Beyond cosmetics, a full-view door can flood a home's interior with light, brightening the lives within as it beckons to those outside. Unfortunately, full-view glass doors are not for every home or situation. When direct sunlight bears down on an unvented glass door, it heats the air trapped behind it. In the worst cases, the door surfaces can become too hot to touch and the heat can actually warp the entry door. Combination storm doors screened doors with self-storing glass are less of a problem because they can be opened during the hottest months of the year.
Most manufacturers offer full-view doors with lower vent panels.
A lower vent allows a little fresh air into the house with the entry door open and helps vent the space between doors when the entry door is closed. It's also available with a small vent at the top to help cycle the hot air through the space. While the upper vent isn't big enough for continuous summer sun, it makes a difference where the door gets a few hours of sun each day. Door Preparation Begin by carefully laying the door across two sawhorses. Then install the upper vent in the headpiece of the door.