Everything You Need to Know About Sliding Glass Doors

What are Sliding Glass Doors?

Sliding glass doors are often used to lead out to a patio, deck, or garden, creating a point of entry to the house that also allows in natural light and an outside view. They don’t require the clearance required by a hinged door, which needs to swing open and shut, because they are made of framed glass panels that slide along a track. They can be installed with sliding screened door, for ventilation without the concern of insects, and they can be used with blinds for additional privacy.

A man stands in front of a sliding glass door in San Jose, looking out into the outdoors.

Benefits of Sliding Glass Patio Doors and Closet Sliding Doors

Of course, sliding doors are not only used as exterior doors. When used as closet sliding doors, they are typically made with mirrored faces, which serves a few purposes. First, having mirrored sliding doors on a closet provides easy access to a full length mirror, convenient when getting ready to go somewhere. Additionally, mirrored closet doors create the illusion of more space in a room, as well as bouncing light around to make the room seem brighter and airier.

Types and Configurations: Are there Options Besides Double Sliding Patio Doors?

You may be accustomed to double sliding doors, with one door stationary and the other moving back and forth. That type of configuration is common, and usually involves two to four panels. However, it’s far from the only way to install sliding doors. Some configurations have a center panel that moves, sliding over fixed end panels. Alternately, the end panels can move over the middle one. With a three-panel door, you can have two sliding and one fixed, two fixed and one sliding, or all three sliding. Talk to your installation professional about the best configuration for your home.

Materials and Customization Options: Wood, Aluminum, Vinyl, or Fiberglass Sliding Patio Doors?

When you have sliding glass doors installed, there are many different ways to customize it. You get to choose the exterior and interior finish, the interior glazing profile, the hardware, casings, glass, screens, and sills. The glass can be decorative, and there are many options for energy saving glass. When deciding on the framing, customers should weigh the pros and cons of each material, taking into consideration not just the look of the material, but also thinking about factors like your local weather conditions, the amount of maintenance you are willing to perform, your budget, and the material’s durability. Your options include:

Wood: Wood is classic, elegant, and has a warm look and feel. It’s durable, and provides excellent insulation against not only the weather but also noise pollution. However, wood may not be for you if you are not willing to put in regular maintenance, like staining or painting, because it can sustain damage from the elements. In some cases, people choose wooden frames, with aluminum cladding on the exterior surfaces, to create a more low-maintenance door.
Aluminum: Strong, durable, and lightweight, aluminum has a modern look and is a low-maintenance option. The drawback is that aluminum doors don’t offer as much insulation as some other materials.
Fiberglass: A durable, energy-efficient material, fiberglass provides excellent insulation and is low maintenance. It can be an expensive option, but fiberglass doors are resistant to warping, rusting, and rotting, and come in a wide range of styles and finishes.
Vinyl: Known for being affordable and energy-efficient, vinyl doors don’t fade, don’t need painting, and provide good insulation, as well as needing minimal maintenance. Vinyl doors tend to come in more limited color options, however, and may not be as strong as wood or aluminum.

Installation and Maintenance Tips

Sliding doors should be installed by a professional, and there are some factors to consider before choosing the door you’re having installed. First, make sure the door you choose is made with energy-efficient materials, like Low-E or argon-filled glass, and that your installer knows how to properly fit it to keep air from leaking out and lowering your energy efficiency. The glass should also be resistant to breakage, so choose tempered glass, double-laminated glass, or polycarbonate glass, for security purposes. Another security consideration is the locking system. Today’s sliding glass doors are much more secure than those in the past. Remember the old sliding doors, and how people would put a broom handle in the track to prevent break-ins? Modern sliding glass patio doors have foot locks, multi-point locks, and other options, so you can choose the security features that will work best for your home and your family. When it comes to maintenance, they don’t require much care, but performing some routine maintenance every couple of months will keep them working well and looking their best.

Keep the glass clean. It’s easy to clean the doors with glass cleaner, removing fingerprints, dust, grime, and other buildup. When the glass stays clean, it’s less likely for the tracks and frame to accumulate debris and dirt.
Wipe the frame. The interior and exterior of the frame should be dusted and wiped with warm, soapy water. This can keep them from getting dirty and sustaining weather damage. Sliding doors with a wooden frame will eventually require re-varnishing when the finish begins to wear down.
Vacuum and wipe the track. As people and pets cross the sliding door tracks, those tracks collect dirt, crumbs, pet hair, and more. They also gather debris blown in from outside, and have to stand up to seasonal temperature shifts. They should be cleaned once a month, first with a vacuum, then with a warm, soapy solution and a cloth. For the harder to clean spots, use a butter knife or an old toothbrush.
Some sliding door tracks require lubrication. Check the manufacturer’s instructions, because aluminum tracks don’t need to be lubricated. Make sure the tracks are clean before you apply any lubricant.
Inspect the doors, and replace worn out parts. Weatherstripping and rollers can become worn, and can easily be replaced. Be careful to align the rollers correctly, so that the movement will be smooth. If the doors seem misaligned, check the alignment. Replacing the roller screws may help, or you may need to remove the door and set it straight, working from top to bottom.

For New or Replacement Sliding Patio Doors, Contact J&M Windows & Glass

For over 40 years, J&M Windows & Glass has been providing quality, reliable services, at reasonable prices, to our customers in San Jose, California. We offer a wide range of glass and mirror services, including new and replacement windows and installation, shower doors and shower door installation, mirrors, skylights, and patio doors. When you work with J&M Windows and Glass, you can expect to work with a friendly, knowledgeable team, providing the highest level of customer service as well as the top products from leading brands. Contact us through our website for more information or to set up a consultation, or visit our showroom to learn more about our products and services.