"DonC" wrote in message
...
Hi all,

We'd like to add a window to our existing exterior metal door. It seems
simple enough; such doors at Home Depot or Lowes appear to have been cut
and a window has been added. Our previous door had such a window so we
know it's doable.

Anyhow, where can I purchase an insert widow to add to our door? We'd
love it to be one with an internal mini-blind but that's not a
requirement.

Counting the labor (unless you have the tools and skill set yourself),
probably cheaper to buy a new door with the light (window) already in it.
How old is your house? Can you determine the brand of the door, like from
the hinges or data plate or threshold? If you call around, and maybe go to
a real door supply house (vs. the Borg), you may get lucky and find one
where all you have to do is swap the door panel and reuse the old frame. To
buy the window seperately, you will probably have to order a replacement
window through a door specialist, or maybe a glass company. Make sure it is
tempered glass- a door slammed by wind or kids or whoever, generates a lot
of G forces.

Now if you do want to do it yourself- don't try to do it on the hinges. Take
it down, and cover the opening with wood or plastic. Put the door on
sawhorses, and do your marking, measuring, and cutting there. If you have
never done this before, recommend practicing with sheets of cardboard till
you have an exact template of what the hole needs to look like. (No idea if
the windows come with a layout sheet.) Measure 3 times before you drill and
cut, and take care not to warp the door or leave ripply edges by cutting too
fast and scorching the metal- it is suprisingly thin. When you put it
together, make sure to use the provided gaskets and/or the right flavor of
caulking. Local window company may be willing to do the install on a
carried-in door, if you order the window through them.

aem sends....