Steel Door Installation in Washington, DC
In Washington, DC, privacy and security are often top priorities—especially for homeowners in high-traffic or urban neighborhoods. For this particular client, we replaced an old, drafty wooden door with a durable ProVia steel entry door. The homeowner specifically chose steel for its added strength and privacy benefits, and opted for built-in internal blinds to maintain a clean, modern look with flexible light control. The internal blinds offer the best of both worlds: full privacy when closed and a welcoming, open feel when tilted or raised.
At Capitol Improvements, we work with ProVia because of their wide range of custom options—allowing us to design an entry door that matches your vision and fits your lifestyle. Whether you're upgrading for energy efficiency, safety, or style, we’ll help you find the perfect solution for your DC home.
Homes in Washington, DC range from classic row home design to modern homes that are newly constructed. It is important to find a contractor that knows DC. Whether your home is in the historic district and you need a custom wooden or historically accurate door or you are looking for a high quality fiberglass door to get rid of your homes maintenance we can help. We offer a variety of options to improve the curb appeal of your home.
Pictures speak a thousand words. See more door photos here.
Door Installation Codes in Washington DC
While permits for a new door installation are generally not required in Washington, DC, DC still follows the International Building Code (IBC) and has its own local amendments to these standards.
- Fire Ratings
- Doors in fire-rated walls must comply with specific fire-resistance requirements (e.g., 20-minute, 45-minute, or 90-minute ratings, depending on the application). This is important because many homes in DC are in condominiums that may have more strict standards than a single family home to protect the residents of the building in DC.
- Egress Doors
- Door installations used for emergency exits in DC must meet egress requirements, such as opening in the direction of travel and having panic hardware in certain situations. This is common due to many homeowners in DC converting their basements into studio apartment units or short term rentals.
- Energy Efficiency
- Doors must comply with energy efficiency standards, including proper insulation and weather-stripping to prevent air leakage.
- Historic Requirements
- The only thing to consider is that you should check your zoning district as some areas of DC will have strict design rules dictating what you can install in your home.
To get specific information, you can refer to the DC Construction Codes or consult the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). Good news is that while you may not need a permit in DC we are a DC Licensed contractor installing Energy Efficient Windows & Doors in Washington DC.
Navigating DC’s Historic Doors with Expert Advice
Replacing doors in Washington, DC can be uniquely challenging because of the city's historic homes and stringent preservation requirements. We chose to partner with ProVia, whose wide selection—from durable steel doors to beautifully detailed fiberglass doors that replicate real wood—can be customized to meet even DC's strictest historic specifications. Hiring a licensed DC contractor like us (DC License #410519000037) ensures your new doors not only enhance your home’s character but also comply fully with local guidelines.
DC Doors Can Be Tricky—We've Seen It Firsthand
From uneven frames in these old DC rowhouses to navigating complex city codes, installing doors in DC isn't always straightforward. We've learned from experience that hiring someone who truly understands these local quirks makes all the difference. Our team knows how to get doors installed correctly the first time. Saving you stress, money, and headaches down the road.
