Sliding doors are still considered to be one of the most popular types of patio doors that are chosen by homeowners. This is because sliding doors tend to open up to your garden while also letting in lots of natural light and being cost-effective when compared to other types of doors. But if you think it just has one boring style then don’t worry since there are a lot of types of exterior sliding doors that you can choose from. We will show you the many options you can choose from based on your home interiors. Let’s also take a look at what are sliding doors and what are the benefits of sliding doors as compared to other types of doors.
What are Sliding Doors?
Glass sliding doors are a type of external door that consists of glass panels that traditionally slide horizontally to open up. Sliding doors are normally mounted on a track at the foot of the door or one at the top of the door that helps it slide easily.
Modern sliding door systems are also quite energy-efficient, secure, and safe. The doors are popular due to their feature of joining the exterior and interior with each other. Sliding doors are also a great choice if you want to save space. The door panels slide behind each other which means instead of doors that either open towards the inside (bi-fold) or outside (French doors) these doors can save a lot of space. They are also much cheaper than the other types of doors. They are much more flexible as well when it comes to the suitability for wider space openings.
Benefits of Sliding Doors for Exteriors
Sliding doors sure bring beauty to your property. While this could be one of the main reasons why sliding doors are a popular choice, there are still a lot of benefits of sliding doors that you get when you attach one to your home. These benefits of sliding doors can be provided as follows.
Space efficiency
Unlike bi-fold or French doors that either open inwards or outwards, you get sliding doors that will slide into the track or into the wall which makes them a great option especially when it comes to saving space. This gives you a lot more flexibility especially when it comes to choosing the right type of furniture that will fit into your patio.
Unobstructed views
Thanks to the huge size of the glass in sliding patio doors you will get a lot of beautiful views all day long. Whether you want to look at your garden or just want to watch your kids play in the pool or host an open dinner out in your yard, you won’t be able to get enough of your glass sliding doors.
Natural light
Sadly, the lack of sunlight is usually linked to depression. Natural light increases both comfort and energy and helps in regulating your circadian rhythms for a deeper sleep. Sliding windows and doors often provide enough sunlight to fight off depression as well. This is because they are made up of glass panels. These allow in natural light to enter your space which is a great mood booster.
Ease of use
Modern sliding doors are not that bulky as compared to the traditional ones that were used before. New patio doors are quite easy to use and operate which needs very minimal energy while shutting them. This is also particularly good for those who have children or elderly at home or have mobility issues.
Modern aesthetics
Aside from providing a pleasant, gorgeous view of your outdoor world these sliding doors also come in a variety of options right from different colors and finishes that could increase the aesthetic appeal of your house. You can also choose from a variety of grille options to add in extra charm. Not to mention they also allow you to increase the beauty both internally and externally.
Energy Efficiency and Insulation
Are you trying to make your home more energy efficient than it already is then there are a few options you can do it such as:
- Sealing your windows a bit better
- Adding insulation to your attic space
- Turning up your thermostat up or down based on what time of the year it is.
Or, you could just install a sliding door and get all of these benefits in a single method. Sliding doors help heat up your space during winter more effectively and will also trap cool air inside during summer which keeps it nice and comfortable.
Popular Types of Exterior Sliding Doors
By now you might have understood that sliding doors are one of the best choices you can ever get. However, don’t worry if you want a variety in these sliding doors as well. We have got you covered since there are a lot of types of exterior sliding doors that are available. Be it a normal sliding door or a fancy door that will increase the aesthetic you can surely get multiple options.
Sliding Glass Doors
Sliding glass doors usually consist of about 2 to 3 glass panels that are operated smoothly by sliding and overlapping with one panel staying fixed in its place. One of the notable advantages that you get when you install a sliding glass door is its mechanism. Instead of swinging out or in, they tend to effortlessly glide over the frame.
French Sliding Doors
One of the most universally liked and quite common in most households is the French sliding door. These usually tend to open and close with hinges. However, you also do get sliding French doors as well. If you are looking for a versatility of French doors but you do not have enough space for them then being able to slide them is the perfect option you can get.
Multi-Slide Doors
Multi-slide doors are sliding doors that tend to have more than one panel that is aligned in a row. They tend to either disappear into the wall or they tend to stack over each other at the edge of the frame. Some of the multi-slide doors are also available with a push button attached to them.
Pocket Sliding Doors
An example of doors that are best for spaces that are extremely small and those people who do not like large doors is the pocket sliding doors. These doors do not have hinges. When they slide open they tend to disappear into the walls of the house. They also come in various materials that are quite comfortable to use.
Lift and Slide Doors
A lift and slide door tends to sit on a horizontal track and is lifted by the turn of a handle onto rollers to move it around. Although the lift and slide system is not a new construction method, it is quite advanced enough to make the mechanisms of the doors very easy to operate.
Slimline Sliding Doors
Slimline sliding doors are an evolution from the conventional sliding doors that existed already. The design of a slimline door allows for its minimal frame size or almost a frameless presentation. These doors are usually manufactured using steel or aluminum.
Aluminum Sliding Doors
Aluminum sliding doors sure have had the best of evolution when it comes to doors over the past few years. If you see a contemporary house with an open living area then you can be sure there are aluminum frame sliding doors being used. Previously these doors were associated with easy damage and being discolored however they have newly developed better surfaces and are finished to get less damage.
Sliding Bi-Fold Doors
When these doors are opened they tend to open into half of themselves. Although they do save a lot more space than hinged doors they are not that highly effective when it comes to saving space in the house. These sliding bi-fold doors are easily installable and also give a classy look. They could be attached to entrances such as kitchens or closets.
Shoji Sliding Doors
Globalization has surely led to people getting educated regarding various cultures and habits. Similarly, it applies to the global market for doors. Shoji doors are an idea that originated in Japan and add to the aesthetic value of your house. People have also started appreciating the unique design of the door which is made of paper and wood.
Bypass Sliding Doors
These sliding doors are perfect for installation in your washrooms or closets. They tend to function better in smaller areas and can be slid open by pushing the doors to one side. Bypass sliding doors could either be made up of glass or wood.
Materials Used in Exterior Sliding Doors
Well-designed and well-maintained sliding doors indicate that you get to have good memories with your family. If you want to preserve the lock, feel, function, and value of your sliding doors then you might want to be very selective when it comes to choosing the right material. Here are a few of the options that you might want to check out.
Wood
When it comes to classical elegance there is nothing better than wood sliding doors. Wood doors consist of a traditional touch along with a distinctive finish. The downside however would be that you might have to pay more for all these features. They could also be less energy efficient which could increase your bills. They are also quite vulnerable when it comes to weather since it is a natural material.
Vinyl
Vinyl is surely one of the top choices in materials for sliding doors. When it comes to durability, energy efficiency, and affordability there is no other better material. These all-rounder doors can withstand the most extreme weather without rusting, peeling, or flaking. Well, they look good too!
Aluminum
Aluminum doors require minimal upkeep while also withstanding worse weather. These are also lighter as compared to other materials. They are also quite reasonably priced and relatively energy efficient. These doors also tend to resist scratches, corrosion, and dents. However, the breakdown in the protective layers could cause major issues.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass might not be the first option when you think about sliding doors. However, fiberglass does provide a lot of advantages over other materials. They could also be manufactured from traditional wood doors but without a lot of other issues as seen in the wooden ones. They also require little maintenance and can withstand warping, rotting, or deterioration. Due to its high energy efficiency you could also save lots on the bills.
Security Features for Exterior Sliding Doors
Well now whether you select French doors, sliding doors or any other door type you might want to select carefully and think about what are some of the extra security measures you can apply to get a better and safer door.
Locking Mechanisms
If you have a sliding door then you might want to get a multi-point central rail lock. You can also add in anti-tamper locks or anti-snap cylinders that will act as additional barriers against break-ins. You can also add top and bottom deadbolts on both doors.
Impact-Resistant Glass
Some of the glasses are prepared in such a way that they can take on huge impacts onto them while not shattering such as safety glass or laminated glass. They work by holding all the huge shards of glass in one place even if it is broken while preventing potential intruders from entering through the frame. This makes it an ideal glass type for those people who need extra security.
Why Choose Finepoint Glass For Exterior Sliding Doors?
In your quest to find out the best sliding doors for your home, you might want to take some time to understand and weigh out all your options and check the drawbacks of each style. If you ever want to get consultations regarding the same we at Finepoint Glass can help you out. We can help you select the best sliding doors based on your unique requirements. Not to mention we consider all the little suggestions that you have in your mind to make the experience even more better.
Conclusion
If you wish to invite the beautiful and bright outdoors to your personal space then there is no better option than to choose an external sliding door. Not to mention they also create a seamless transition between inside to outside and will help make your home look bigger, brighter, and airier. Finepoint can also repair or install sliding doors be it for your home or for your business. To find out more about the same you can contact us with your own recommendations and suggestions.
FAQs
1. Which material is best for exterior sliding doors?
Aluminum is one of the best materials for sliding doors since it provides a lightweight structure along with withstanding harsh environments.
2. How do I maintain my exterior sliding doors?
Here are a few tips that could help maintain the exterior sliding doors:
- Inspecting the rollers
- Cleaning the glass
- Lubricating the tracks
- Checking the security
- Check for wear and tear
3. What security features should I look for in exterior sliding doors?
You can add in security bars or install security cameras or even smart sensors to make sure you get extra security for your sliding doors.
4. Can exterior sliding doors be customized?
Yes for example if you require a specific door size you can select the same and customize it according to your wish.
5. How do I choose the right sliding door for my home?
Here are a few steps in determining the right sliding door for your home:
- Understand the purpose of sliding doors
- Explore various types of doors
- Choose the right material for your door
- Prioritizing energy efficiency
6. What is the average cost of installing exterior sliding doors?
It could be anywhere between 600 pounds to 850 pounds for both supply and installation.
Author Bio
Anant Gajjar, Finepoint Glass Ltd CEO, has over 16 years of experience in the glazing industry as an entrepreneur and a structural engineer. He has completed his Master of Sciences (MSc) in Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Sciences (BSc in Civil Engineering) both in London and in India. Anant has a passion for travelling and creating meaningful connections worldwide.