Sliding glass doors are an attractive way to connect indoor and outdoor spaces, bringing in natural light. They also add value to your home and improve energy efficiency.
However, a broken sliding door handle can be quite an inconvenience and a safety hazard. This is why it’s important to keep your door working properly.
Impact-Rated
Florida has some of the strictest building codes in the US, and impact-rated sliding doors are a requirement for any property within a hurricane zone. Built with reinforced frames and shatterproof laminated glass, these doors are engineered to withstand high winds, flying debris, and pressure changes caused by intense storms.
These doors also block UV rays and reduce outside noise, so you can enjoy your home’s view without compromising on privacy or comfort. Plus, they’re a great investment that can increase your home’s value, especially since many insurance companies offer premium discounts for homes with impact-rated windows and doors.
Unlike traditional swinging patio doors, these sliding door panels glide horizontally along tracks to open and close. They’re a great space-saving option for any room, and they can even be motorized for easy operation.
Energy-Efficient
Sliding glass doors allow natural light into your home, brightening your living space. They also create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. But bare sliding glass doors are inefficient and can contribute to high energy bills. Energy-efficient sliding glass doors can help reduce your energy bills by reducing heat transfer.
Energy-efficient patio doors use multiple panes of glass and insulated frames to slow down heat transfer. This can significantly lower your energy bills.
The frame material is important, as some materials have higher insulating capabilities than others. Wood framing, for example, has better insulating capabilities than fiberglass and steel. The type of glass used is also critical. Glass created expressly for energy efficiency often features double or triple panes that prevent heat loss and a layer of krypton or argon gas between the panes further insulates the doors.
Traditional or Modern
Sliding glass doors can transform your home’s interior and exterior spaces. They provide unobstructed views and abundant natural light, while also boosting the energy efficiency of your home. They come in a variety of styles, from traditional to modern, allowing homeowners to find the right fit for their home.
The most common sliding patio door style consists of two or more panels that slide horizontally on tracks. These doors are versatile and offer a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. Swinging patio doors, on the other hand, have one or more panels that swing open and closed on hinges.
Properly preparing your sliding glass doors for installation will help ensure their long-term performance. First, inspect the header above your opening to make sure it’s structurally sound and can support the weight of your new door unit.
Hurricane-Proof
Sliding glass doors are a common feature in Florida homes. They offer easy access to outdoor living spaces and provide abundant natural light. However, in the event of a hurricane or other intense weather, they can be vulnerable to breaking. Fortunately, you can safeguard your patio doors from damage by adding impact resistant sliding glass.
These doors are designed to withstand high winds and flying debris, and they will protect your home from intruders and break-ins by blocking out 99 percent of harmful UV rays. Additionally, they will lower your energy bills and boost resale value.
These durable, impact-rated glass doors have undergone rigorous testing to ensure their resilience. They are anchored to steel frames, which resist warping and bending under extreme conditions. They also absorb and disperse impact energy, preventing shattering.
Unobstructed Views
From a design perspective, sliding glass doors create a seamless visual connection to your patios, gardens and decks. They’re also a great way to enjoy the beautiful Florida weather and surroundings.
The final installation step is critical, requiring precise positioning and alignment that influences both function and longevity. Precise leveling prevents the door from shifting and causing damage during use.
Sliding glass doors invite natural light into your living spaces, brightening rooms and lowering the need for overhead or lamp lighting during the day. Sunlight promotes mood and health, kills bacteria and mold, and makes spaces feel larger. It’s easy to enhance this benefit with the addition of custom shutters that offer privacy, ventilation and protection. They can be manipulated to your exact preferences with a variety of louver sizes.