Sliding glass doors make a statement about your home, and they add value as well. Their advantages include full-glass panels that let in natural light, superior ease of gliding, and advanced tempered and glazing options.
Other considerations are security and energy efficiency. For safety, consider using commercially available locks and a wooden dowel in the track to jam the door if someone tries to pry it open. Also, always use deadbolts on all external doors and don’t hide spare keys under doormats or in mailboxes.
Energy Efficiency
Having sliding glass doors in your home is great for enjoying a view of your yard. The expansive panes let you gaze at your garden or watch your children play in the backyard. This style of door also offers better ventilation compared to other doors.
Another benefit of sliding patio doors is that they allow in a lot of natural light, which creates a brighter home. Exposure to sunlight can boost mood, improve concentration and regulate sleep patterns. It can also reduce your utility bills since it cuts down on the amount of energy you need to use during the day.
When shopping for a set of sliding doors, make sure you choose ones that are insulated and have a high energy performance rating. This is based on the material and build of the doors, as well as how they’re installed. Look for sliding doors with a solid core to keep out drafts and moisture, as well as closed-cell foam insulation that prevents air loss.
Security
For many people, the biggest reason for installing sliding glass doors is their ability to offer a wide range of natural light and beautiful views. Unfortunately, this also makes them prime targets for burglars who are looking for a way into your home without being noticed.
Fortunately, there are several easy steps you can take to improve the security of your sliding glass doors. For example, installing a bar in the door track can make it impossible to open the doors from the outside. This method works similar to the wooden dowel or broomstick that your grandma used to leave under her sliding glass door to keep it from being opened by intruders.
Another great option is a security film. Frosted films, which can be smooth or with a hazy finish, provide the highest level of security by blocking out the view. They are translucent enough to let in light but hard for criminals to see through so that they can’t casuage your home for items worth stealing.
Privacy
Sliding glass doors offer beautiful views and easy access to the outdoors, but they also pose a security challenge. They often open wide and can give would-be burglars a clear look into a house to see what might be worth taking. In addition, most patio doors are located on the back of a house and are more concealed than front door entryways so criminals can spend time casing out a home without neighbors noticing them.
Luckily, there are several ways to improve your sliding glass door privacy. For example, you can invest in impact-resistant doors that are shatterproof, but these can be very expensive. For a more affordable option, you can install window treatments that help to obscure the view of your home.
Window treatments for sliding glass doors come in a variety of colors, patterns and textures that coordinate well with most decorating styles. Sheer curtains are a popular choice because they provide a semi-sheer look to diffuse natural light and provide privacy.