Entrance Door Dilemma

9 years ago

I chose an entrance door with a dentil shelf when we built our retirement house. I was intrigued by the looks of it. However, now I regret my decision for two reasons: 1/ We have been told that no screen door can be installed and 2/ I cannot hang a wreath. So, I can live quite well without being able to hang any decorative item on the door but I really have some serious issues living without the "security" of a screen door. Can the dentil shelf be removed? Am I stuck with this entrance door (replacing it is not an option)?

Featured Answer

PRO

Bill Goudelock for Ethan Allen Mt. Pleasant, SC

9 years ago

The challenge to your having a screen door is the depth of the door jambs and mullions. The shelf is not really the issue as it really does not seem to protrude any further than the door handle. A good contractor could build out your door surrounds to accommodate hanging a screen door.

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Comments (12)

PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
9 years ago
Sorry screen doors afford no security the locks are not great on any storm door if you just want the screen go with a phantom
Gabriela P-J
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you for your comment. What is a phantom? I wouldn't even know how to google that. As far as security is concerned, we have an alarm system and a German Shepherd :-) I simply need something between myself, our GSD and the person/persons standing there when I open the door after the door bell rings.
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skmom
9 years ago
Do you mean that you would like to have a better visual of who is ringing your doorbell? Is that why you feel a screen door offers safety? If that's the case, why not get one of those camera/doorbell systems.
Pretty front door by the way. :)
Gabriela P-J
Original Author
9 years ago
Visual is one aspect - the other one is having some sort of a safety zone between myself and the person/persons standing there. We thought about getting a video camera. Thank you!
PRO
Bill Goudelock for Ethan Allen Mt. Pleasant, SC
9 years ago
The challenge to your having a screen door is the depth of the door jambs and mullions. The shelf is not really the issue as it really does not seem to protrude any further than the door handle. A good contractor could build out your door surrounds to accommodate hanging a screen door.
riedvolpone
9 years ago
Gorgeous door- I would never put a screen in front of it! go with the camera idea.
Gabriela P-J thanked riedvolpone
Judy Mishkin
9 years ago
(i think people arent understanding what a screen door allows the homeowner to do. you can open the door and be polite to the unknown door bell ringer without being instantly at risk. in the time a bad actor begins to open the screen, if not latched, the home owner can be back inside and have the door locked. but if the bell ringer is not a bad actor, you dont need to be rude.

i solved the problem by interacting with unknown bell ringers by raising my front window, next to the door. its an old house, strangers arent put off with my story that 'the front door doesnt work very well'.

some people like to be polite to unknown ringers... thats what a screen door is nice for.)
Gabriela P-J thanked Judy Mishkin
Gabriela P-J
Original Author
9 years ago
Exactly!
BittyHaus926
9 years ago
Some residents with similar doors in my 1920s neighborhood hang wreaths just below the glass. I think you might be able to use a 3M Command hook so as not to mar the paint. I saw one just the other day on a house down the street and thought it was both lovely and clever.
Gabriela P-J
Original Author
9 years ago
I will look into that, thank you!
BittyHaus926
9 years ago
You're welcome. This was my first-ever houzz comment, and I'm so glad it helped! :-)