Historic buildings may have very ornate doors and entryways, using complex shapes and material combinations. Improving or replacing these opening units for better energy performance may be challenging.

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The openings on historic buildings will have seen decades or even centuries of use, and there will be common areas to inspect closely where they may need maintenance or replacement.

Characteristics of DOORS on heritage buildings:

• Door units would be inserted into rough openings in the building frame. The units would be made level and plumb with wood shims.
• Original materials of construction may include wood, blown glass, linseed oil putties and sometimes lead (for flashing or sidelight / fanlight stained glass)
• Doors may be solid wood, connected with joinery, combined with glass, putties and metal.
• Sills and thresholds must be inspected for signs of rot and deterioration. The bottom parts of openings will see the most exposure to water and traffic.
• Operation of the unit will be most affected by age. Older units may become loose over years of use and affect the opening action. Look for separating joinery or patterns of wear-and-tear on frames. A poorly operating door will be difficult to seal against air and moisture migration.

Characteristics of door trim:

• Casing will be used to cover up the gap between the door unit and the rough frame.
• Exterior finishes (e.g. siding) must be planned carefully to integrate with openings. Some manufacturers will have companion transitions, like"U", "J" or "Z" shaped pieces to terminate siding to a nice finish around openings.
• Casings may be made of vinyl, aluminum or wood. Brick and stone may be used for arches and sills.
• Weather protection layers of metal or vinyl are called "flashing" and are positioned around openings to direct water away from the structure. Flashings may be incorporated into the opening trim with careful detailing.
• A "transom" is a fixed window (non-operable) that sits above a door or window.
• "Sidelights" are fixed windows (non operable) that sit on either side of a door or window unit
• If a window or door is deeply set into a wall opening, there may be a need for 'jamb extensions' - these are flat pieces of trim that cover the depth or distance between a door / window unit and the exterior trim.