Sliding doors create an easy flow of traffic between your indoor and outdoor living spaces, while adding beauty and architectural interest to your home’s exterior.  Your exterior space can add a whole new “room” to your property, providing additional square footage and setting the stage for entertaining, relaxing, and even cooking and dining outdoors. Here are a couple of questions that will help you choose the right exterior door for your home or business.

What type of door finish do I prefer?

There are a variety of options for door finishes – whether you are partial the appearance of wood, or if you have a specific color in mind – sliding doors are available in a variety of finishes and can be designed to match your decor.

Aluminum is a strong and lightweight, and is also a cost effective wood alternative. It resists corrosion, and performs well in most climates.

Vinyl is a strong material that is most popular for its durability and energy efficiency.  This material will never fade, flake, peel or rot.

Wood doors are available from a variety of species, such as fir, pine, mahogany or alder. Each has a range of characteristics, including grain, color and sap content, which provides such a unique appearance.

Wood clad is similar to a coat of armor – a strong layer of metal on top of the wood.  Color matched prior to installation, clad wood provides extra protection, keeps maintenance requirements low, and doesn’t require painting.

What kind of space do I have for the door?

A multi-slide door (telescoping door) has panels that neatly stack together when the door is open, requiring very little space around the door.  This option does requiring a slightly thicker track to accommodate the tracks that are required for each panel. This option is least conspicuous and offers the largest opening possible – since the panels fold up and disappear into the wall.

A lift & slide door has a single track that each panel uses until the panels reach the sides, and then multiple tracks begin.  Can use a staggered sill for a set-in style that is flush with your floor.  This style of door also has an option for a weatherproof sill for use in harsh conditions. This option is least conspicuous and offers the largest opening possible – since the panels fold up and disappear into the wall.

Bi-fold doors fold smoothly to one side, but require several inches on either side of the track to allow for the folding panels.  This option also has a service panel, which opens and shuts like a traditional door panel to make for quick and easy entry when the door is fully closed.

What about energy efficiency?

There are many sliding door options that boost energy efficiency. Double-layered glass and foam insulated panels offer protection against heat loss in the winter and maintain cooler indoor temperatures in the summer. There are also a variety energy efficient glass options that are specific to the climate you live in.

 

Other Important Questions

Here are a few other important questions to consider as you plan for the design of your beautiful indoor/outdoor space:

• What size door do I need?
• What is the size of the rough opening?
• What’s my budget for the door?
• How will I finance the purchase?

For more information about incorporating sliding door systems in to your home or business, call us at 480-270-5635, or email sleue@slideworksusa.com.