Exterior Doors, Envelope

Envelope

Exterior Doors

Exterior doors are prominent architectural elements and vulnerable envelope transitions.

Why we use it

BCG treats them as both design features and technical assemblies exposed to rain, heat, humidity, and use.

Character

Material, stile width, glass proportion, threshold, and hardware can define the arrival experience.

What we look for

Water rating, construction quality, threshold design, hardware compatibility, finish durability, and lead times.

Design considerations

Scale, swing, privacy, shade, hardware finish, and adjacent lighting should be decided together.

Installation considerations

Sill pans, flashing, air sealing, shimming, drainage, and overhang protection are essential.

Common mistakes

Selecting a beautiful door without planning the threshold, exposure, or water management.

Maintenance + aging

Exterior doors need periodic adjustment, finish care, weatherstrip inspection, and threshold review.