The doors that lead to your deck and your entry are used every single day. They let in light, connect your home to the outdoors, and take the brunt of the weather. But when they start to look worn or feel harder to use, you notice it every time you walk through them. For one West Chester, PA homeowner, it was time for a change, so they turned to ACRE Windows & Doors to install a new Andersen PermaShield sliding door and a ProVia storm door.
The Project (Before & After)
The Challenge: Older Doors That Weren’t Keeping Up
The home’s original sliding door opened onto a deck and was framed in an older aluminum style that had clearly seen better days. The frame looked dated against the siding, and a door that gets this much daily use tends to show its age through sticking, a rough glide, and worn finishes.
The entry had its own story. The home’s front doorway used an older storm door in front of the main door, and while it served its purpose, the homeowner wanted something that looked cleaner, worked smoothly, and matched the update happening elsewhere on the home.
Both doors were part of the way the homeowner lived in the house every day, which made them worth getting right.
The Sliding Door: A Cleaner, More Modern Look
The new Andersen PermaShield sliding door replaced the older aluminum unit with a modern, dark-framed design. The change is easy to see from the deck. The new frame gives the opening a crisp, defined look, and the white trim around it ties the door in with the siding.
A few things stand out:
- A fresh, finished appearance. The dark frame contrasts with the light siding and white trim, giving the back of the home a more polished look.
- Smooth, easy operation. A new sliding door glides the way it should, which makes stepping outside something you don’t have to think about.
- A durable, low-maintenance exterior. PermaShield is designed for homeowners who want a door that stands up to everyday use without constant upkeep.
- Clear views of the outdoors. Large glass panels let you take in the deck and yard while bringing daylight into the room.
For a home with a deck, a sliding door like this does more than let you in and out. It connects the inside of the house to the outdoor space you use for coffee in the morning, dinner in warm weather, and everything in between.
The Storm Door: Added Protection With a Clean Look
The new ProVia storm door adds a practical layer at the entry. A full-view storm door lets you keep the main door open for fresh air and daylight while keeping the weather and bugs out, and it gives the entry a tidy, finished look.
The new door features a clean frame, a smooth latch, and updated hardware that makes it easy to use. It lets daylight into the entry while still protecting the door behind it, and it keeps the front of the home looking simple and well kept.
Why Replace Your Sliding Door and Storm Door?
If your doors are showing their age, there are good reasons to look at an update. A sliding door that sticks or drags, or a storm door that doesn’t close or latch properly, gets frustrating fast, while new doors operate smoothly and securely. Doors are also a big part of how both the front and back of your home look, so updating them can refresh the whole exterior. Doors that fit and seal properly help keep drafts out and make the rooms around them more comfortable, and large glass panels bring daylight into your home and open up the view to the outdoors. Modern locks and hardware can also make your home feel more secure.
Signs It May Be Time to Replace Your Doors
Not sure whether your doors need attention? Look for these signs:
- A sliding door that sticks, drags, or is hard to open and close
- Worn, rusted, or damaged tracks
- Drafts or visible gaps around the frame
- A lock or latch that doesn’t engage smoothly
- Fogged glass or damaged panels
- A storm door that doesn’t close completely or has a worn closer
- Frames or finishes that look faded or dated
If more than one of these sounds familiar, it may be time to look at your options.
What to Consider When Choosing a Sliding Door
A sliding door is one of the largest openings in your home, so it’s worth taking the time to choose well. Here are a few questions to think through:
What size and configuration do you need? Sliding doors come in different widths and panel arrangements. The right one depends on your opening and how you want it to function.
What finish works with your home? Frame colors and trim should work with your siding and any exterior features, like decks, railings, or lighting.
How will you use it? If the door is a primary way in and out, durability and ease of operation matter most. If it’s mainly for light and views, glass options may be your focus.
What about screens and security? Consider how you’ll handle fresh air and locking when the door is closed.
What to Consider When Choosing a Storm Door
A storm door is a smaller update, but it still has a big effect on how your entry looks and works. A full-view storm door maximizes light and keeps the look of your main door visible, while other styles offer more privacy or different looks, and a smooth handle and reliable latch make daily use easier. A storm door should also sit neatly in the frame and close fully, and many models let you open the main door for fresh air while keeping the storm door closed.
The Installation Experience
Replacing a sliding door or a storm door takes careful work. The opening has to be measured accurately, the old unit has to be removed with care, and the new door has to be set, sealed, and adjusted so it operates smoothly. The finishing work inside and out matters too, because those details are what you see and feel every day.
ACRE’s own installation team handles the work from start to finish, which keeps the process consistent and accountable, and ends with a walkthrough so you know everything is done right.
Why Choose ACRE Windows & Doors?
When you work with ACRE, you’re choosing a company built around doing the job properly. Here is what sets us apart:
- Andersen Certified Elite Contractor. This status reflects a high standard of training, performance, and customer satisfaction. It’s a credential that matters when you’re trusting a company with your home.
- No subcontractors. The people who measure, install, and finish your project are ACRE’s own team. That means clearer communication and consistent quality from the first visit to the final walkthrough.
- 0% financing. Financing options can make it easier to move forward with the upgrades your home needs, so you can plan your project without putting it off.
- Free in-home consultation. We come to you, look at your doors in person, and talk through your options with no obligation.
Ready to Update Your Doors?
The West Chester project shows what a thoughtful door update can do. An older sliding door became a clean, modern focal point for the back of the home, and a new storm door gave the entry a tidy, protective finish. Whether you’re thinking about a new sliding door, a storm door, or both, ACRE can help you choose the right fit and install it properly.
Schedule your free in-home consultation with ACRE Windows & Doors today and see what new doors could do for your home.
