A Guide for Louisiana Homeowners
Your entry door is like the face of your house—it’s the first impression visitors get, and it’s also your main line of defense against the elements. If you live in Louisiana, you know that your entry door needs to be more than just good-looking. But what’s the best glass for your entry door?
It needs to withstand the heat, humidity, and occasional storms that come with living in this Sportsman’s Paradise. That’s where our entry doors come in. Known for their durability and customization options, ProVia doors are a fantastic choice for homeowners looking for both style and function. But when it comes to choosing the right glass for your entry door, there are several options to consider. Let’s break them down so you can find the best glass for your entry door and the best fit for your home.
1. Clear Glass: The Classic Option
If you’re a fan of simplicity and want to bring in as much natural light as possible, clear glass is the classic choice. It’s a straightforward option that gives you a bright and welcoming entryway, which is especially important in Louisiana’s humid climate. Clear glass doesn’t block your view, so you’ll be able to see the outside world clearly while enjoying the comfort of your home.
But here’s the thing: while clear glass lets in light, it also offers less privacy, which can be a concern depending on the location of your door. If you’re looking for a solution that provides both light and privacy, you might want to explore some of ProVia’s other glass options.
2. Frosted Glass: Privacy with a Touch of Elegance
If you’re after a balance of privacy and natural light, frosted, privacy glass is an excellent choice. The glass is treated in a way that softens the light, offering a warm, welcoming glow without compromising your privacy. Plus, frosted glass has a bit of elegance to it, which can elevate the look of your entry door.
For Louisiana homeowners, frosted glass is a particularly great option because it reduces glare from the sun, which can be intense during the summer months. It also gives your entryway a more contemporary, polished look that complements many architectural styles in Louisiana.
3. Obscure Glass: Perfect for Privacy and Soft Light
Obscure glass is a fantastic choice for homeowners who want to keep the outside world at bay while still letting in some light. The unique patterns of obscure glass (think waves, reeds, or even custom designs) create a textured look that distorts the view, providing maximum privacy without completely blocking natural light.
If privacy is a concern, obscure glass can be a game-changer. It offers the ideal balance of aesthetics and functionality, keeping unwanted eyes out while still brightening up your entryway with soft, diffused light.
Obscure glass, including art glass and decorative glass, may be the best glass for your entry door.
4. Impact-Resistant Glass: Security for Louisiana’s Stormy Season
Living in Louisiana means preparing for storms and hurricanes, so Jim Olivier’s offers impact-resistant glass options designed to stand up to extreme weather conditions. If you’re in a high-risk hurricane zone, this is an option you should strongly consider. Impact-resistant glass is built to resist flying debris and harsh winds, providing an extra layer of security for your home during storm season.
Not only does it offer protection during hurricanes, but it’s also more durable and secure than standard glass, offering peace of mind year-round.
5. Low-E Glass: Energy Efficiency for Year-Round Comfort
We all know how hot and humid the summer months can get. And while your air conditioner works overtime to keep things cool, you don’t want your energy bills skyrocketing because your entry door isn’t doing its part to insulate your home. That’s where Low-E glass comes in.
Low-E (low emissivity) glass is coated with a special layer that reflects heat while still allowing natural light to pass through. This keeps your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, improving your energy efficiency. It’s a great choice if you want to reduce your energy consumption and keep your home comfortable year-round.
6. Simulated Divided Lites (SDLs): for a more traditional look.
I know, this isn’t glass, but it’s an option for your glass.
You may not have heard of divided lites or SDLs, but we’ve all seen them. This is the traditional style of when separate pieces of glass were mulled together with wooden grids. ProVia delivers this time-honored appearance, simulated through our fiberglass grids that are stained or painted to match your door color. Even here, you have four styles to choose from: Craftsman, Contoured, Beveled Glass, and Smooth. Take a look:

Choosing the best glass for your entry door is all about balancing your personal style with the practical needs of your Louisiana home. Whether you’re looking for privacy, durability, energy efficiency, or a touch of elegance, there’s a glass option that fits your needs. Clear, frosted, obscure, impact-resistant, and Low-E glass are all excellent choices, depending on what you value most in your entryway. Here are more recent door replacements installed by Jim Olivier’s, so you can find the best glass for your entry door.
As you make your decision, think about how you want your door to look, how much natural light you want, and whether you need added protection from storms. Whatever you choose, you can rest assured that our entry doors will provide the quality and durability you need to handle Louisiana’s unique climate—and look AMAZING! Ready to transform your home’s first impression? Jim Olivier’s has the perfect glass option for your Louisiana home—so you can love your home again.