, particularly if you wish for partial obscurity.
Flag Window
Unlike a full-height side panel, a flag window does not touch the ground. It is also known as a "coupled window".
Some flag windows include a functioning top hopper for ventilation.
Why replace a side panel along with a door
instead of keeping the old panel
When upgrading to a uPVC door, it is important to consider replacing any side panel as well:
Keeping an old side panel
✗ In theory could save you money (but only in the short term)
✗ May not conform to modern standards of energy efficiency & security, especially with age
✗ May not match correctly with the look of the new uPVC door
✗ In some cases, particulalry if the side panel is fixed to the old door's frame, keeping the old side panel will not be possible
Ordering a new side panel
✓ Will cost extra (but will be a sound investment)
✓ Ensures seamless insulation & security, matching the standards of our uPVC Doors
✓ Matches the profile & finishes of our uPVC doors for seamless kerb appeal
✓ Designed to last longer than wooden and older uPVC side panels
Benefits of a uPVC Door Side Panel
Kerb appeal
- Matching profile & finish - with the uPVC Door.
- Low maintenance - easy-to-clean and doesn't require repainting or varnishing.
Security
- Toughened glass - resistant to impact for safety.
- Steel reinforcement - provides additional sturdiness.
Energy efficiency
- Multi-layered construction - glass/solid panels reduce heat loss and draught penetration.
- Warm edge tech spacers - with glass, block the passage of wayward heat and intruding cold.
Ordering a new Side Panel
and knowing which type of panel to choose
Choosing a side panel will depend on your requirements. Generally, a new side panel would be matched to the configuration of the old one.
Replacing a Full Side Panel with a Side Panel with Midrail, or vice versa, is entirely possible, as the overall sizes could be the same. However, it would not be possible to replace a Flag Window with a full height side panel, or vice versa, without modification to the brickwork of the doorway.
- When ordering a Fully Fitted uPVC Door, we will help determine the type of side panel you may require based on the initial survey we carry out.
- For a Supply Only uPVC Door, you will need to make the decision yourself for the side panel configuration, as well as providing the required sizes, when ordering your door.
Choosing a Side Panel for a specific requirement
Depending on your needs, you may wish to choose a specific side panel type, and opt for either glass or solid panelling.
The options available to you will be based on the size of doorway, but glass and solid panelling are available for all side panels.
A Full Side Panel with glass - this will allow the most natural light to enter your home.
A Flag Window, or a Side Panel with Midrail - with glass in the top section and solid panelling in the bottom.
Any side panel with solid panelling - available either flat or stable style.
Note that solid panelling will greatly reduce natural light.
Alternatively, you may consider glass panelling with one of our obscure glass options.
Obscure glass blurs viewing through the glass without reducing natural light.
A Side Panel with Midrail - the midrail helps to support the large size of the side panel.
uPVC Side Panel colour options
Note that the colour of your side panel will match the colour of the door frame.
White
Our standard finish.
Agate
A light, soft grey.
Anthracite Grey
A dark, modern grey.
Black
Our stark, contrasting finish.
Chartwell Green
A light, welcoming green.
Rosewood
A dark & sophisticated woodgrain.
Golden Oak
Our mid-tone woodgrain.
Irish Oak
Our lightest woodgrain.
uPVC Side Panel glass options
A selection of patterns/textures with different levels of obscurity.
Clear
Privacy level: None
Stippolyte
Privacy level: High
Cotswold
Privacy level: Highest
Sandblast
Privacy level: Highest
Minster
Privacy level: Low
Autumn Leaf
Privacy level: Moderate
Charcoal Sticks
Privacy level: High
Contora
Privacy level: High
