Sliding doors are a great addition to most houses since they provide various benefits. For one thing, they don’t take up a lot of room when opened and are therefore ideal for smaller homes with limited space. They also let natural light into the home, promote good ventilation when opened, and allow homeowners to easily connect their indoor spaces with their yard and garden.
Before you can enjoy these perks, though, you first have to install the right sliding doors in your property. Choose the best possible units for your home by keeping these factors in mind:
Custom vs Premade
Many hardware stores and home improvement shops offer premade sliding glass doors that are ready to install, and there’s nothing wrong with buying them if they meet your standards. However, you’ll get better results if you opt for custom sliding doors, which are designed to complement the architectural style of your house while highlighting its best features. Custom doors are also built to perfectly fit your space, so you’re assured that there will be zero gaps along the seams and that you can eliminate draughts that can reduce your home’s energy efficiency.
Panel Size and Number
How many door panels do you require, and what are their desired height and width? Providing this information will assist in selecting the optimal configuration for your sliding doors, ensuring they are both functional and visually appealing, rather than having an awkward design that disrupts the overall aesthetic.
Glass Type
To choose the right glass for your sliding doors, consider your light control requirements and privacy needs. Clear glass is the ideal option if you want to enjoy full sunshine while indoors and have unobstructed views of your yard, while tinted glass is great if you love natural light but want to minimise the effects of UV rays on your flooring and furniture. Frosted or textured glass, on the other hand, is recommended if your sliding doors are positioned within your neighbours’ line of sight and you’d like to maintain your privacy.
Glazing
Single-glazed glass panels are generally less expensive, but don’t let their low prices fool you. Double-glazed sliding doors are now the industry standard since they promote better energy efficiency, and since they’re thicker and sturdier, they’re much more secure and provide additional protection against break-ins.
Frame Material
Once you’ve selected the ideal glass type and glazing, it’s time to focus on the framing material. Some sliding doors come with a wood frame, which has a classically elegant look and feel but requires a lot of maintenance. Others, meanwhile, are made with fibreglass framing, which has great thermal performance but can’t withstand heavy impact and tend to be more expensive than other materials.
Consider installing a sliding door if you want a long-lasting solution that won’t break quickly. Aluminium frames can endure normal wear and tear and remain strong even in the face of severe weather, especially if they meet and surpass the National Association of Testing Authorities’ (NATA) criteria.
Sill Configuration
Ideally, your sliding doors should sit level both with the floor and the ground right outside them. By opting for flat, flush sills, you’ll avoid creating safety hazards that can cause you or your loved ones to trip and get injured, and you can connect your indoor and outdoor spaces in a seamless way.
Opting for sliding doors is one of the best things homeowners can do for their space. Select the best possible sliding doors for your property by taking note of these factors!