What Are The Pros And Cons Of Installing Glass Doors?
There’s a certain sophistication you get when there’s a harmonious flow between your indoors and the outdoors. Sliding glass patio doors, glass French doors for a balcony, or even a glass front door (if you’re daring) can help you achieve that. The luxe look can also help boost property values.
There are plenty of reasons why you may hesitate to give glass a chance, especially since glass is synonymous with fragility. However, modern tech means you can realize that perfect balance between the ethereal lightness that glass brings with the strength necessary to become a part of your home.
The Pros of Glass Doors
Natural Light And Visual Appeal
A large reason why glass doors are so popular is that they let natural light in, making your space feel roomier than it is. Large sliding glass doors or folding patio doors help daylight in when the weather gets cloudy and helps your home feel warmer on a sunny winter’s day in Alberta. Glass doors also let you enjoy your backyard and all the beauty mamma nature brings without the views being cut off.
Internal doors with glass are equally popular for dividing rooms while maintaining an airy, connected feel. They let light travel freely between spaces, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.
Enhanced Energy Efficiency and Thermal Performance
Modern glass patio doors with frames made from materials like vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminium are engineered for superior insulation. Gone are the days when large glass panels meant major heat loss. Double-glazed or triple glazed glass doors with low-e coatings and argon gas-filled panes keep indoor temperatures comfortable the year through.
The size of the doors also lets large amounts of fresh air in when you need to cool your interiors down without having to switch the air conditioning on.
In cold climates like Calgary, their improved thermal performance helps keep energy costs down.
Security And Smooth Operation
A concern many people have with large doors like sliding patio doors is how difficult it can get to open or close them. High-quality hardware like rollers and tracks are corrosion resistant, which makes operating your doors effortless. Multipoint locks, security dowels, and reinforced frames offer added security, while weather-stripped tracks prevent air and water leaks.
Versatile Design Options
Folding patio doors or sliding glass patio doors can open up entire walls, ideal for patios and decks. Meanwhile, front doors with glass can feature sidelights or transoms to bring in daylight without sacrificing privacy. Colours, finishes, and grid patterns are easily customized, which means your doors can be crafted to match the architectural style of your home.
Low Maintenance And Durability
Glass doors are easy to keep clean. A quick spritz of glass cleaner and a wipe down with a microfibre cloth are all they need to keep the natural light flowing in. Tempered or laminated safety glass means they are unaffected by Canada’s extreme temperatures.
They are also impact resistant and in the off chance they do break, the shards of glass are held in place, so you don’t have to worry about children or pets being hurt by splinters.
If a pane does get damaged, you can simply replace a single pane without having to replace the entire door.
The Cons of Glass Doors
Privacy Considerations
While glass doors let you take in more of the outside, they can also let onlookers look in, especially if your backyard isn’t fenced in or if you opt for a glass front door. Frosted or etched glass is one solution. Blinds and privacy films can also help during the day.
Cost Considerations
Low-e, triple-glazed glass can be expensive. As can high-quality hardware, frames, and professional installation. However, what it actually means is that your initial investment is high but the energy savings and durability mean that the long-term value you receive often outweighs the initial price.
At Go Green Windows, our long-standing relationships with manufacturers mean we often get products at lower prices than most.
Is A Glass Door Right for You?
Depending on how and where you live, the benefits of sliding glass doors or glass patio doors outweigh the drawbacks.
Whether you’re planning a brand-new build or want to retrofit glass doors into your existing space, Go Green Windows and Doors is here to help.
Call us for a no obligation quote today!