Side Panels and Top Lights for UPVC & Composite Doors
Side panels and toplights - you may know them by different names. Some call side panels "side screens", or top lights "top boxes" or "fan lights". Regardless, the names "toplight" and "side panel" can be used in any case, whether solid or glazed, rectangular or rounded.
So, what are side panels and top lights?
In short, these are the glass or solid sections that affixed to the top or sides of some composite and UPVC external doors.
They fill up the doorway
Should the doorway be large enough, it will likely have a toplight or side panels to make up the space around a door.
They add light to your hallway
More glazing means more natural light, which in turn can brighten up your hallway.
Will I need to replace my side panel or top light when I order a new door?
It's understandable that you may wish to save money by wanting to keep an existing toplight or side panels. However, not only will there be instances where replacements are necessary, but also beneficial if replacing your door.
Most side panels need to be replaced
Depending on whether or not a side panel is coupled (i.e. a seperate piece affixed to the door frame), it will need to be replaced. Generally, larger side panels will be coupled and can in theory be kept. However, this is not recommended, as the finish may not match that of your new composite or UPVC door.
Some larger top lights can be kept
As with side panels, a toplight will either be part of the door frame or coupled, with the latter likely if it is tall. Note that for the same reason as side panels, it is recommended to replace them to ensure a good matching look with your door.
Flag windows can also be kept
These are side panels that do not touch the ground, or windows, but however you look at them, they tend to be seperate, i.e. coupled to the door. Again, to ensure matching aesthetics, it is best to replace them. What's more, flag windows can be built to have opening elements, such as a top hopper.
What are the advantages of replacing my side panel or top light along with my door?
If you're ordering a new door, then it's a good idea to order a new toplight or side panels (or flag windows) as well, especially if you want a brand new look for your home.
A new top light or side panel can be matched to your door
We use the same profile for our toplights and side panels as we do for our doors and frames, and offer the same set of finishes and backing glass designs, so you can be sure of a seamless and uniform look.
Better all-round security and insulation
Insulation and security are two of the most important factors for any good door, and should be the same for toplights and side panels. We use the same toughened safety glass as in our doors, resistant to blunt force, and steel reinforcement just like in the door frame to keep everything sturdy. Our couplers are also aluminium strengthened.
With multi-layered construction and warm edge spacer bar technology, there is less risk of heat escaping from inside your home, whereas older doors, toplights and side panels may not have these benefits. Multi-layering breaks the path of heat, whereas a single-layered profile lets it escape more easily, and hence waste both energy and money for heating your home.
What are my options for a side panel or top light?
This is largely dependant on the size and shape of your doorway, but there are several options avaialble for both appearance and privacy.
Glazed or solid
While you may think that glass and solid panelling are like night and day when it comes to transparency and obscurity, this isn't necessarily the case. Of course, solid panelling offers maximum obscurity and privacy, but at the cost of natural sunlight. Glass on the other hand includes an array of backing options, from fully visible clear to near opaque sandblast, as well as decorative design inbetween with varying levels of obscurity, but all of which still let natural sunlight shine through.
Rectangular or arched
The majority of modern homes will have rectangular toplights, while some, specifically traditional style homes, may have arched ones. Toplights are generally rectangular, but it is possible for a combined toplight and side panels to be arched to conform to acurved doorway.
Single or double side panels
We try to match your existing set-up, but should your doorway permit you could have either two side panels or a larger single panel.
Full height or midrail
Regardless of size, side panels can be fully glazed (or solid) or have a midrail. From this, the top section can be glazed and the bottom solid, or both be glazed or solid. For wider side panels, a midrail provides the benefit of extra strength.
Top Hopper
If your side panel is wide enough, it can include a top hopper. This small window can open, and it offers the advantage of ventilating your home in the summer months.
Numerals and catflaps
If your chosen door does not permit a catflap/pet door or numerals to be fitted, there are alternatives. A side panel that is wide enough can accommodate a catflap or pet door, even within glass. As for a house number, this can be added to the glass of a toplight (also possible for a side panel), either sandblasted onto clear glass or etched clear within sandblasted glass.
What should I expect to pay for top lights or side panels?
The main factors affecting cost are size and colour. Plain glazing and solid panelling generally do not add to the cost.
Colour matching will cost more
With the exception of white, matching a side panel or toplight colour to that of the door will increase cost. Having the internal side in a colour other than white would also impact cost, though most customers tend to leave the internal side as white. Bespoke colours (i.e. those not in our existing range) will cost more.
No difference in price between glass or solid, midrail or not
There is no difference in cost between a fully glazed side panel and one with a midrail, nor if a toplight or side panel is glazed or solid. However, the addition of a glass design, such as numerals or Box Lead will add to the cost.
Size matters, and so does shape
Width will affect the cost of side panels. A curved toplight will cost more than a rectangular one, and similarly will curved side panels versus straight.