Sliding doors offer a variety of benefits, such as providing convenient patio accessibility and being the ideal solution for small spaces where there isn’t room to open a traditional door. If you are either planning to add a new sliding door to your home or replace an older model in the near future, you need to read this guide. Many homeowners buy the first sliding doors they come across without spending any time researching their options. Here, you will learn about four things you should absolutely consider prior to purchasing a new residential sliding door.
- Security and convenience – In regard to sliding doors, safety and convenience are inextricably linked to one another. The safer a door is, the more inconvenient it can sometimes be to use on a daily basis. This is usually due to complicated locking mechanisms or numerous locks. There are, however, some doors that offer both heightened security features to keep your family safe and incredible ease-of-use. If both of these are priorities for you, it’s worth spending the necessary time to read reviews and visit showrooms before making your final decision.
- Durable materials – Not all sliding doors are created equally. Some brands offer higher-end products than others. If durability is key for your household, make sure you read about various sliding door brands in order to choose the right one for your home. In addition to checking out consumer reviews, it is an excellent idea to read about each of your preferred brands’ manufacturing processes. This will help you understand more about what is important to them and how they create their products. As a general rule, vinyl and steel sliding doors are the most durable options on the market, especially if you’re on a budget. If you can afford a high-end door, you might want to consider a fiberglass style.
- Energy efficiency – No matter where in the Carolinas you live, energy efficiency should be on your mind when you’re planning to do any sort of renovation. Some sliding doors are extremely energy efficient, helping to keep your home cool during the sweltering summer months and warm as outside temperatures dip. It is worth noting that the more glass a sliding door has, the less energy efficient it is likely to be. This is not always the case, but it is something to bear in mind as you shop.
- Your budget – Before you start seriously considering any specific sliding door styles, you need to figure out how much you can afford to spend on your purchase. Basic sliding doors are usually priced at a couple of hundred dollars, while custom-built designs can cost thousands. If you have standard sized door openings in your home, you should be able to pick an off-the-rack model. If, however, you live in an older home, you may have to invest in a custom door.
If you can’t decide which sliding door model is best for you or if you need assistance with the installation of a door you’ve already purchased, the