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What Are Door Transoms?
Door transoms are horizontal architectural elements typically installed above door openings, often incorporating glass or other translucent materials. These features serve both functional and aesthetic roles in commercial and residential construction. In modern buildings, a transom can be a fixed window, an operable ventilation panel, or a decorative glass element that complements the door and surrounding structure.
From stained glass transom panels in historic properties to fiberglass exterior doors with sidelights and transom systems in modern facilities, door transoms have evolved significantly. When paired with entry doors with sidelights and transom, they help define the entrance while allowing light to enter the room naturally.
Types of Door Transoms in Commercial Construction
In commercial settings, door transoms can be fabricated using materials like steel, fiberglass, alder, mahogany, or wood, depending on design intent and environmental demands. Transoms may be rectangular, arched, or integrated with sidelight assemblies to create a full-frame entry system, such as double entry doors with sidelights and transom or Pella entry doors with sidelights and transom configurations.
Common transom types include:
- Fixed glass transoms – Non-operable units designed to admit light into a room or hallway.
- Transom window above door – Positioned directly above the door head for visual symmetry and ambient light transmission.
- Operable transoms – Equipped with hinges or louvers to assist with passive ventilation, commonly seen in older house or attic designs.
- Stained glass transom panels – Often custom-made for interior lobbies, conference rooms, or places of worship, these add visual interest while maintaining privacy.
- Tempered glass transoms – Essential for code compliance in high-traffic areas, especially in schools, offices, and retail spaces.
Functional Benefits of Door Transoms
Transoms are not just decorative—they deliver essential performance benefits in modern commercial construction. For example, window transoms and transom windows above french doors increase natural light flow between rooms or common areas. This reduces the need for artificial lighting, especially in interior spaces like basement corridors or bedroom suites without exterior windows.
Operable transom window above front door models enhance ventilation by allowing airflow between rooms without opening the main door. This is especially valuable in older house renovations or porch-connected areas. In areas with high heat and humidity, proper airflow can help reduce mold buildup near the ceiling, roof, or wall framing.
Code Compliance and Design Integration
Commercial door and transom systems must meet various building codes, including those for fire-rated assemblies, tempered glass specifications, and warranty standards. At Mills & Nebraska, custom transom systems are fabricated in compliance with ADA and UL guidelines, and can be paired with structural elements like beam-supported jamb frames or wrought iron security grilles.
Whether you’re designing an elegant patio entry with front door and transom integration or reinforcing an interior office suite with iron transom support, the application must align with the building’s structural and visual needs.
Material and Design Options for Custom Transoms
Choosing the right material for your door transom is crucial to achieving the desired look and long-term durability. Wood species such as mahogany and alder provide a warm, traditional feel, often used in upscale commercial lobbies or boutique storefronts. These can be paired with stained glass or grille inserts for a custom touch.
For high-performance applications, such as frames for fiberglass exterior doors with sidelights and transom, fiberglass slabs are often specified due to their resistance to moisture and heat. Mills & Nebraska fabricates compatible frame systems for these door units to ensure code-compliant, long-lasting installation.
Applications in Modern Commercial Construction
Custom transoms are used across various sectors of construction, each with unique goals:
- Healthcare & Education: Increase natural light and visibility in corridors while maintaining privacy with partial frosted panels or grilles.
- Retail & Hospitality: Create stunning entrances with arched door transoms above front door and transom packages that reinforce branding and curb appeal.
- Corporate Offices: Divide interior rooms with glass transoms to preserve an open feel while supporting HVAC airflow across ceilings and walls.
- Historic Renovations: Match original arch openings using reproduction stained glass transom panels while updating to modern thermal and safety standards.
Transoms can even be integrated into attic, basement, or utility spaces for subtle ventilation and light flow without compromising security.
Customization and Fabrication Capabilities
At Mills & Nebraska, our custom transom solutions are built to exact specifications, including non-standard heights, beam integration, curved headers, and matching finishes for entry doors with sidelights and transom.
We work with architects and general contractors to fabricate transoms that complement both modern and traditional building envelopes. Every door and transom set is produced with precise attention to detail, whether it’s for a grand public building or a minimalist patio entry.
Conclusion
Custom door transoms elevate commercial architecture by blending form and function. Whether you’re looking to improve natural lighting, increase ventilation, or simply add a distinctive design element, a well-crafted transom adds lasting value and compliance to any project.
With the ability to match windows, doors, and surrounding details, transoms help bring a cohesive, professional look to your facility—while also meeting performance requirements for fire safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency.
Let Mills & Nebraska Fabricate Your Transom Vision
Our team collaborates with you at every step—from design spec to code compliance—to ensure seamless integration with your existing entry doors with sidelights and transom or full window transom system.
Contact Mills & Nebraska today to request a quote or speak with one of our architectural hardware experts. Your transom solution starts with craftsmanship, and ends with confidence.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is a transom, and where is it typically installed?
A transom is a horizontal window or panel located above a door or window opening. In commercial construction, it’s often installed above entry doors with sidelights and transom, or over interior doors to provide added light, ventilation, or aesthetic value.
Are transoms only available in glass, or can other materials be used?
While glass—including tempered glass, stained glass, and frosted options—is the most common, transoms can also be constructed using wood, fiberglass, or framed with wrought iron. Each material offers unique benefits depending on your project's goals for appearance, durability, or heat resistance.
Can transoms be used for ventilation as well as lighting?
Yes. Transom window above door units are often designed to open or allow airflow, making them a practical choice for bedrooms, offices, or commercial attic and basement areas where passive ventilation is needed without sacrificing security.
Do transoms work with ADA or fire-rated commercial doors?
Absolutely. Custom door and transom units can be fabricated to meet ADA clearance, fire-rating, and Florida Building Code standards. Mills & Nebraska ensures that even double entry doors with sidelights and transom setups are code-compliant and labeled for inspection.
What styles are available for transoms in architectural design?
Transoms come in a variety of styles—arched, rectangular, or even multi-pane. Whether you want a window above French doors, a front door and transom set with decorative grilles, or Pella entry doors with sidelights and transom, the design can be fully customized to match your building’s aesthetic and functional needs.