Three Things to Consider When Buying a New Sliding Door

Sliding doors are a home design mainstay for patios, backdoors, and porches. Installing a sliding door can create a seamless transition between your home’s interior and your patio or deck this summer. Compared to their counterpart, french doors, sliding doors are convenient and aesthetically pleasing. However, whether you are considering installing a new door or replacing your current sliding door there are a few things to consider.

Security

All homeowners know that every entrance to your home needs to be protected. Sliding doors are no different in that regard. This is especially true because sliding doors can cause security problems when they are not properly protected. Sliding glass doors are often placed as back or side entrances to the home, they allow people outside to see inside the home, and sometimes the only thing protecting them is a simple latch. To best protect your sliding door consider installing curtains, an alarm system, and a strong lock system. These simple installations keep your home and possessions private from outsiders, alert you to any intruder, and give you peace of mind that your door is securely locked. Most importantly, make sure the door is installed professionally with a security design. A door installed securely cannot easily be taken off its tracks, which improves security. Aside from these installations, you can save yourself some trouble by choosing your glass options carefully.

Durability

The most important parts of your sliding glass door are the glass and the frame. For best results look for glass sliding doors that are rated highly for their durability. Glass thickness is very important. One of the great benefits of sliding doors over french doors is that door weight will have less effect on convenience. Hinged doors with thick glass can slam shut and be harder to open than sliding doors. Aside from using thick glass, getting weather stripping on your glass can keep your door storm proof. Using vinyl for the door frame will keep your frame from chipping and splintering compared to wood. Besides installation, regularly vacuuming your sliding door’s track can also improve your door’s lifetime.

Cost & Energy Efficiency

Of course, another important factor in decision making is making cost-effective choices. Weather stripping your sliding door is a cost-effective way to make your sliding door energy efficient. If you want your door to help save money on your heat bill check that your door has materials that keep heat indoors. Sliding doors are generally more energy efficient than french doors because if they are installed professionally they can be airtight. To maximize this effect, use metals that have been injected with insulation foam to counteract metal’s ability to let heat escape (for a bonus your door handles will be less cold/hot to the touch).

If you are considering installing a sliding glass door, make sure to get a door that is professionally designed for your safety, long-lasting durability, and for cost & energy efficiency. At Seacoast Window Replacements, we can make sure your door is installed perfectly. We provide dual-point locks for security, blinds for privacy, aluminum reinforcement for durability, and dual-glazed insulating glass for energy efficiency. Request a quote now!