Are you considering a sliding door installation for your home? Sliding doors are becoming more and more popular due to their sleek design and space-saving functionality. It can also add value to your home and make your life easier by providing an easy way to move in and out of your house. Plus, they come in various styles so that you can find the perfect one for your needs.
If you’re thinking about installing a door in your home, there are a few things you need to know first. Keep reading for the most critical factors to consider before making your decision.
Types of Sliding Doors
Here are a few types of sliding doors, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each:
Patio Sliding Doors
Patio sliding doors are an excellent option for people with a large backyard because it opens the entire width of the doors to provide a seamless transition between your home and the outdoor patio. They also tend to be rather large so that they can cover up an entire wall depending on your needs.
Advantages: Gives you access to the outdoors without having to step outside. Continues the design of your home into your yard. It also aids in energy efficiency.
Disadvantages: If not fitted properly, they may leak during heavy rainstorms. It tends to be somewhat expensive.
Pocket Sliding Doors
Pocket sliding doors fold into the wall to provide easy access when you need them and hide away when you don’t. This door is excellent for smaller spaces because they take up less space than Patio sliding doors or Glass sliding doors. Plus, homeowners can customize their pocket door by choosing from various material options, hardware styles, and colors.
Advantages: Gives you access to your home without having an unsightly door in the way when not in use. Traditional sliding doors are too large for small spaces, so a pocket sliding door is ideal. It takes up less room, allowing more natural light into your house during the day.
Disadvantages: Though uncommon, pocket doors can occasionally malfunction and make a loud noise. You also need to be careful not to damage them, or you may have to pay for door repairs.
Sliding Glass Doors
This door is the most common and frequently used entry point into your home. It’s convenient because it provides easy access without having to step outside. Plus, they’re relatively inexpensive and easy to install, so many homeowners opt for sliding glass doors.
Advantages: Provides you with more natural light than pocket sliding doors, is less expensive than patio doors, and has a more manageable installation process.
Disadvantages: They are less energy efficient due to poor insulation, but this can be remedied with secondary sliding glass doors.
Bypass Doors
A bypass door is a door that helps you move from one room to another without going through the entire house. It’s ideal for owners who want an alternative way to access their home or have ample living space and need multiple entry points. Plus, it allows homeowners to keep their front and back doors open simultaneously.
Advantages: Bypass doors are less expensive and easier to install than sliding glass or patio doors. If you live in a large home with multiple rooms, it can be annoying when guests walk from room to room instead of through the house.
Disadvantages: Bypass doors do not provide you with as much natural light or access to your backyard as other doors would, so consider this factor if you have an indoor/outdoor living space.
Sliding French Doors
French doors are typically used in homes with large patios because they allow for an open view of the outdoors while sitting inside. But it’s possible to use French sliding doors as entry points into your home if you don’t have enough room to install a traditional patio sliding door. These doors also prevent rain from getting into your house, making them ideal during heavy rainstorms.
Advantages: They can be used year-round since they provide easy access without stepping outside. Provides protection against strong winds, which is excellent for people living in places where hurricanes or tornadoes are common occurrences. Due to its weatherstripping design, it keeps you and your belongings dry during heavy rainstorms.
Disadvantages: Sliding french doors are expensive to install compared to sliding glass doors with twice as much during inclement weather.
Installation Tips to Keep in Mind
Once you decide on a sliding door, determine where you want to install it and start by asking yourself these important questions:
- What type of doors will work best for this area? Consider things such as ease of use, space requirements, placement options, and aesthetics.
- Will you use this area as an entryway or for entertaining purposes? Make sure to prioritize the needs of your household and determine whether a sliding door is appropriate for it.
- Do you want to use any additional accessories such as locks, window treatments, power ventilation options, etc.?
- Do you need help installing it by yourself? If you can’t install the sliding doors without assistance, make sure to contact door installation services in your area.
Once you have all the information in order, contact a sliding door company specializing in the type of doors you want to be installed.
Sliding Door Installation Process
The sliding door installation process can be more complicated than installing a traditional door. It requires a door frame that needs to be built specifically for the type of your sliding door. This installation process can take anywhere from 2-3 days.
Security and Maintenance of Sliding Doors
Sliding doors can be a great addition to your home, but they can also pose some security risks if not correctly installed. Ensure your door has deadbolts or other locks on the sliding track to prevent it from being lifted off.
It is also necessary to clean your doors. Make sure that dirt and debris are removed from sliding tracks to function correctly. Use a squeegee, water, vinegar solution, or glass cleaner to clean your doors.
Conclusion
Deciding on the type of sliding door that best suits your home is a critical step to take. Take into consideration what you will use it for, where you want to install it, and whether you need help with installation. With sliding doors comes great responsibility, but an addition of a functional and secure entryway can provide years of enjoyment for you and your family.