Sliding patio doors can impact greatly on a home’s aesthetic appeal, as well as free up space and make the home appear larger than it really is. These doors have two panel sections, at least one of which can be moved. Some models are even designed to fit into wall pockets for more space. Moreover, these doors are often equipped to generate significant energy savings, especially since they:

Let in natural light

Like sliding windows, sliding doors are designed to let loads of daylight into the home. Various glazing options are also available to homeowners to help efficiently manage energy needs.

Are available in many energy-efficient options

Many sliding doors found on the market today use framing materials that are engineered to limit unwanted heat transfer. Some of the most energy efficient options include composites such as fiberglass and engineered wood.

Sliding doors also admit some ventilation into the home, as they can expand wider than hinged doors. Other favorable factors homeowners should consider include:

PART ONE: ENERGY EFFICIENCY POTENTIAL

ENERGY STAR VALUES

ENERGY STAR made changes to the way it certifies energy efficient door products this year, with a new focus on lower U-values and solar heat gain coefficient (or SHGC). Doors that have a large glass-to-frame ratio also require stricter qualification. For one thing, they should meet the required performance values for the home’s climatic conditions. So when choosing energy efficient sliding patio doors, we recommend checking ENERGY STAR’s recommended values for your specific climate zone.

DOOR MATERIALS

The components that make up your door are important to the overall energy performance of the door. Fiberglass and wood cores, for instance, provide extra insulation against the elements. Triple-glazing is also better than, say, single-paned glass in terms of reducing heat loss or transfer, as well as preventing premature damage. Some doors are also engineered to provide a more complete “fit” with the weatherstripping accounting for improved sealing.

So does that mean sliding patio doors are perfect for energy efficiency? Not quite. But the good news is, whatever issues they may have are manageable. Stay tuned!

PART ONE: ENERGY EFFICIENCY POTENTIAL

We discussed the potential for energy efficiency of sliding patio doors, particularly where daylighting and heat control are concerned. Today, we cover the issues they can contribute to and – more importantly – how you can limit the damage.

The way sliding doors are designed equips them for energy efficiency, but this design also makes them susceptible to some things. The good news is, you can do something about energy performance issues common among these doors.

HEAT LOSS

Earlier models of sliding patio doors were notorious for the amount of heat loss; you can still find some of them on the market today, but newer models are better at reducing unwanted heat loss.

Low-emissivity glass coatings, for instance, have been instrumental in enhancing the heat efficiency of sliding patio doors. These coatings are engineered to reflect radiant energy, functioning much like the silver lining in a thermos does – by reflecting back the temperature of the room – while still allowing visible light to pass.

In addition, you can insulate your doors. There are many ways to do this. First, you can caulk around the edges of the doors to seal them properly. Or, you can use window treatments such as insulated drapes, cellular blinds, or blackout curtains to keep the heat in. Some doors can also be fitted with insulating panels.

PART TWO: MANAGING THE ISSUES

AIR LEAKAGE

Like sliding windows, sliding patio doors have high air leakage rates. Fortunately, as in the case of sliding windows, you can also seal them against infiltration and exfiltration. You can, first, remove old weatherstripping and replace it – choosing among foam-backed adhesive, felt, vinyl, tubular rubber, or silicone options. You can also caulk gaps between the trim and the door frames. If the draft is coming from the bottom of the door, however, check if your gaskets are still functional; if they are already worn out, replace them. If the damage is severe, you may need to have a new threshold with a taller gasket installed.

It is also important to conduct routine inspections and maintenance to make sure that your doors are performing like they should.

Enjoying your sliding patio door to the fullest, however, hinges upon proper installation. In the closing section of this e-book, we cover what you need to know to make sure you get what you pay for.

PART TWO: MANAGING THE ISSUES

We talked about the energy efficiency of sliding patio doors – both the potential and the possible issues – in parts one and two. Today, we cap off the series with how you can better ensure that the investment is a rewarding one, simply by making sure that they’re properly installed. How your sliding patio doors are installed has a direct role in their functionality and energy performance. In that regard, always mind these considerations prior to the start of the project.

YOUR HOME CONDITIONS

Climate zones, architectural style, and home orientation may add to or detract from the benefits you can get from your sliding doors. Living in a cold region, for instance, should necessitate picking door products that are engineered for optimal heat control and daylighting. Your home’s style should also be factored into project specifications. If you have trees around the property, make sure they will not reduce the amount of sunlight that your home gets. Choose the most ideal position, too, to maximize daylighting, heat absorption, and ventilation.

HIRING PROFESSIONAL HELP

Your chosen installer or contractor is also critical to harnessing the rewards from your sliding patio door investment. These things, in particular, should be evident in your professional of choice.

PART THREE: INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

Solid technical knowledge. Installing a sliding door is not only about getting the right measurement; it involves several technical considerations that your installer or contractor should be well-versed in. Building codes have to be especially observed to make sure you get the necessary paperwork for the installation project. We recommend hiring a local door professional as some states and counties enforce their own codes at the local level, in addition to the provisions from nationwide model codes.

Comprehensive portfolio. A well-represented portfolio is proof of the door professional’s competence and experience. Choose an installer or a contractor who has a wide professional scope.

Good partnership with a product manufacturer. A properly installed sliding patio door is an investment that will last for a long time; a properly installed sliding patio door manufactured by a trusted name offers an even bigger reward. If your installer or contractor has a partnership with a solid brand, you can look forward to specialized product knowledge and a better warranty.

Competitive pricing. Quality work does not have to mean expensive work. Choose a door professional whose quality of work justifies the price tag he or she attaches to it. And request a free consultation before finalizing anything.

PART THREE: INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

RbA Phoenix

7550 E Greenway rd #105 Scottsdale,AZ 85260

2715 S Hardy Dr #106 Tempe,AZ 85282

4525 Spring Mountain Rd #106 Las Vegas,NY 89102

(480) 498-5600

RBAPhoenix.com