Sliding glass doors, also known as patio doors, allow natural light to flood your living space and reduce your need for artificial lighting. They are popular among homeowners who want to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Before purchasing, determine the size of your opening and whether it will accommodate sliding doors. Then, choose a style that will complement your home design.
Choosing a Style
With a variety of designs, finishes, and sizes, energy-efficient sliding glass doors seamlessly integrate into any architectural aesthetic. They also enhance living spaces by providing ample natural light and stunning views.
The best custom sliding glass doors Salt Lake City UT homeowners choose will depend on factors such as maintenance needs, climate, sound reduction, and safety features. For example, bypass sliding doors require less space than swing or bifold options to open, which makes them ideal for tighter spaces.
Other factors include security considerations, such as multi-point locking systems or impact-resistant glass. Energy-efficient doors, meanwhile, help homeowners cut energy costs and carbon footprints by minimizing heat loss, helping them reduce dependence on artificial lighting. They also act as formidable barriers against drafts and climatic extremes, ensuring optimal indoor temperatures year-round. This results in significant savings on heating and cooling costs. They’re a smart investment for any home.
Choosing Glass
Sliding glass doors Salt Lake City UT create stunning views, but they can also help improve the comfort of your home. Since glass is a poor insulator, these types of doors must be properly sized and protected to reduce heat transfer through the frame and into living spaces. Sliding glass doors that are double glazed with low-emissivity coatings and gas-filling (typically argon) will provide excellent thermal performance.
The right decorative glass panels can enhance your patio door and make a memorable first impression on visitors. However, selecting a design that meets the demands of your lifestyle and home design can be challenging. You’ll need to consider size, color, and other aesthetic factors in addition to performance requirements. You may want to consult with a door designer before finalizing your choice. These professionals will ensure that you are happy with your new doors before beginning the installation process. They will also work with you to develop a comprehensive project plan and budget for your upgrade.
Choosing a Frame
A quality custom sliding door will resist damage from the elements. This includes wind, ice, and sunlight. However, it’s important to keep in mind that wind can cause doors to shake and rattle, which may damage their track and hardware.
Sliding glass doors are an excellent way to bring in natural light and create a seamless connection with the outdoors. They can also increase your home’s energy efficiency and reduce air drafts.
Energy-efficient doors have double glass panels with argon gas between them, which keeps your indoor climate consistent year-round and minimizes heat gain or loss. They also enhance comfort by reducing drafts, temperature imbalances, and harmful UV exposure. These high-tech doors cost more upfront, but offer significant savings in energy costs for decades to come.
Installation
Often installed to open a home’s interior to the outdoors, sliding glass doors maximize natural light and allow easy access to patios, porches, and balconies. Unlike hinged doors, which require extra space to swing open and closed, sliding door panels glide horizontally across the opening to provide full view and easy access without taking up floor space.
Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient sliding glass doors minimize heat loss and cold air infiltration to lower utility costs. These doors serve as formidable barriers against energy waste, which allows heating and cooling systems to work more efficiently and saves homeowners money year-round.
The right sliding glass doors will help protect interior furnishings and décor from UV damage, too. For added security, choose doors with multi-point locking systems and double or triple pane glass. In addition, opt for energy-efficient frames made from fiberglass and aluminum that resist warping and rot. This low-maintenance material also provides superior insulation against Utah’s climate and can be augmented with argon or krypton gas fills to boost thermal performance.