Are you planning to buy glass sliding doors? Do you have existing experience in choosing glass doors or do you know about important factors that really matter in the long run? In this blog post, we will discuss various factors to consider to choose the best sliding glass doors.
1. Material of the doorframe
A variety of materials are available when it comes to sliding glass doors. Some of the popular options include aluminum, fiberglass, vinyl, and wood.
If you are looking for a contemporary look and feel, aluminum is the right choice. It helps in keeping the frames narrow which means you will be able to maximize the glass part of the door.
Fiberglass is also a great option as these are low-maintenance and sturdy doors. Fiberglass is also much more energy efficient and allows you to add some style to your place.
Wood is an evergreen material but wooden doors tend to have a wider frame profile. However, wood also requires a lot more maintenance as compared to other options.
Vinyl is also an excellent choice. It is the ideal option when you have to have sliding doors near the entryway or in other tight situations.
2. Type of glass
A variety of glass types are available for sliding doors. In most cases, safety glass or tempered glasses are used by manufacturers in sliding glass doors. The advantage of using this type of glass is that it does not leave dangerous shards of glass in case it breaks down.
If you want to keep heat away, you might want to choose a reflective glass. Needless to say, the reflective glass will also help in making the indoors more energy efficient as it will keep the heat away.
There is also the option of using an insulating glass where two glass pieces are sealed together with air or another gas filled inside the gap. These are also known as insulating glass or double pane glass.
3. Choose the right style
These doors are available in a wide range of styles. Some of the popular options include:
Standard sliding doors
French style sliding doors
Bi-fold sliding doors
Multi-panel sliding doors
Pocket sliding doors
The standard style has two panels that move back and forth. If the existing architecture of your home permits, you might want to think of installing French-style doors. These offer a more rich and more luxurious appearance.
There is also the bi-fold door where two panels are connected by hinges. These doors are typically found in modern-day homes. You can also have four-panel doors if you want to create a bigger entryway.
4. Maintenance
Many people do not pay attention to maintenance requirements when it comes to choosing sliding doors but it is a big mistake. Some options require a lot more maintenance as compared to others. Take the example of wood.
If you do not paint it at regular intervals, it might lose its shine and will not look as good as some of the other options. This is why you should specifically consider maintenance requirements before choosing a particular material.
Conclusion
There is a wide range of materials, styles and designs available for sliding glass doors. In addition to the appearance, you should also pay attention to the practical side of things. Make sure the material is easier to maintain and adds to the existing decor/aesthetics of your home.