Like all other doors, the main objective of installing patio doors is maintaining security and emphasizing aesthetics. Being an outdoor element, patio doors have a significant impact on the curb appeal of the house. So it’s important to take utmost care while selecting patio doors for your house. There are a number of contributing factors that can help you make the right decision. Energy efficiency, convenient door mechanism, visual appeal, and design versatility are some of the elements that top the list. Glass sliding patio doors satisfy all these criteria. However, there are some things that you should consider before buying sliding glass doors for patios. Here is a round-up of some of the questions that will help you evaluate the utility of sliding glass patio doors.
Table of Contents Show
How do Sliding Patio Doors Contribute to Adding Value to the Home?
Glass sliding doors are versatile, practical, and appealing. If you want to save the door-swinging space while also adding a contemporary flair to your space, sliding glass doors are the best pick. There are a number of reasons that justify the practical value of sliding doors as patio doors.
- When it comes to aesthetics, there is no match to the visual appeal of sliding glass patio doors. The wide, all-glass design creates a sense of smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
- They are available in a variety of styles to fit into a patio design. From bypass to bi-fold and stacking to pocket doors, you have a number of options to choose from.
- Sliding doors have a solid design and a precise operating mechanism. When closed, there are no spaces between the glass panels which ensures energy conservation. SS
- They can endure severe weather changes and require very little upkeep which makes them a perfect pick for outdoor use.
Considering the visual and practical benefits, it is quite evident that sliding doors are a smart choice for patios. Custom sliding glass doors exceptionally elevate the value of the home both in sense of aesthetics and functionality. You can get your hands on the premade sliding patio doors or order bespoke products.
Is It Safe To Choose Sliding Glass Doors?
Gone are the days when you had to worry about the delicacy of glass products. Sliding glass doors are typically made of strengthened glass that can endure hard impacts and weather changes without getting damaged. So you don’t have to worry about the strength of the glass door for outdoor use. However, you can control the strength value by choosing tempered, laminated, or double-glazed glass types.
What Types Of Glass Are Suitable For Patio Sliding Glass Doors?
With the availability of different types of glass, homeowners now have a plethora of options to choose from. However, there are two types of glass that are mostly deemed suitable to be used in patio doors.
● Tempered Glass
Tempered or toughened glass is a heat-strengthened variant of glass. It gets its strength from the comprehensive manufacturing process. The glass is heated to a very high temperature followed by a super-cooling technique. This process renders exceptional strength to the glass. Toughened glass is impact resistant and safe for everyday use. Therefore, it is considered a reasonable option for patio sliding glass doors.
● Insulated Glass
As the name suggests, insulated glass is known for its thermal insulation property. The insulated glass has two or more glass panes in its basic structure. The glass panes are separated by a spacer element that can be a vacuum or an inert glass. The spacer material is responsible for thermal insulation. The multiple layers of glass also lend the perfect strength value of insulated glass to be used for outdoor purposes.
You can choose any glass type based on your preferences and budget. If you live in a particularly hot or cold region, insulated glass is a better option for you. However, tempered glass is a preferred choice for regions with normal temperature variations.
Can Sliding Doors Open From the Center?
Sliding doors are available in different design variations. Some designs have a two-way sliding mechanism while others only allow one glass panel to move. Similarly, there are sliding glass patio doors that can be opened from the center. This design usually follows a style resembling the glass wall. Glass panels are installed on the whole patio wall opening. The side glass panels are fixed in their place while the central two panels can slide across each other. So in this configuration, the sliding glass doors can open from the center.
Are Sliding Doors French Doors?
There is a common misconception about the French and sliding doors. So we will address it here to help you choose the right sliding glass patio door.
French doors have hinges. They follow a swinging door operation mechanism and can be made to open completely. Due to the swinging mechanism, French doors require floor space to operate. They are typically installed in a combination of two doors.
On the contrary, sliding glass doors have a sliding operation mechanism. They are convenient to use. Sliding doors only occult the horizontal installation area and don’t need any floor space to operate. They are more versatile and easy to handle.
Both sliding doors and French doors are common choices for patios.
Features of Custom Sliding Patio Door
Sliding glass patio doors are a great addition to uplift the patio aesthetics. The bespoke sliding patio doors offer an opportunity to enhance the patio in a more creative manner. From style specified to glass thickness and size to glass type, there are a number of options available for custom sliding glass doors. The cost of the project would vary based on the personalization you want in your sliding door design as well as the size of the door. A smaller sliding glass door would cost less than a huge glass sliding door.
Here are some options you get to choose from while ordering a bespoke version of the patio sliding door.
Although glass is typically seen in its standard clear form, you can also delve into a wider category of colored glass to add a creative flair to the space. Different colors are also used to achieve UV protection, glare protection, or aesthetic brilliance. Some color options include
- Bronze Glass
- Gray Glass
- Green Glass
- Graylite
- Tint Mirror Pane
- Blue Glass
- Super Gray Glass
- Spraylite Glass
The glass edge finish adds a premium feel to the product. You can choose different glass finishes based on your preferences. Flat, beveled, pencil polished, and ground are some of the common edge finish options.
● Sizes to Fit
Every patio is built in different dimensions. So a premade glass sliding door may not fit your patio space. You can order custom sliding glass doors to get the sliding patio doors just according to your space dimensions. Just measure your space or get a professional to take the required patio door measurements for you, order custom cut glass, and adorn your patio with the radiance of sliding glass doors.
● Energy-Efficient Glass Options
Along with the size, type, and style of glass, you can also choose the extent of energy efficiency of your sliding doors in bespoke orders. You can order an energy-efficient coating over the standard tempered glass to ensure thermal insulation or choose your preferred type of spacer material for insulated glass to ensure maximum efficiency. You can also get low-E glass to limit the flow of solar heat. Similarly, a layer of your desired tint can help you achieve the desired results.
Final Note
Glass sliding patio doors are undoubtedly a remarkable and useful addition to home architecture. The benefits of installing sliding patio doors are too numerous to mention. You can enjoy the breathtaking view of your patio through the glass sliding doors, allow fresh outside air to enter the house, boost the curb appeal of your house and improve the energy efficiency of your home. So if you want to give your home a face-lift, go for installing sliding glass patio doors. Order custom sliding glass doors for your patio and make your investment worthwhile.
