Installing new sliding glass doors can add more value to your home. But only if you get the right style. With so many options out there, how are you supposed to know which one works best for your home? We’ve got you covered.
Here’s a quick list of five tips that’ll help you buy the best sliding glass doors.
1. Think About the Design
One of the first things you have to think about when choosing a sliding glass door for your home is the design. But don’t get too focused on the design of the Milgard door itself. You also have to consider the design of your home as well. Why? You want to get a sliding glass door that matches the aesthetics of your home.
For example, if you have an older, more classic home, you’ll want to stick with something simple and elegant. Don’t choose a larger, more airy door unless you live in a modern house. A door that doesn’t match the design of your home will feel out-of-place, and it can become a major attention-getter—in a bad way.
2. Pick Energy Efficient Material
Windows and sliding glass doors lose more energy per square foot than any other surface in your home. So when you’re shopping for sliding glass doors, you’ll want to focus on finding one that’s energy efficient. There are two different types of material you need to consider: the glass and the frame.
Here’s a closer look at each one below.
Glass Type
The best type of glass for patio doors is Low-E glass. This glass has a special coating that prevents UV rays from getting into your home and lowers your energy bill. But there are other types of glass you can choose from as well. For example, you can decide to get decorative glass. This glass can add a nice design element to your home, deck, and backyard alike. It can also make it harder for nosey neighbors to see inside your home, which helps protect your privacy.
You can even find sliding glass doors with built-in blinds. These blinds sit between two panels of glass, but you can still open or close them from the outside.
Door Frame Material
You also have several choices for the frame of your sliding glass door. Some of the most popular options include the following:
- Vinyl
- Fiberglass
- Aluminum
When it comes to picking the door frame material, you’ll want something that is both energy efficient and durable. On top of that, you also have to think about how the material will look with your home.
Vinyl is affordable and easy to maintain. However, the color options can be limited. Spend some time thinking about what works for your needs before settling on a doorframe material.
3. Make Sure the Style Works for Your Home
Once you know what material works best for your home, you can start thinking about the type of sliding glass door you want. There are a number of options to choose from. The right one for your home will depend on the design, space, and your personal preference.
Here’s a quick look at some of the most popular sliding glass door options on the market.
Standard Sliding Doors
Standard sliding glass doors have two panels, one that moves back and forth and one that’s stationary. This type of door has a track along the top and the bottom of the stationary panel. To open this door, you simply slide the movable panel along the track.
You can choose a right-handed or left-handed operation when you pick a standard sliding door.
French-Style Sliding Doors
French-style sliding glass doors have wider stiles and rails. In other words, they have a larger, more luxurious feel and appearance. This also makes them versatile. You can install this type of sliding glass door in a classical or modern home. It will complement both architectural styles.
4-Panel Sliding Doors
A 4-panel sliding glass door is essentially two standard sliding glass doors pushed up against each other. This type of door has two sliding panels that overlap on either side with two stationary panels. These doors create a wide, beautiful entryway that provides a beautiful view and lets in a lot of light.
Bi-Fold Sliding Doors
A bi-fold sliding glass door is made of two panels connected by hinges. When you open a bi-fold door, it folds up against itself. This type of door is younger than the others on this list, and it’s a good fit for newer or modern homes.
Pocket Sliding Doors
Pocket sliding glass doors roll into a “pocket” inside the wall when you open them. When opened, the glass panels completely disappear. This means they take up less floor space than other types of doors. Pocket doors can also create larger entryways than other sliding doors.
4. Consider the Door’s Location
What part of your home will your sliding glass door be located? If you don’t have a lot of space to work with, you may not be able to choose a 4-panel sliding door or a pocket sliding door. You should also think about the amount of furniture in the room.
Is there enough space for a bi-fold door to open, or will it hit the couch if you try? Depending on the size and shape of your home, you might have to match the door to the available space.
5. Don’t Forget About Maintenance
Some sliding glass doors will require more maintenance than others. For example, wood might need more minor repairs more often than aluminum doors. If you don’t have a lot of time to maintain your sliding door, you should stick with something durable that doesn’t need a lot of attention. This will make your job easier and keep your door looking nicer longer.
How to Pick the Best Sliding Glass Doors
Picking the best sliding glass doors for your home involves more than just personal preference. While preference plays a part, you also have to think about the design of your home, the type of material, and the style of door.
Need some more help picking the best type of door for your home? Make sure you click here to check out this guide.
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