Sliding glass doors add a “wow” factor to any home and make it easier to connect indoor comfort with the outdoors. They are designed with a wide range of features for improved security and energy efficiency.
Unlike hinged doors, sliding doors slide along a track, eliminating the need for clearance space to open. You can coordinate them with specialty options such as Luminette privacy sheers and Silhouette window shadings.
Natural Light
Sliding glass doors open up your home to natural light, creating a brighter and more inviting space. They also offer unobstructed views of your backyard, connecting the indoors and outdoors.
This natural light is good for your health and can boost your mood all year round. It can also cut down on the need for artificial lighting, reducing energy bills.
Sliding glass doors can be paired with window treatments to maximize natural light and create a beautiful aesthetic. Some options include Luminette(r) Privacy Sheers, a modern and versatile solution for sliding glass doors, and Duette(r) Honeycomb Shades, which feature vertical honeycomb-shaped pockets to keep the room at a comfortable temperature and prevent air leakage. Both styles come in a variety of colors and finishes, so you’re sure to find one that matches your home.
Space-Efficient
Sliding glass doors allow homeowners to enjoy a seamless transition between indoor living spaces and outdoor environments. They also help to save energy, reduce environmental footprints, and increase property values.
Advanced glazing options such as Low E-Glass, and double continuous weatherstripping deliver enhanced insulation and energy efficiency. They minimize heat transfer, so homes remain cool in summer and warm in winter, leading to significant cost savings on electricity bills.
Additional options like Luminette(r) Privacy Sheers coordinate with Silhouette(r) Window Shadings for a customized look. They resemble traditional sheer draperies and offer control of light and privacy when opened or closed. Security features such as multi-point lock systems and tempered glass protect against intruders. Removable side or overhead crisscrossing bars block exterior access when the door is inactive, and they slide out of sight for easy storage when not needed.
Durability
Sliding glass doors can last for up to 30 years – though their lifespan depends on several factors, including their material and construction quality, professional installation, and maintenance. Their wide panes of glass and narrow frames can create a feeling of openness, while letting in natural light and providing clear views.
Energy efficiency is also a key benefit of sliding glass doors. Options such as insulated Low E-glass reduce your home’s carbon footprint and help you save on energy costs year round.
Sliding glass doors feature sturdy construction and superior locking systems to enhance your home’s security. For example, a multi-point lock system engages at multiple points along the door and frame to prevent forced entry. Likewise, a security screen prevents unwanted intruders from accessing your home’s interior while still allowing air to circulate.
Energy Efficiency
Sliding glass doors bring enhanced natural light, seamless indoor-outdoor transition, and energy efficiency to your home. The amount of natural light that enters your home is vital to your overall health, regulating circadian rhythms for more restful sleep, and boosting moods.
Sleek, modern sliding doors also reduce the glare of sunlight on your furniture and help protect your family from harmful UV rays that can cause sun damage. They can be fitted with shatterproof safety glass, too, which prevents injuries in the event of an impact or break.
Sliding glass doors with a low U-factor can greatly reduce your energy consumption by preventing heat loss or gain and keeping the interior temperature steady. Consider the insulating properties of door framing materials like steel or fiberglass, and how many glass panes are used.
Security
While they provide a wide range of benefits, sliding glass doors are also vulnerable entry points for burglars and intruders. Fortunately, homeowners can reinforce their security by installing smart home solutions such as window sensors and glass break detectors that are connected to an alarm system.
Sliding glass doors can be reinforced with security film that prevents the windows from shattering into dangerous shards and gives homeowners time to react. The film can be tinted or textured and comes in a variety of colors and finishes that enhance the aesthetics of the doors.
Security bars on the outside of the door frame and a secure track help deter intruders from forcing the doors open. These bars can be side mounted or overhead crisscrossing, and they store conveniently out of sight when not in use.