Read This Before You Buy a Sliding Door
When you are ready to install a sliding door in your home, read this to know what to expect.
Sliding doors are steadily making a comeback, and this time homeowners are using the design for their patio, kitchen and even wardrobe doorways.
If fluidity, smooth traffic flow, seamless emerge of outdoors and interiors… and so much more are some of the things you want from your doorways, then sliding doors are your best bet.
That said, here are three things to consider before you buy a sliding door.
What’s a standard size of sliding patio door?
It is essential before you hire a contractor or even pay for the sliding door to, first, measure and know the size of the space you want to install the door.
You see, the amount you pay both for the door and installation is affected in large part to the size of the patio door. By knowing the size, you can estimate how much the sliding door will cost.
Most sliding patio doors have a dimension of 6 inches wide, 8 inches tall. Though, the size can vary based on how much natural light the homeowner wants.
What sliding door frame material do you prefer?
Usually, you will have to make your choice from a couple of materials like wood, vinyl, aluminum and a combination of wood and vinyl or fiberglass cladding.
Though each material has its advantages and disadvantages, some are best suited for a particular weather condition. Your choice will depend on your project needs.
- Aluminum as metal conducts heat which means it is not very energy-efficient. However, it is a solid material that can withstand harsh weather conditions and elements.
- Wooden sliding doors are classy and come in a variety of colors. It is sure to improve the value of your home. But, much more expensive than other options and often prone to warping and cracking when not adequately maintained.
- Vinyl is durable, affordable and energy-efficient.
- Wood with vinyl or fiberglass cladding is a sliding door frame made from wood, but in this case, the wood is covered with either vinyl or fiberglass.
How long before you replace the door?
Before making a purchasing decision on the sliding door for your home, you will want to consider how long it will take before you need to replace the door again. The longevity and life expectancy of the door should be considered when deciding which material to go for.
As we mentioned earlier, your sliding door is going to be made from either aluminum, vinyl, wood, or vinyl or fiberglass wood cladding. Choosing a door that can last longer will save you money in replacement in the long-term.
For example, using vinyl for the door frame will prevent warping and cracking inherent in wooden doors.
Is the material energy-efficient?
You see, your sliding doors could cost you several couples of dollars in energy bills every month, or it could save you the same amount monthly.
Energy-efficient sliding doors like those made from vinyl are known to maintain a steady interior temperature, which, in turn, reduces the pressure on your HVAC system to use more energy.
On the other hand, non-energy-efficient doors allow drift and heat loss which invariably overworks the HVAC system, and the result is a growing energy bill at the end of the month.
That said, you may want to know how much it costs to install a sliding door.
How much does it cost to put in a sliding door?
To estimate the actual amount, it would cost to install a sliding door; you will need to request quotes from local vendors.
Also, keep in mind, the cost will depend on the job size – number of doors to install, size of the doors, and the hourly rate in your community. The frame material, brand, and additional costs like locks and door pane will add up to the final price.
According to fixr.com, the average cost to install a 6-inch-wide sliding door is $1,500 to $2,000.
What are the sliding doors called?
In the U.S., the sliding doors also called sliding glass doors or Patio doors. Though, patio doors are often used to refer to doorways which open to outdoor paved areas.
What’s sliding doors about?
Sliding doors is a 1998 American romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Peter Howitt. The movie is a story about Gwyneth Paltrow (played by Helen Quilley, a London based advertising executive who was fired from her job.
While rushing out to catch the train, two scenarios played out.
In an alternative universe, she gets on the train and comes home to find her boyfriend Gerry (John Lynch) with another woman. She breaks up with her boyfriend, moves in with her friend Anna (Zara Turner) and at her friend’s suggestions changes her hair to make a fresh start.
In the second story line, Helen misses her train and subsequently gets home late – after the other woman has left. It didn’t take her long however to starting suspecting Gerry of infidelity. Unable to find another PR job, she took two jobs, and gradually grew miserable.
