Although typically positioned in the back or at the side of a house, the sliding glass door is really one of the star performers of a home. It’s the door that’s most likely to help bring the outside in as it opens onto the deck or patio where you can relax. That’s why it’s so important to find the right one. Read on to see our answers to frequently asked questions about sliding glass doors.
What is the best sliding glass door to buy?
It really depends on what you’re looking for. The biggest consideration is the type of material you want for your sliding glass door. Aluminum and vinyl are the two most common materials on the market. Both are durable, energy efficient, and can be used in new homes or renovation projects.
Once you’ve settled on the material, you have all kind of choices when it comes to colors and grids. Thanks to the latest technology, many windows and doors come in an array of colors both on the exterior and interior. Indeed, it’s not unusual for some products to offer as many as eight or nine color options. When it comes to grids, you can select sculptured, flat, and simulated divided lites, which are all available in various sizes.
What should I look for when buying a sliding glass door?
There are a few things that should be at the top of your list when buying a sliding glass door. First of all, you want a door that’s energy efficient. The sliding glass doors on the market today – which boast features like spacer systems, Low-E glazed glass, and gas between the panes – can merge your interior and exterior spaces without sacrificing energy performance. Lastly, make sure that your sliding glass doors are easy to clean and operate, and that they will complement your home aesthetically.
What is the main advantage of a sliding glass door?
Sliding glass doors generally open to a backyard, patio, or deck, so it’s the door that leads to most of your outdoor activities when you’re home. It’s also a great way to bring natural light into your space, which is ideal if you’re trying to save on energy costs or if you just prefer having an abundant amount of sunlight in your home. Finally, as they’re typically bigger than a traditional swinging patio door, a sliding glass door can really capture the amazing beauty outside your home. Whether the scenery includes a mountain or lake, or a man-made wonder like an expansion bridge or skyscraper, you’ll have a better view of it with a sliding glass door.
How big is a typical sliding glass door?
Most sliding glass doors are roughly 5 to 6 feet wide and about 6.5 feet tall with a two-panel configuration. But there are three-, four-, and even six-panel sliding glass doors that can span up to 20 feet wide and 12 feet tall. The latter are becoming very popular, and more and more architects are designing homes that can accommodate these exceptionally large sliding glass doors.
Shopping for sliding glass doors
We hope we were able to give you a good blueprint to begin your search. There is a lot to consider when buying a new sliding glass door, but this information should help you get well on your way to start shopping. Before you know it, you’ll be inside looking out of your beautiful new sliding door and admiring all the details.
