An Introduction to Large Sliding Glass Patio Doors
Table of Contents
What Are Large Sliding Glass Patio Doors?
Large sliding glass patio doors are a stylish way to open your living space, bringing the outdoors in. These doors usually have big glass panels that slide sideways along tracks, making a wide opening to your garden or patio.
These huge sliding doors are ideal if you love having people round or just want to make your home feel more open and airy. You can get them in various sizes and styles to suit any home or taste.
Why Choose Large Sliding Glass Patio Doors?
Benefits of Large Sliding Glass Patio Doors
More Natural Light for Your Home
One of the biggest perks of putting in large sliding glass patio doors is how much natural light they bring in. These huge glass panels can make your living space so much brighter, so you won’t need to switch the lights on as much during the day. Natural light doesn’t just make your home more inviting, it’s great for your health too – it can boost your mood and help you get more done.Making Your Home Feel Bigger
By making a big opening, they make your home feel loads more spacious and linked to your outdoor area. This is especially handy when you’ve got people over and you want everyone to be able to move easily between your living room and your garden or patio.Creating a “Glass Wall” Effect
The panoramic floor-to-ceiling “glass wall” effect is a stunning feature of large sliding glass doors. When they’re fully closed, the massive glass panels give you an uninterrupted view of outside, almost like your wall has turned into a huge window. This looks incredible if you’ve got a beautiful garden or stunning scenery, letting you enjoy the view without even stepping outside. It also helps create a more open, spacious feel in your home.
Visual Appeal
Their sleek, modern style makes any home look more contemporary and chic. You can customise these large patio doors with different frame materials and finishes to go with your home’s décor. Whether you like a minimalist vibe with aluminium frames or a more classic look with wooden ones, there’s an option to suit every taste.Customisable Options and Materials
You can get large sliding glass patio doors in a variety of styles and materials. Frame materials include aluminium, wood, and uPVC, each with their own benefits. Aluminium frames are tough and easy to maintain, wood looks classic and warm, while uPVC is affordable and insulates well. You can also pick from different types of glass, such as double glazing for better insulation, Low-E glass to save energy, and tempered glass for added safety. You can customise the size and layout of sliding exterior doors too, so they fit perfectly in your space and meet your specific needs.Key Features to Consider
Frame Materials: Aluminium, Wood, uPVC
Picking the right frame material for your large sliding glass patio doors is key. Each material has its own pros and cons and can make a big difference to how the door looks and performs.Aluminium
Known for being strong and long-lasting, aluminium is a popular choice for large glass doors in modern homes. It doesn’t rust and doesn’t need much upkeep. You can also get aluminium frames powder-coated in various colours for a customised look.Wood
Wooden frames have a classic, warm feel that’s perfect for traditional or rustic homes. While wood needs a bit more care and maintenance to stop it rotting or warping, it insulates well and has a timeless charm.uPVC
uPVC frames are great value and insulate well. They’re low-maintenance and come in a variety of finishes, including wood-effect ones that look just like the real thing from a distance.Types of Glass in Large Sliding Patio Doors
The type of glass you choose affects not just the look but also how well your sliding patio doors work.Double Glazing
This is where you have two layers of glass with a gap in between, which helps keep heat in and reduces energy loss. Double glazing is also great for soundproofing sliding external doors, ideal if you live somewhere noisy.Low-E Glass
Low-E glass has a special coating that reflects heat while still letting light through. This helps keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer, saving energy.Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is treated to make it stronger than normal glass. If it breaks, it shatters into small, blunt pieces rather than dangerous shards, making it much safer. This is especially important if you have kids or pets.
Security
Security is a major consideration when many are considering large sliding glass doors. Modern patio doors come with lots of security features to keep your home safe.Locks
Multi-point locking systems are definitely recommended for sliding doors. These locks secure the door at several points, making it way harder for burglars to break in.Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a big deal too, especially with large glass areas. To make your sliding glass doors better at saving energy, look out for:- Double or Triple Glazing: These give you much better insulation than single glazing.
- Low-E Coatings: These coatings help keep your home at a comfy temperature by reflecting heat.
- Good Seals and Weatherstripping: Making sure your doors are properly sealed stops drafts and improves energy efficiency.
- U-Value: The U-value measures how well your doors keep heat in. The lower the U-value, the better the insulation. Single glazed doors usually have a U-value of around 5 W/m2K. Double glazed perform much better: typically between 1.2 and 3.5 W/m2K. Our Slimline Sliding Patio Doors have a U-value of 1.3 W/m2K.
Maintenance Tips to Make Your Sliding Patio Doors Last
Clean the Glass
Give the glass panels a regular clean with a mild detergent and water. Steer clear of harsh cleaners that might scratch the glass.Check the Weatherstripping
Check the weatherstripping for any signs of wear or damage. Replace it when needed to keep the insulation and draft-proofing up to scratch.Check and Clean the Tracks
Dirt and gunk can build up in the tracks, making it harder for the doors to slide smoothly. Give the tracks a regular clean and use a silicone-based spray to keep them slick.Keep Moving Parts Lubricated
Lubricate the rollers and other moving parts to keep them gliding smoothly.The Cost of Large Sliding Glass Patio Doors
What Can Affect the Price of Large Sliding Glass Patio Doors?
The cost of large sliding glass patio doors can vary depending on a few different things. Knowing about these factors can help you budget better and make smart choices.- Material Choice: The type of material used for the frames makes a big difference to the price. Aluminium frames tend to be pricier because they’re tough and look sleek, while uPVC frames are usually easier on the wallet. Wooden frames are somewhere in the middle, giving you a balance of looks and affordability.
- Glass Type: The type of glass you choose also affects the price. Double glazing, Low-E glass, and tempered glass each have different costs based on their benefits. Double glazing and Low-E glass are usually more expensive because they’re better at saving energy.
- Size and Layout: Bigger doors and more complicated layouts (like multiple panels or custom shapes) will cost more. Standard sizes and simpler designs are typically more affordable.
- Energy-Saving Features: Investing in energy-efficient features like high-quality seals, weatherstripping, and insulated glass will add to the upfront cost, but can be cost effective, saving you money on energy bills in the long run.
Approximate Prices
- Basic Installation: A standard uPVC frame with double glazing, measuring around 2 meters, with basic customisation and professional fitting, could set you back about £1,200 to £1,800.
- High-End Installation: An aluminium frame with Low-E glass, custom colour finish, and professional fitting for a larger door (around 3 meters) could cost anywhere from £2,000 to £5,000.
Tips for Budgeting
- Think Long-Term Savings: While energy-efficient options might cost more at first, they can save you cash on energy bills over time.
- Plan for Extra Costs: Factor in potential extra expenses like structural changes, permits, and maintenance.
Common Issues with Large Sliding Glass Patio Doors
Access
One common worry with large sliding glass patio doors is access. Homeowners with mobility issues or families with small kids might be concerned about how easy and safe they are to use. Fix: Lots of modern sliding patio doors have low or flush thresholds, making it easier to move between inside and outside without tripping. You could also think about fitting doors with smooth-gliding mechanisms that don’t need much effort to open and close. Automatic sliding doors can be another great option for people who need easy access.Security
Security is often a big concern for homeowners thinking about large sliding glass doors, as the big glass area might seem like an easy target for break-ins.
Fix: To boost security, opt for doors with multi-point locking systems that secure the door at several points along the frame. Reinforced or laminated glass is harder to smash, giving you an extra layer of protection. You could also fit security bars or sensors to put off potential burglars and give you peace of mind.
Dealing with Noise
Noise can be a problem, especially if you live in a busy area. Large glass surfaces might not always be the best at blocking out sound. Fix: Go for double or triple glazed patio doors, which makes a big difference to sound insulation. Low-E glass can also help cut down noise while still being energy-efficient. Making sure the door frame is properly sealed and weather-stripped will also help keep outside noise from getting in.Weatherproofing and Insulation Issues
Another worry is how well large sliding glass patio doors can keep the elements out. Poorly insulated doors can lead to drafts, heat loss, and higher energy bills. Fix: Invest in high-quality weatherproofing materials and techniques. Look for doors with energy-saving features like double or triple glazing and Low-E glass. Make sure the installation includes good seals and weatherstripping to stop draughts and improve insulation. Regular maintenance checks can also help maintain the weatherproofing.Frequently Asked Questions
What Sizes Do Large Sliding Glass Patio Doors Come in?
You can get large sliding glass patio doors in loads of different sizes to suit various homes and preferences. Standard sizes usually range from 1.8 to 3.5 meters wide and 2.1 to 3 meters tall per panel. But you can also get custom sizes made to fit your specific space. When picking the size, think about balancing the door’s visual impact with how practical it is for your living area.
How to Measure for Large Sliding Patio Doors?
Getting the measurements right is key for a successful fitting of large sliding patio doors. Follow these steps to make sure you get the perfect fit:
Measure the Width: Measure the distance between the two sides of the door opening at three points: top, middle, and bottom. Use the smallest measurement as your width.
Measure the Height: Measure from the top to the bottom of the door opening at three points: left, middle, and right. Use the smallest measurement as your height.
Check it’s Level and Plumb: Make sure the sides and top of the opening are level and plumb. If they’re not, you might need to make some adjustments during fitting.
Allow for Frame and Threshold: Consider the thickness of the door frame and threshold when measuring. This makes sure the new doors will fit snugly and work smoothly.
Can You Get Different Colour Options for Frames and Glass?
Yes, there are often many different colour options for both frames and glass.
Frame Colours: Aluminium frames can be powder-coated in a range of colours, from classic black and white to bold shades like red or blue. Wooden frames can be stained or painted in various finishes to show off the natural grain or complement other design features.
Glass Options: While clear glass is the most popular choice, some manufacturers offer alternative options such as tinted or frosted glass, for extra privacy or to reduce glare. Coloured glass can also add a unique touch to your patio doors.
Large Sliding Glass Patio Doors and More
Vision Glass Doors is a designer, manufacturer, and installer of premium door systems. We are a family run business with over 20 years’ experience and 5,000 installations across the UK.
All our systems are made to measure, designed, and fabricated at our manufacturing facility in Luton, Bedfordshire. We offer installation within a 100-mile radius.
Our leading range of door systems include Ultra Slim – Slide and Turn Doors, Slimline Sliding Patio Doors and Frameless Glass Doors. Suitable for various internal and external applications, they are applicable to residential and commercial projects.
Click Quick Quote Online for a free quotation within 24 hours. Alternatively, call or email us on 01582 492730 or at info@visionglassdoors.co.uk.