Sliding glass doors offer a wide range of options for your home or business. They allow natural light to flow into the room and make it look bigger.
They’re also an energy-efficient choice, with aluminum frames that reflect heat and cold. In addition, they can be paired with argon-filled glass for even greater efficiency.
Pros
Sliding glass doors are a popular choice for homeowners looking to increase natural light and add an outdoor feel to their home. They can be a great way to keep energy costs low, especially when used in conjunction with blinds that help block the sun on hotter days.
Another benefit of sliding glass doors is that they are easy to clean and require less space than traditional or French impact style double doors. This makes them a good option for smaller homes that don’t have the extra space to open up wide doorways or bi-fold doors.
However, sliding glass doors can be a security risk because criminals can easily use the large sheets of tempered glass to scope out belongings and determine whether a house is vacant or occupied. This can be mitigated by installing loop locks or security bars, which are simple and effective at keeping burglars out. It is also recommended to install impact-resistant windows, which are nearly impossible to break and can protect your family during a storm or hurricane from flying debris.
Cons
Sliding glass doors offer a great way to let natural light into your home or business. In a commercial space, this can help brighten the mood of employees and customers and make the place feel more welcoming.
Because these doors don’t open outward like French doors, they can be a good option for homes with limited space. They also don’t take up any room when they are closed, unlike hinged doors.
However, because sliding doors are made of glass, they may be a security risk. Criminals can use the uncovered glass to scope out your belongings and determine whether you’re home. They can also break the glass to enter your home. You can prevent this by adding loop locks or a security bar to the door.
Another problem with sliding doors is that they aren’t as energy efficient as other types of windows. This is because glass is a poor insulator. You can improve the thermal efficiency of your sliding glass doors by installing impact-resistant frames, low SHGC coatings, and gas filling (typically argon). These features will reduce cooling costs during Florida’s hot summers.
Maintenance
Sliding glass doors are a great choice for homeowners who want to embrace the Florida sunshine. However, like any other window, they do require regular maintenance and upkeep.
If your sliding door has trouble opening or closing, the problem may be caused by dirt in the bottom track. This can be solved by simply cleaning the tracks and wheels. It is recommended to use a mild soap and water solution. It is also essential to clean the outer frame of the door, especially if it is made of wood. This will help to prevent moisture damage and the need for costly repairs.
Another issue with sliding glass doors is that they can be an easy target for burglars. They can be used to peek into the home, allowing criminals to see what they have and decide whether they want to break in. This is why it is important to install an extra lock or security bar on your doors to protect your family and belongings from intruders.
Security
Sliding glass doors offer a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. They are often made of tempered glass, which is resistant to forced entry. However, they may still present security flaws that can be addressed with additional security measures.
Installing a loop lock or security bar on the bottom track can make it more difficult for burglars to break into your home through your sliding glass doors. This is especially beneficial for homeowners who live in areas prone to bad weather and other environmental hazards.
You can also protect your sliding doors by installing a jimmy plate. This metal plate blocks the lock mechanism, making it harder to open your sliding door from the outside, even if you forget to lock it or if someone picks your locks. Another effective security measure is applying shatterproof film to your glass, which makes it much more difficult for criminals to break through it. This option is affordable and easy to implement.