Sliding
Doors
There
are several options available in sliding doors. All
new doors can be ordered with or without grids. Most
units can be equipped with Low-E Glass and Argon Gas
for greater thermal protection. The doors in most
homes are non-thermally broken builders grade aluminum
sliding doors. They have an average life of 10 to
15 years at best. Replacement units are usually aluminum,
vinyl, or wood. The Window Connection sells lifetime
warranty products in almost all cases.
In
aluminum units I like to see a thermally-broken unit.
That's a unit with a "poured and de-bridged"
plastic rib in the middle of the frame extrusion.
It prevents the conduction of cold and heat from the
exterior to the interior part of the frame. This lessens
the likelihood of condensation. Have a peek at what
one looks like on this link... Thermal-Break
Frame
Vinyl
units are very popular and some units are very reasonably
priced. The vinyl helps prevent conduction of heat
and cold, and lessens condensation concerns. Some
models are as little as $500, but there again, you
get what you pay for.
Wood
Sliding doors are a beautiful product. They are usually
clad with aluminum or vinyl on the exterior. These
doors can be stained or painted. Andersen, Pella,
Caradco, and Atrium all build this type of product.
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