Sliding glass doors are becoming a more popular choice in home décor. While wooden doors still dominate the category, glass gives contemporary homes a smart and modern look. When it comes to aesthetics, sliding glass doors are pretty tough to beat. However, installing them is a big decision that comes with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Glass sliding doors have come a long way in terms of design and function since they first came out during the Middle Ages. Today’s version provides several innovative features such as motorized blinds and thermal insulation. They are easy to clean and repairs are now more affordable. Do note that adding to the overall appeal of your home doesn’t come cheap – glass doors are more expensive than regular doors. Before making an investment, know the pros and cons of glass sliding doors.
Why Sliding Glass Doors are Great for Your Home
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Smart and chic
The transparency of glass adds a touch of glam to any home. With a clear view of both sides of the door, you can showcase your decor so each space has a unique look that is stylish and luxurious.
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No need for artificial light
By installing glass sliding doors, you’ll be able to take advantage of natural light. Even when the doors are closed, they let in a significant amount of sunlight. Add a screen to the exterior and you can also enjoy the outdoor breeze.
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Practical
Sliding glass doors are practical for creating a large doorway. This eliminates the need to cram a heavy piece of furniture through a narrow opening when moving from one room to another. The sliding track mechanism replaces the external hinges used in traditional doors which can damage items that are you moving in and out. Sliding door tracks are easy to replace so they are a more practical option for your property.
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Create an illusion of more space
Glass brings in more light and makes the room feel bigger, thus creating an illusion of more space. The opaque nature of a wooden door makes a small room feel even more cramped.
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Space-saving
With glass sliding doors, you are able to save space because they don’t swing in and out. The door moves in the same line as the top and bottom slide mechanism. The slide track on a door rail makes perfect sense for homes with minimal space.
If you are looking to install a patio door, sliding glass doors are the perfect choice. Without any doorknobs to hold, it is easier to shift between the home interior and the outdoor deck when entertaining guests.
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Energy-efficient
Sliding glass doors have lower glass-to-frame ratios which provide more insulation from the scorching summer heat. Transparent sliding doors also allow natural light to pass so there is no need to consume electricity during the day.
With an external screen installed on one side of the door, natural wind flowing through the wide opening can also help reduce your air conditioning costs and repel unwanted bugs and insects.
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Eco-friendly
Sliding doors are more eco-friendly because they are made of glass and metal, unlike wooden doors which require cutting of trees.
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Special features
Special coatings can be applied to glass doors for additional safety features. These include Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAP) and Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) layers that help stop the entry of pollutants into your home. Some glass doors also feature double-glazed panes for better thermal insulation.
Why You Should Think Twice before Installing Sliding Glass Doors
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Vulnerable in extreme weather
If you live in an area with heavy frosts and storms, glass doors might not be a practical option. They can shatter in severe weather conditions – whether extremely cold or extremely hot.
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Security issues
Although you can install locks on sliding glass doors, these are not as strong as the latches drilled into wooden doors. Glass can be a liability when it comes to protecting your home from intruders.
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Difficult to maintain
Glass doors require more maintenance than regular doors as they are prone to streaks of dirt and water stains. You will need to clean them often especially if you live in harsh weather conditions.
The frame also requires proper maintenance to ensure that all the parts slide smoothly. If the door doesn’t open easily, it could be due to rust, warping, or the house settling.
Over time sliding glass doors can wear out. It is recommended that you replace them every 15 years or so. If there is a crack on the glass, replace it immediately.
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Cost
This is probably the biggest drawback to glass sliding doors. They are definitely more expensive than regular doors. You cannot skimp on your budget because low-quality glass can mean additional repair and replacement expenses in the future.
Ready to Switch to Sliding Glass Doors? Contact Glass King!
Sliding glass doors make the interior of your home look bigger and more chic. They help cut down your electricity bill with natural light and wind as they keep out dust, draft, rain, bugs and noise. They do, however, come with increased maintenance and price. Now that you know the pros and cons of glass sliding doors, weigh your options and see if the advantages are worth the extra cost.
If you are already considering the installation of sliding glass doors for your home in Arizona, contact a professional glass company today.