The sliding glass door is a pre-WWII design element that originated from North America but based on Japanese paper panel doors or Shoji. The traditional design consists of two glass panels wherein only one of the two panels is mobile. The other sliding door designs are the Disappearing, Trackless and Disappearing, and the Opening Corner.
Initially used to give access to balconies and patios, sliding doors are now being used in bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and as room dividers instead of walls. The rationale behind using sliding doors inside the house is to create the perception of open space while providing the option for privacy.
Choosing the sliding glass door is not a matter of design aesthetics alone. Other factors that must be considered include:
- House design
- Personal lifestyle
- Space
- Climate
- Budget
- Time for Maintenance and Glass Cleaning
Choosing your Sliding Door Design
Today, you can also have up four stacking panels and can select the size opening. More important than the number of panels is the track design. The sliding door design has two tracks: top track and bottom track. The model you select will either be top weight heavy or bottom weight heavy which means the weight of the system will rely more on the top or bottom track. Some experts believe that if the top track supports the weight of the glass panels, you achieve a cleaner look because your bottom track can be hidden or flush against your floor. This support means no more accidental tripping which is one of the leading reasons for accidents with sliding doors.
Top track support also allows you to have amazing panel curves, prevents misalignment, and gives you a much smoother sliding performance. Furthermore, it’s easier to clean, and some suppliers can offer a design wherein the top track is also concealed. These kinds of flushed designs protect your home from strong wind pressure and forced entries.
Quick Tips
- Consider your interior layout when planning the sliding door. For example, if you have limited space, opt for the two-panel design or one stationary panel with one swing door instead of a two-panel sliding door.
- You will have a choice of aluminum, wood clad, fiberglass or vinyl frame. Choose based on weather, maintenance, and durability
- If the glass panels lead to the outdoors, opt for impact-resistant e-glass especially if you live in hurricane-prone areas. E-glass, on the other hand, will help keep your monthly energy bills manageable and give you UV protection.
One of the 2018 design trends for sliding door systems is a taller and broader frame to suggest more extensive, organic space extending naturally to the other room or your outdoors.
