Replacement Sliding Glass Doors

Introduction:

Contemporary sliding glass doors have come a long way since the early aluminum model sliders. The old aluminum sliding doors were infamous for their stark appearance, sweating frames and cold glazing. The new generation of replacement sliding glass doors are of a completely new design that are very energy efficient, more durability and a lot safer. In addition, they are very attractive on the inside and the outside.

Although the old fashion style of aluminum slider glass doors maintain a strong foothold in the market the new models are made of wood and other materials that have given sliding glass doors an entirely new identity. The most popular sliding doors are made of wood on the inside with a durable cladding of vinyl on the outside.

Because wood is vulnerable to moisture and the ultraviolet rays of the sun, it must have a durable exterior finish. All wood doors can be factory primed or pre-painted in many different standard or custom colors.

 The fiberglass sliding glass door is an alternative to the all wood door.  They are made from fiberglass composites that resemble wood but will not crack or warp. In addition steel sliding glass doors are also available from some manufacturers. Some manufacturers offer doors that are faced on both sides with a vinyl or aluminum finish skin. Nearly all have a polyurethane foam insulation core that fills the shell which offers six times the energy efficiency of a wood sliding door.

Sliding Door Glazing:

The largest part of a sliding glass door is the glass. High performance glazing makes them very energy efficient. Unlike the older aluminum doors the new doors have dual glazing and often double paned glass with a low-emissivity (low-e) coating to make them even more energy efficient.

In addition, some manufactures offer decorative stained or beveled glass.  Like other types of doors and windows, sliders are available with real or faux grills and some offer any specific glazing you want when you place an order.

There are several sizing options. The standard size is 6 feet 8 inched in height however; they also are available 6 feet 11 inches and 8 feet in height. Typically a sliding glass door consists of only two panels however they are available in three or four panel configurations that run up to about 16 feet wide.

Most manufacturers offer matching rectangular and circle-head transom windows to fit above doors. A sliding door with a transom offers a unique design for very high ceiling homes. 

If you are looking for replacement sliding glass doors for you patio or porch you do not have to settle for the old fashion aluminum design of five decades ago. The new doors offer a refreshing new look in design to compliment your home décor.

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