Sliding patio doors are made of large glass panes and a solid frame. Glass opens up the home to the patio area and creates unobstructed views of the outdoor space. Therefore, the type of glass you choose for your door can impact its performance and longevity. Before buying your sliding patio doors, here are four factors to help you choose the right glass for the doors.
Clear vs. privacy glass
Would you like clear glass that allows people outside the house to see through the patio door? Are you concerned about privacy? If your patio door overlooks a private yard, you can get away with clear glass for your patio door. However, if you're worried about privacy, there are a few ways you can remedy the problem. There are various glass tinting options to allow light into the house without compromising on privacy.
For example, mirrored glass has a translucent film that creates a mirror effect when the outdoor light exceeds the light inside the house. You can see outside clearly during the day, but someone outside the home cannot see through the glass. Thus, if you need privacy, you just need to close your patio doors.
Grille vs. single pane door
You can opt for sliding patio doors with single or multiple panes. With single-pane doors, each sliding door has one glass pane with no shapes or patterns. This is an excellent choice if you want unobstructed views of the outdoors. Single-pane doors are also visually appealing and can increase the kerb appeal of your patio area.
Grille doors have multiple glass panes. These doors have grilles between the glass panes. You can choose from various grille patterns and shapes or create a custom look for your doors. This door design is quite appealing too. However, the grilles create a visible barrier between the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Energy efficiency
Sliding glass doors can affect the energy efficiency of your home. The glass covers a significant portion of the door; thus, it determines how much heat is lost or gained through the fixture. When thinking about energy efficiency, consider the following issues:
- How is the climate in your area?
- What are the expected energy-efficiency levels?
- Do you want the glass to absorb or reflect light?
If your area experiences freezing winters and scorching summers, you need glass with a high efficiency rating to prevent heat loss and gain respectively. In this case, opt for double-glazed or triple-glazed glass doors. If you want the glass to reflect sunlight or reduce solar heat gain, choose one with UV-blocking capabilities.
Before buying sliding patio doors, you need to determine the best glass for the fixture. Consider the above issues as you shop. Contact sliding doors suppliers in your area to learn more.
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