Pros & Cons Of A Sliding Door

Equipping your home with a brand new door is beneficial for several reasons. The first, apparently, is the appearance upgrade. A new entry will give your home new life. The second is the ability to add more function and versatility. Sliding doors or French doors offer more service and ease of use. Before you head out to purchase that new entry and call up your local handyman for installation, it’s best to look at the positives and negatives of them.

Sliding Doors Give Illusion Of Bigger Space

Have you noticed that when you have regular patio or back doors, it gives the room a smaller appearance? This is partly due to the lack of light. A sliding door is primarily glass and lets in tons of natural light. If your home is equipped with a standard door to the patio, a sliding door replacement will completely change the look. The influx of natural light makes rooms feel more spacious and inviting. This is particularly beneficial for smaller spaces or areas that lack sufficient lighting.

Sliding Doors Are Easy To Maintain

Maintenance for sliding doors is minimal. They only require lubricating the tracks to assure a south quiet opening and shutting the door. If it were to need sliding door repair work, it typically isn’t costly. Sacramento Handyman offers very reasonably priced sliding door repair services. Cleaning is relatively simple as well. A quick clean over with Windex and a paper towel keeps them looking like new.

Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal

Sliding doors provide a modern and sleek aesthetic that can enhance the overall look of your home. They come in various styles and materials, allowing you to choose a design that complements your home’s decor. The large glass panels provide unobstructed views of the outdoors, creating a seamless connection between your indoor and outdoor spaces. This can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home, making it more attractive and welcoming.

What Are The Downsides To Installing A Sliding Door

Initial Investment Is More Expensive

It’s true, the cost of a sliding door is higher than, say, French doors initially. If you are converting from a single entry to sliding, there is additional cost in framing to account for as well as the actual door. The door itself can also be quite expensive. These can range in price, so shopping around for the best deal might be worth your time. However, the initial investment can be justified by the long-term benefits and aesthetic improvements that sliding doors bring to your home.

Less Secure

The fact that sliding doors are made of glass makes them an easier target for break-ins. Simply breaking the glass would mean entry into your home. This isn’t too big of a deal for many homeowners, especially if their yards are fenced in. However, it is something to consider because it could be a liability. To mitigate this risk, consider installing sliding doors with reinforced glass or additional security features such as locks and alarms. Security film can also be applied to the glass to prevent shattering.

Energy Efficiency Concerns

While sliding doors provide excellent natural light, they can sometimes be less energy-efficient compared to solid doors. Poorly insulated sliding doors can lead to heat loss in the winter and increased heat gain in the summer, resulting in higher energy bills. To address this, opt for sliding doors with double-pane or low-emissivity (Low-E) glass, which improves insulation and reduces energy consumption. Additionally, weatherstripping and proper sealing can enhance the energy efficiency of your sliding doors.

Conclusion

Sliding doors are a great addition to any home. They look great, are easy to use, and quiet. When you weigh the pros and cons of sliding doors, it is clear they are an excellent choice. Consider the option of giving your home a facelift and more natural light with sliding doors.

For sliding door repairs and other door issues, call Sacramento Handyman at 916-472-0507 for information on door repair services. For estimates, click here to send request.