Hurricane-Rated Fiberglass Sidelite Panel - Flush (14" x 80")

Key Measurements & Sizing Information

This sidelite is sold as a nominal 14" x 80" size, which is also commonly written as 1/2 x 6/8. The actual sidelite slab size is 13-7/8" wide x 79" tall, with a standard exterior thickness of 1-3/4". Sidelites are typically installed alongside a door slab of the same height to create a wider entry system.

If purchasing with jambs to assemble a door and sidelite unit: this sidelite typically pairs with 81-3/4" leg jambs for inswing thresholds and saddle-style outswing thresholds. For bumper-style outswing thresholds, the matching leg jambs are 80-3/4". When assembled with a door slab of the same height, the sidelite and door share the same overall unit height.

If replacing an existing sidelite panel: a 79" sidelite height is the most common size and is often compatible with existing frames even when the original panel measures 79-1/8" or 79-1/4" tall. If your existing sidelite measures taller than 79-1/4", we also offer select oversize trimmable sidelites designed to accommodate slightly larger openings.

Hurricane Impact-Rated Fiberglass Sidelite Construction: Built to Match Your Entry Door

Our hurricane impact-rated fiberglass sidelite panels are built using the same core materials and construction methods as our impact-rated fiberglass entry doors, ensuring a consistent look, feel, and performance when paired together. The fiberglass skins resist warping, rotting, denting, and rusting, while a polyurethane foam core (2.2 lbs/cu.ft density) provides insulation and structural rigidity. LVL (laminated veneer lumber) side stiles with composite PVC caps provide internal structural support, and composite top and bottom rails help resist moisture intrusion and long-term deterioration.

Tested to Meet HVHZ and Wind-Borne Debris Standards

Impact-rated sidelite panels are tested using TAS 201, TAS 202, and TAS 203 testing protocols, which simulate real-world storm conditions including flying debris impact and repeated positive and negative pressure cycling. Products that meet HVHZ requirements are approved for use in high-risk hurricane regions such as Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Wind-Borne Debris (WBD) rated configurations are also available for designated coastal regions. Always verify requirements with your local building authority before selecting an impact-rated system.

Designed to Pair with Pease Impact-Rated Fiberglass Entry Doors

Sidelite panels are designed to be installed adjacent to a compatible entry door as part of a complete entryway system. When paired with matching Pease impact-rated fiberglass entry doors, the sidelite panels share the same skin textures, embossment profiles, and 1-3/4" thickness for a cohesive, unified appearance across the full entry opening.

Sidelite panels do not include hinge or lock preparation and are not designed to swing or operate independently. They are fixed panels intended to add natural light and architectural detail to your entryway.

Complete System Performance

Hurricane-rated performance depends on the complete door system, including the door slab, sidelite panels, frame components, glazing system, and installation method. All components must be installed in accordance with approved engineering and product approval requirements to achieve rated performance.

Surface Textures Available for This Door

Satin Smooth (white) features a fine linear texture with subtle vertical lines, similar to a woven linen or brushed fabric. This micro-texture provides built-in surface tooth that helps primer and paint adhere without the need for heavy sanding, reduces the visibility of brush marks and roller lines, and helps prevent runs and drips on vertical surfaces. Professional painters and DIY homeowners alike benefit from a surface that is designed to hold paint evenly and deliver a refined, consistent finish. The Satin Smooth texture is optimized for painted finishes. For a traditional wood-like stained appearance, a woodgrain texture is recommended.

Rift Cut Woodgrain (tan) features an embossed surface that replicates the straight, linear grain pattern of rift sawn wood. Rift sawn grain is characterized by tight, parallel lines with minimal variation, producing the most uniform and consistent grain appearance available in wood. This clean, understated grain pattern is commonly associated with high-end cabinetry, fine furniture, and Craftsman-style woodwork. Because rift cut is a grain pattern rather than a species-specific texture, it accepts a wide range of stain colors that can echo the look of oak, walnut, cherry, mahogany, and other popular wood species. This versatility makes it easy to match existing trim, cabinetry, or architectural elements around your home. The rift cut texture is designed for staining to showcase the woodgrain detail, and can also be painted for a solid color finish.

Select your preferred texture using the variant options above.

Finishing Smooth Fiberglass Doors

Before finishing, clean all door surfaces to remove dust, oils, and handling residue, then allow the surface to fully dry. For best results, we recommend using a high-quality bonding primer such as Sherwin-Williams Extreme Bond Primer, followed by a premium exterior-grade acrylic latex paint.

All six sides of the door must be finished, including the front, back, top, bottom, and both edges, to properly protect the door and maintain warranty coverage. When selecting paint colors, lighter to medium shades are typically recommended for doors exposed to direct sunlight, as very dark colors can increase surface temperatures and reduce long-term finish performance.

Fiberglass doors are shipped unfinished or factory-primed depending on selected options. Finishing should be completed promptly after delivery and before prolonged exposure to weather.

Finishing Woodgrain Fiberglass Doors

Woodgrain fiberglass doors are typically finished using a gel stain or an opaque, heavily pigmented oil-based stain suitable for fiberglass or other non-porous surfaces. These stain types remain on the surface rather than soaking into the material, allowing the molded woodgrain texture to show through while creating a rich, even color. Traditional penetrating wood stains are not recommended for fiberglass doors, as they are designed to absorb into wood fibers rather than bond to fiberglass surfaces.

After the stain has dried at least 48 hours, apply a clear exterior topcoat with UV protection to seal and protect the finish. This topcoat is essential for preventing fading, moisture intrusion, and weather-related damage while enhancing the depth and appearance of the woodgrain texture. Exterior doors need at least three coats, with extra coats for doors in direct sun.

Recommended products: Old Masters Gel Stain, a highly pigmented gel made for fiberglass door skins, in 22 colors; then Old Masters Ascend Exterior Clear Coat with UV absorbers, in matte, satin, semi-gloss or gloss. Both are available here on our site.

Woodgrain fiberglass doors may also be painted if a solid color finish is desired. When painting a woodgrain surface, always apply a bonding primer such as Sherwin-Williams Extreme Bond Primer before painting to ensure proper adhesion and long-term finish performance. As with smooth fiberglass doors, all six sides must be finished to properly protect the door and maintain warranty coverage.

Installation Readiness for Fiberglass Sidelite Panels

Fiberglass sidelite panels can be used in two ways: as a component when assembling a new door system with sidelite framing, or as a replacement panel for an existing sidelite opening where the surrounding frame is still in good condition. Before installation, verify that the panel dimensions (width, height, and thickness) match the framing or jamb set for new assemblies, or the existing opening for replacements. Our sidelite panels are compatible with most major entry door brands including Stanley, Taylor, Mastercraft, Perma Door, Castlegate, Masonite, Therma-Tru, Jeld-Wen, Plastpro, and many others.

Sidelite panels are fixed in place within the frame using stop trim (stop beads or stop molding) that secures the panel on the interior side of the opening. When replacing an existing panel, carefully remove the interior stop trim to release the old panel, then set the new panel into the opening against the exterior trim, apply a continuous bead of caulk around all four sides, and reinstall the stop trim to hold the panel securely in place.

When installing sidelite panels alongside a threshold, a sidelite adapter (also known as a seat, spacer, or riser) may be needed to bridge the gap between the threshold and the bottom of the sidelite panel. The adapter replaces the threshold rail in the sidelite section and provides a stable, sealed base for the panel to rest on. In general, the adapter should be approximately 1/8" wider than the panel width for proper fit and sealing.

This sidelite is not a trimmable model. If needed, it can be trimmed up to 1/2" off the bottom only; seal the cut edge. Do not trim the top or sides. Trimming a product that is not sold as trimmable voids the warranty, and modified products cannot be returned. On impact-rated sidelites, cutting can also void the impact approval. Handle sidelite panels with care during installation to prevent damage to corners, edges, or glass components, and avoid placing pressure directly on glass areas.

Complete all recommended finishing steps promptly after installation to protect the panel surface and maintain long-term performance.

For complete step-by-step installation instructions, refer to the full installation guide available in the Resources section below.