Sliding glass doors are a great choice for homeowners looking to upgrade their home. They offer a modern look and wide views while being energy efficient.
A sliding door consists of one or more panel sections, some being fixed and others mobile to slide open. They can be opened during the day to let in fresh air and natural light or closed to keep conditioned air inside your home.
Cost-Effectiveness
Sliding glass doors offer a gorgeous influx of natural light that helps to reduce your need for artificial lighting and cuts down on your energy costs. They also help to limit outside noise and block the sun’s heat. You can further cut down on air-conditioning costs by choosing windows that have a low-emittance coating.
The most popular sliding glass door options have dual or triple-panes to maximize insulation and are up to 80% more energy-efficient than standard doors. You can further boost their insulating properties by opting for frames made from wood or fiberglass. Window grids like those offered by Thompson Creek can be added to give your new sliding glass windows a classic look and style.
You can also choose a patio door with a listed energy performance rating that is based on its frame build, internal weatherstripping and a combination of the amount and quality of the glass panes. Sliding doors are also more energy-efficient than hinged ones that swing open and outward because they don’t need extra room for operation.
Easy to Clean
Sliding glass doors provide a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors, save space, and are energy efficient. They also look great and are easy to clean. The door’s frame and handles can collect dirt, dust and grime over time, so it is important to regularly wipe them down.
Over time, the door’s tracks can develop a layer of grit that reduces the smoothness of its operation. It is a good idea to periodically use a track brush to remove this layer of grit, and then wipe the tracks with a terry cloth towel. Once the tracks are cleaned, it is a good idea to apply a small amount of lubrication.
Many of Hunter Douglas’ window treatments can be outfitted for sliding glass doors, including Luminette(r) Privacy Sheers and Silhouette(r) Window Shadings. Luminette Privacy Sheers have a fabric facing that resembles traditional sheer draperies and come with vertical rotating fabric vanes, while Silhouette Window Shadings are available in a wide range of light filtering fabrics and allow you to control the amount of natural light entering the room.
Increased Energy Efficiency
If you’re shopping for new exterior doors for your home, energy efficiency is probably the top of mind. The good news is that sliding glass doors are great insulators and can help lower your energy costs over time.
They can keep your home warm during the winter and cool in the summer, reducing the need for costly air-conditioning. Additionally, they can help limit the amount of UV rays that enter your home. This can reduce the risks of UV damage to furniture and rugs, as well as assist with regulating your circadian rhythms for better sleep and overall health.
Look for ENERGY STARR rated products that feature a low U-Factor and high solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) rating, which will help prevent energy loss from unwanted thermal transfers. Additionally, be sure to consider the door frame material and sash construction when choosing energy-efficient doors. For example, steel-framed doors are less insulated than fiberglass-framed ones. Also, doors with polyurethane foam cores have superior insulating properties.
Increased Home Value
Unlike traditional swinging doors, sliding glass doors allow for wide, uninterrupted views. Their modern look makes them a great addition to any home. In addition, they’re easy to clean and offer energy efficiency. These factors are sure to make your new patio doors a valuable asset in the long run, increasing the value of your home.
Located in the heart of Huntsville, close to Redstone Arsenal, shopping centers and restaurants. This 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath first floor condo features new hand scraped laminate flooring throughout the downstairs, remodeled bathrooms with new vanities and a new sliding glass door off the master suite to a private covered porch.
Sliding doors are available in a variety of widths and styles. The most important consideration when choosing a style is how well it complements your space.