The pros and advantages of sliding doors

Sliding doors are highly popular installations in both residential and commercial settings, renowned as the modern alternative to traditional patio doors. Top brands will offer sliding door designs with a sleek appearance and tonnes of functionality, coming with countless benefits.

Sliding glass doors are a great option for bringing beauty to your home or commercial premises in the form of natural light and uninterrupted views of your surroundings. They can also provide easy access to your outdoor space or balcony area, often adding a welcome breeze during the warmer summer months.

However, like most other property improvement projects, sliding patio doors have their disadvantages too. When deciding if sliding doors are right for you, it’s essential to weigh up the options.

The pros of sliding doors

There’s a reason that sliding doors are so popular, and we’ve explored a few of them below:

1. They let in a lot more natural light
   Sliding doors often take the place of old windows or a solid wall, and therefore let in an abundance of natural light, giving the impression of further space and creating a pleasant, airy environment. The Origin Sliding Door that we choose to work with at Your Price Bi-folds also offers expansive panes for a sleek, minimal look.
2. They provide ventilation
   If you want a little fresh air without having to open any of your doors too wide, sliding doors are ideal. You can open your sliding doors just a little to let some air in, locking the pane in place.
3. They require little space
   Unlike French doors and bifolds that open inwards or outwards, your sliding door will either slide back into the wall or into the track, making them a great option if you’re trying to save space. This gives you more flexibility when planning furniture positions or stop you from worrying about taking up space on your patio.
4. You can enjoy an improved outdoor/indoor flow
   When you’re relaxing in your living room or another social space, it can be annoying to get up and go to the back or front door in order to access the outside. With sliding doors, you won’t have this issue and will benefit from enhanced indoor to outdoor flow.
5. They are safe & secure
   Historically, sliding doors got a bad reputation for their usage of non-shatterproof glass and lack of security features. These concerns have now been made obsolete thanks to advancements in engineering, with most sliding doors now featuring safety glass, hook-over-locking mechanisms and incorporated gaskets. There are also other steps you can taketo ensure optimum security for your sliding doors.
6. Sliding doors often offer great energy efficiency
   The Origin Sliding Door is manufactured using low-emissivity glass, which has an invisible coating that reflects heat back into your room. The doors also feature a polyamide thermal break in the profile, which improves energy efficiency.
7. Get wall-to-wall views with aluminium slimline profiles
   Aluminium sliding doors offer the slimmest profiles on the market, minimising sightlines. They’re the perfect choice for those looking for wall-to-wall glass in spaces like hotel lounges or kitchen extensions that overlook stunning outdoor settings. It also means views are virtually uninterrupted.
8. They’re easy and lightweight to operate with a smooth-slide mechanism
   Modern sliding doors aren’t like bulky patio doors used to be. New patio sliders are very easy to operate, needing minimal effort to open and shut them along their tracks without strain or difficulty. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility concerns, children or the elderly.
9. Choose residential or commercial applications
   Sliding doors are widely chosen in both residential and commercial settings, thanks to their space-saving designs and aesthetic appeal. You’ll see them used for patio and balcony doors, restaurant and hotel terraces, residential property extensions and more.

The cons of sliding doors

There are very few cons of sliding doors, but we’ve addressed some concerns below.

1. The biggest disadvantage of sliding doors is the level of cleaning they require. Being a large expanse of glass, you may notice a build-up of dirt, grease and grime, made worse in homes with pets or children. However, this is easily overcome with regular cleaning, and is a small price to pay for uninterrupted views and natural light.
2. Another concern that many people have when it comes to sliding doors is that the track will end up becoming sticky or stiff, resulting in a door that is hard to open or close. With the Origin sliding door, there’s no sliding – only gliding. Equipped with a flawless operation and a 20-year guarantee, you’ll have complete peace of mind in your product.
3. Sliding doors typically require a wider wall space than traditional hinged doors. If you only have a small opening for installation, something like bi-folding French doors can offer a suitable alternative.

Why are sliding doors still so popular?

If you’re wondering, ‘are sliding doors worth it?’, the answer is an almighty yes! They’re chosen for anywhere from property extensions and garden offices to kitchens, balconies and dining rooms. They continue to be popular for their practical designs and versatile looks, helping property owners to maximise available floor space. They’re typically used to provide easy transitions between indoors and out, connecting to gardens, patios, terraces, balconies and decking while emphasising open-plan layouts and a smooth flow between zones.

What are the best sliding doors?

Aluminium sliding doors have gained a reputation for excellence, offering numerous benefits. They’re considered the superior choice for modern patio doors, offering outstanding durability and strength. Aluminium doesn’t warp or rot, and it’s an incredibly low-maintenance material. It’s easy to customise the look of aluminium sliders with countless colour options, high-quality hardware and configurations. Aluminium doors are also energy efficient, thanks to an in-built thermal break.

How much do sliding doors cost?

Sliding door prices will vary greatly, depending on the size and design you want, the frame material and quality, the glass type, your chosen manufacturer and installation complexities. Before you start a sliding door installation project, it’s important to consider your unique needs, space requirements and budget, getting tailored quotes based on your specific requirements.

You can find out more in our blog: What’s the cost of sliding doors?

Origin patio door installers in the South East

If you’d like to speak to one of our team about having a patio door installed, Your Price Bi-folds have friendly experts on hand to answer any queries or questions you might have, as well as provide you with a free, no-obligation quote for sliding patio or bifolding doors.

Call us on 0203 874 5166 or email [email protected].

Owning a home can be incredibly stressful, but it can also be really exciting. You have the opportunity to explore a variety of home improvement projects and take steps to make your home more "you." One of the most valuable projects you'll do as a homeowner is installing new windows and new doors.

If you opt for sliding patio doors to replace the standard door you currently have, you'll immediately experience a slew of benefits. Other than the obvious aesthetic appeal, sliding glass doors offer plenty of perks that the team at US Window & Door can help make a reality for you.

Sliding glass patio doors are a beautiful addition to any home, offering both functional and aesthetic benefits for your family. Whether your current patio door is worn and breaking or merely out of style, installing modern sliding glass patio doors will allow you to make the most of your outdoor space as well as your living room. Many reputable brands like Milgard San Diego offer an array of different features, colors, glass types, and hardware to suit your needs. Here are just a few of the benefits of sliding doors. 

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Better Traffic Flow and Use of Space

One of the many sliding door benefits is its better use of space and optimized traffic flow. These larger doors allow for greater traffic flow to and from the house. They are good for get-togethers with family and friends or BBQs in the backyard. 

Some doors may be hard to open, especially if a client is carrying bags or a baby. Fortunately, a slight push is enough to move the sliding doors, which means that clients have better access to your business. The push doesn't require much strength, so even the elderly and physically challenged people can access the premises without difficulties. 

They are easy to operate, durable, low maintenance, and easy to clean. Sometimes you may have large objects that need to be moved into or out of the house, such as couches, beds, toys, tables, or desks. The door's larger size allows for easy navigation and access. They can be twice as wide as regularly sized entry doors.

Sliding glass doors can create an optical illusion, much like mirrors, that makes the space seem larger than it really is. In addition, sliding doors actually save space in your home. Because they slide one over the other on a track rather than swinging out when opening like hinged doors, you don't have to make space around the doorway for them to be able to open. 

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Maximize Natural Light

Regrettably, lack of sunlight has for some time been linked to depression. Natural light increases energy and comfort and assists with regulating your circadian rhythms for a deeper sleep. Sliding glass doors and windows offer an abundance of light to help fight depression.

Sliding doors are made with large glass panes. These allow natural light into your space, which is a great mood booster. Additionally, with sliding doors, you will significantly reduce the amount of money you spend on indoor lighting during the day. You get to light up your house with sunlight while creating a warm and inviting home. Consider installing sliding doors on your patio to light up your living room and make it cozier. 

With panes running from the ground up to the top of the door panel, you may not even need to turn on any lights in the house during the day! This helps turn your home into an energy-saving zone and cut down on your monthly utility bills. At the same time, the natural lighting makes your home more welcoming and inviting.

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Appearance

Aside from framing a pleasant, gorgeous view of the outdoors, sliding patio doors also come in a wide range of colors and finishes that can enhance the curb appeal of just about any home style. You can also choose from a variety of grille options for extra charm, a window replacement expert adds.

Typically, sliding glass doors tend to complement most contemporary office designs. They allow you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors that will be inside the office. If your office space is quite spacious, the door enhances the beauty of your office's exterior and interior spaces. The transparent glass panel allows you to view the gorgeous scenes outside all year round. It is an 

excellent way of refreshing your mind after completing challenging tasks at your office desk.

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Improve Energy Efficiency 

Are you trying to find ways to make your home more energy-efficient than it is right now? You can do it by:

• Sealing your windows better

• Turning your thermostat up or down a few degrees, depending on what time of year it is

• Adding insulation to your attic space

You can also do it by installing a sliding glass door. Sliding doors will help you heat up your home more effectively in the winter. They'll also include glass in them that will trap the cool air inside in the summer to keep your home nice and comfortable.

One unique property of sliding glass doors is that they are great insulators. This makes them energy-efficient doors that can significantly lower your energy costs over time. The doors also play a critical role in keeping your office space cool during the hot summer and warm during the winter. These doors can also be fitted with composite gaskets to offer optimal thermal insulation when needed. They effectively keep all drafts, rain, and dust out of your precious office space. They serve as effective rain barriers. For example, Milgard sliding doors are Energy Star certified, meaning the product promotes the highest quality of energy efficiency. 

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Visibility of the Outdoors

Thanks to the massive size of the glass in sliding patio doors, you'll have beautiful views for days! Whether you want to look out at your garden, watch your kids play in the pool, or host an open-air luncheon, you won't be able to get enough of your new sliding glass doors.

A sliding glass door comes with an expansive pane of glass and has a rather narrower frame than other traditional doors. This feature allows you to gaze at your backyard, landscape, or pool without stepping out of the house. It also provides easy access to the outdoors because of the glass panel that glides effortlessly to the side.

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Enhances the Interior Design 

Chances are, the exterior doors that you have installed in your home right now don't have much of a "wow" factor on the inside of your house. They might look great from the outside of your home, but that's about it.

Sliding glass doors will offer you the "wow" factor you're looking for from an exterior door on the inside of your home. They'll make a really strong statement and steal the show when people are visiting your home. You'll love the way that sliding glass doors look and feel. You'll also love being able to pick out window treatments for your doors that work well with the rest of the interior design in your home.

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Durability 

Despite being made of glass, sliding patio doors are not at all fragile. There are many different materials from which sliding glass doors can be made, all of them created to be as durable and long-lasting as possible. Fiberglass is a popular choice among homeowners because it's so hard-wearing and can resist atmospheric changes. Before having your sliding glass patio doors in San Diego installed, ask your glazing contractor which material is best for your needs.

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Safety

Sliding doors are secure when locked from within, as there is no simple method to open them from the outside. The rails are interlocked, so they can't be removed from the outside, too.

Because sliding glass doors are installed on tracks, they won't swing outwards, minimizing 

the chances of accidentally hitting someone when you open them or when a strong gust of wind slams them shut. In addition, sliding doors fitted with shatterproof safety glass are your best bet if you want to have the most aesthetically pleasing doors without compromising your family's security and well-being. Safety glass doors do not break into sharp pieces, reducing the risk of injury. 

Sliding doors are secure on their tracks with aluminum seals and gaskets, keeping the doors shut tight. A hook-over mechanism also locks the door in place and keeps it from being lifted out of its frame. Most of these doors are made of safety glass, which is incredibly robust and cannot be cut or damaged with brute force, offering impressive burglar resistance capabilities. 

Consider using some different locking arrangements for your patio door, like Multi-Point Locks. These secure the top and lower parts of the doors and guarantee better insulation. Moreover, you can install a security lock, which you can mount at the working door's top. The security bolt engages and locks into and is secured in the top door frame. These locks come in many colors t match your entry. You can likewise use a Security Bar, which mounts on the fixed side of the door frame. When you install the security bar, no one can open the entryway from the outside.

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A Well-Ventilated Home

If you want to fully enjoy a beautiful day in San Diego, open your sliding patio doors and let the breeze flow in and out. It's perfect for a dinner party, hanging out by the pool, or simply reading a book. The options are endless, and the added comfort and versatility from sliding glass doors are, too.

Letting natural light flood into your living space through spacious glass patio doors can boost your mood and make you happier all year round. It also makes your home more welcoming and overall more enjoyable. Not to mention, having more natural light will cut down your need for artificial lighting and reduce your energy bills.

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Wide Selection of Style and Designs

You have plenty of options for sliding doors. There are enough designs and colors of sliding doors in the market. The color you choose must meet your expectations and requirements. The design and style of the doors vary with the material you choose for the installation. Every material has its own advantages and disadvantages. You are required to choose according to the needs and budget you have decided for the overall installation project. 

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Increase Your Home Value

Installing sliding doors can provide your home with a beautiful renovation and add value to your home. They can be significant when you sell your home. Another thing I will recommend is adding a screen. These can bring benefits, particularly for people who live in places with pests like flies, flying bugs, and mosquitoes. US Window & Door can install your beautiful sliding door for a better quality lifespan and less maintenance later on.

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Choose US Window & Door to Install Your Sliding Doors 

If you want to welcome the bright and beautiful outdoors into your home, there's no better solution than stunning sliding glass patio doors. Creating a seamless transition from inside to outside will help your home look brighter, bigger, and airier. Golden Glass can install or repair sliding glass patio doors as well as hinged patio doors for your home or small business. To find out more about what finishes and design options we have available, schedule a free in-home estimate* to see which styles are right for you. 

Are you in need of a new sliding patio door?  Planning to add a patio or deck to your home? If you’re looking to enhance your home’s outdoor appeal, a patio is a great addition. It serves as an excellent spot to enjoy the outdoors.

When designing your patio or deck, a sliding patio door is a great way to complete the look. However, did you know that sliding patio doors offer more benefits than aesthetics? Even if you’re not looking for a new patio door, investing in a sliding patio door is worth the advantages it provides.

Please read the rest of our guide as we list the benefits of sliding glass doors.

1. Energy Efficiency

Manufacturers design sliding doors to help keep your indoor air temperature even. If you have a sliding patio door, use double pane glass to keep heat loss at a minimum. To better insulate your home, opt for doors with argon gas between the glass panes.

This is an excellent feature for exterior doors, whether it’s summer or winter. During the summer, it retains the cool air inside your home and keeps the heat out. It does the opposite during colder seasons.

Your sliding door can also have coated or glazed glass. It improves its energy efficiency further while reducing UV ray exposure. Sliding doors can also reduce frost and condensation on the glass.

2. Easier Traffic Flow

Most sliding doors are more oversized by design, allowing foot traffic to flow smoother. This feature makes family get-togethers more convenient since it’s easier to access.

It’s also convenient when moving larger objects into or out of your home. If you’re looking to get new couches, you won’t have to struggle looking for the right angle to squeeze them through.

A sliding patio door can be twice as wide as the average entry door. Depending on your preferences, you can make it wider. You can install up to four panels for these openings, giving you more light and a great view.

3. Safety and Security

Millions of Americans get injured in their homes each year. You want to eliminate as many risks as possible. This is crucial if you have children to worry about.

With sliding doors, no one gets accidentally hit. It’s because it’s unlike a swinging door that would slam shut when winds are strong enough. Sliding doors will stay as they are until you move them.

As for security, sliding doors are formidable. You can lock it from the inside, making it difficult to open from the outside. The door has interlocking rails to ensure that no one from the outside can remove them.

For patio doors, you have various options for locking mechanisms. Most will have multi-point locks. They secure both the top and bottom of the doors, ensuring tighter door insulation compression.

Some locks are at the top of the sliding door. You can engage and lock the security bolt into the top door frame. These are also stylish because they come in various colors like white, brown, or beige.

4. Get More Natural Light

Sliding doors allow lots of natural sunlight into the house using their substantial glass panes. During the day, you can reduce the need for artificial lights. It lowers your electric bills and makes your home feel more inviting and welcoming.

To maximize the light entering your room, add sidelights to the door. Add a transom above it to complete the glass wall look. Aside from the morning, you’ll get a spectacular view of the outside landscape.

The best part is that sliding doors have more compact designs. They’re ideal if you want to save space, especially when avoiding common patio door problems. You don’t need to worry about additional swinging space, especially if you have a smaller home.

5. Better Visibility of the Outdoors

With larger panes, you have a clearer view of your yard. It’s an important feature when you have children. You can watch over your kids whenever they play outside—making it easier for you to respond to emergencies.

Your children will also feel assured since they know you’re close. You also have better visual access to the street. This helps you monitor your security and track suspicious activity in your vicinity.

6. Style and Appearance

Compared to other doors, sliding doors are quieter and need lower maintenance costs. As said above, you have lots of choices for styles and appearances.

Regardless of the type of door you choose, you’re sure to find something that fits your home’s design. Sliding doors are a great and affordable way to add functionality to your home.

7. Pet Friendly

If you have a pet, replacing patio doors with sliding doors makes them happier. Many sliding door manufacturers offer the choice to install a pet insert on doors. It’s easy to do even without professional help, allowing you to finish it within a few hours.

After finishing, your pet will appreciate the easy access. It also primarily benefits pet owners. The need to open your door whenever your cat or dog wants to go to the yard can now be left open. These inserts also come in different sizes, allowing you to find the best one for your pet.

8. Higher Home Value

Whether it’s replacement windows or sliding doors, these will help add more value to your home. It’s mainly for the latter since they’re a prominent part of your home. When you sell your house to move to a better place, sliding doors can become a primary selling point.

To make the most out of it, install a patio screen door to make your home safer. This allows you to protect your home from insects if you often get mosquitoes in your area.

Reasons Why You Need to Upgrade to Sliding Patio Doors

With all these advantages, you have no reason not to get sliding patio doors. It’s energy-efficient, secure, and stylish. If you’re planning on renovating your home, consider upgrading to sliding patio doors.

Are you looking for an authorized ProVia window and door dealer in St. Louis?  Request a free in-home no-obligation estimate for any door and window project. We offer the best in ProVia residential doors and windows for your home.