Do I Need a Custom Sliding Glass Door? Ten Things to Consider

10 Things To Consider When Choosing Sliding Glass Doors

1. Size and Space:

The size of your opening and the surrounding space can significantly impact your need for a custom glass door. Standard sliding glass doors come in a range of sizes, but they may only fit some openings.

Standard sizes are predetermined and are usually based on the most popular sizes. Standard sizes are typically available in increments of two inches, such as 60, 72, and 96 inches.

So, if your opening is an unusual size or shape, or if you have a non-standard opening, such as a curved or angled wall, a custom sliding glass door may be necessary to ensure a perfect fit. 

These custom doors are made-to-order and are designed to fit the exact dimensions of your door opening. This means they can be manufactured to fit any size or shape, making them ideal for non-standard openings or unique architectural designs.

Custom sizes are often necessary when the opening is too small or too large for a standard-size sliding glass door, or when the opening has an unusual shape or design. While custom sizes may be more expensive than standard sizes, they provide a perfect fit and can enhance your home’s overall look and functionality.

2. Energy Efficiency:

Sliding glass doors can significantly impact a home’s energy efficiency. Single-pane glass or “patio” doors, especially sliding glass doors, lose much more heat than other types of doors because glass is a poor insulator.

However, modern sliding glass doors with double or triple glazing, gas filling, and low-emissivity (low-e) coatings can significantly improve energy efficiency. The frame type of the sliding glass doors also plays a role in energy efficiency.

Vinyl frames are more energy-efficient than aluminum frames because they are better insulators and less heat transfer-prone.

Proper installation, weather-stripping, and insulation are also essential for improving energy efficiency. To improve the energy efficiency of existing sliding glass doors, you can ensure the door is sealed tightly and adequately weather-stripped. 

Heavily-insulated drapes with weights can reduce heat loss through sliding glass doors. Door installation is also crucial. Ensure your sliding glass doors are installed the way the manufacturer recommends to ensure proper insulation and energy efficiency.

3. Weather and Environmental Factors:

Weather and other environmental factors can affect custom sliding glass doors in several ways. Here are some examples:

1. Temperature changes: Extreme temperatures can cause the glass and frame of the sliding glass door to expand and contract, leading to warping, cracking, or misalignment of the door. This can cause air leaks, difficulty opening and closing the door, and reduced energy efficiency.
   
2. Moisture: If the sliding glass door is not properly sealed, moisture can seep into the door frame, causing damage to the frame, track, and rollers. This can cause the door to become difficult to operate and may lead to rust or corrosion.
   
3. Wind: Strong winds can cause the sliding glass door to rattle or shake, which can damage the frame, track, and hardware. Wind can also cause debris to hit the glass, causing chips or cracks.
   
4. Sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause the glass to fade or discolor over time, especially if the glass is not treated with UV-resistant coatings.

To prevent weather-related damage to custom sliding glass doors, it is important to choose high-quality materials and ensure that the door is properly installed and sealed. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the glass and lubricating the track and rollers, can also help prevent damage.

Homeowners can consider adding weather-stripping or insulation around the door to improve energy efficiency and protect against moisture and air leaks. Finally, homeowners can invest in protective coatings or films that can help reduce the impact of sunlight and other environmental factors on the glass.

4. Style and Design:

Custom sliding glass doors can enhance the style and design of a home in several ways. Here are some examples:

1. Aesthetics: Custom glass doors can be designed to match the homeowner’s specific aesthetic preferences, whether it’s a modern, traditional, or transitional style. 
   The homeowner can choose from various materials, finishes, and hardware options to create a door that complements the home’s overall design.

2. Natural light: Sliding glass doors allow natural light to flood into the home, creating a bright and airy feel. Custom doors can be designed with larger glass panels or unique shapes to maximize the natural light entering the home.
   
3. Indoor-outdoor living: Sliding glass doors can blur the line between indoor and outdoor living spaces, creating a seamless transition from the inside to the outside. 
   Custom doors can be designed to fit specific openings and configurations, allowing the homeowner to create a unique indoor-outdoor living space that suits their lifestyle.

4. Energy efficiency: Custom sliding glass doors can be designed with energy-efficient features, such as double or triple-pane glass, low-e coatings, and insulated frames, which can help reduce energy costs and improve the overall comfort of the home.
   
5. Increased home value: Custom sliding glass doors can increase the value of a home by improving its overall aesthetic appeal, energy efficiency, and functionality. This can be especially beneficial for homeowners looking to sell their homes in the future.

5. Functionality and Accessibility:

Custom sliding glass doors can improve functionality and accessibility in a home in several ways. Here are some examples:

1. Easy operation: Custom sliding glass doors can be designed with high-quality hardware and smooth-glide rollers, making them easy for all household members, including children and seniors.
   
2. Space-saving: Sliding glass doors slide along a track, so they don’t require any floor space to swing open and close, making them an excellent choice for smaller or tight spaces.
   
3. Indoor-outdoor living: Sliding glass doors can seamlessly transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces, allowing easy access to patios, decks, or outdoor entertaining areas.
   
4. Natural light: Sliding glass doors can allow natural light to flood the home, improving the overall mood and atmosphere of the space. This can be especially beneficial for people who spend a lot of time indoors or suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
   
5. Accessibility: Custom sliding glass doors can be designed with accessibility features, such as wider openings, lower thresholds, and easy-to-use handles, making them an excellent choice for people with mobility issues or disabilities.
   
6. Increased security: Custom sliding glass doors can be designed with high-quality locks and security features, making them a secure and safe option for homeowners

6. Budget:

Your budget can significantly impact your decision to invest in a custom sliding glass door. Custom doors can be more expensive than standard doors; the final cost will depend on several factors, including the size, material, design, and installation requirements. Here are some associated costs to consider:

1. Material: The material you choose for your custom sliding glass door can impact the cost. For example, wood doors are typically more expensive than vinyl or aluminum doors.
   
2. Design: The complexity of the design can also impact the cost. Custom designs with unique shapes, sizes, or configurations will require more time and labor to manufacture, which can increase the cost.
   
3. Installation: The installation cost will depend on the complexity of the installation process. The installation cost will be higher if the door requires extensive modifications to the opening or surrounding structures.

Despite the associated costs, investing in a custom sliding glass door can be worth it for several reasons:

1. Aesthetic appeal: Custom doors can be designed to match your specific aesthetic preferences, enhancing your home’s overall look and feel.
   
2. Durability: Custom doors are typically made with high-quality materials designed to last, saving you money on repairs and replacements in the long run.
   
3. Energy efficiency: Custom doors can be designed with energy-efficient features, such as insulated frames and low-e coatings, which can help reduce energy costs and improve the overall comfort of your home.
   
4. Increased home value: Custom doors can increase the value of your home, which can be beneficial if you plan to sell your home in the future.

7. Noise Reduction:

A custom sliding glass door with soundproofing features can significantly reduce noise levels in your home. Here’s how:

1. Laminated glass: Laminated glass comprises two or more glass panes with a layer of plastic in between. This layer of plastic helps to absorb sound waves.
   
2. Thicker glass panes: Thicker glass panes can also help to reduce noise transmission by blocking more sound waves.
   
3. Insulated frames: Custom sliding glass doors with insulated frames can provide an airtight seal around the door and prevent sound waves from entering your home.
   
4. Professional installation: Professional installation can also help reduce noise transmission by ensuring the door is properly sealed and installed to prevent air leaks.

8. Safety:

Custom sliding glass doors can be designed with several safety features to help protect your home and family. Here are some of the most common safety features:

1. Tempered glass: Tempered glass is a type of safety glass designed to break into small, rounded pieces when shattered, reducing the risk of injury from sharp glass shards.
   
2. Laminated glass: Laminated glass is also a type of safety glass made up of two or more glass panes with a layer of plastic in between. This layer of plastic helps to hold the glass together if it shatters, reducing the risk of injury.
   
3. Impact-resistant glass: Impact-resistant glass is designed to withstand high levels of impact without breaking, making it a good choice for areas prone to severe weather or potential intruders.
   
4. Locking mechanisms: Custom sliding glass doors can come with various locking mechanisms, such as keyed locks or foot bolts, to help prevent unauthorized entry.
   
5. Security film: Security film is a thin, transparent film that can be applied to the glass to make breaking it more difficult. This can help to deter potential intruders and reduce the risk of injury from shattered glass.
   
6. Alarm systems: Custom sliding glass doors can be integrated with alarm systems that can detect and alert you to potential intruders or attempted break-ins.

9. Local Building Codes:

Local building codes ensure that your sliding glass door meets safety and energy efficiency standards. Building codes vary by location, so it’s essential to check with your local building department to ensure your custom sliding glass door complies with the requirements in your area. 

These codes help with the safety of the sliding glass door, energy efficiency, and safe installation. For example, local building codes could require you to have safety features on your sliding glass door. You might also need to meet certain energy efficiency standards and install your sliding glass door with certain types of fasteners.

10. Maintenance and Repair:

Maintenance and repair needs are important factors to consider when investing in a custom sliding glass door, as they can add up and impact the overall cost of ownership. Here are some reasons why:

1. Regular maintenance: Custom sliding glass doors require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition. This may include cleaning the tracks, lubricating the rollers, and checking for any signs of wear and tear. 
   Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to bigger problems down the line, which can be more expensive to repair.

2. Repairs: Custom sliding glass doors can develop problems over time, such as broken glass, damaged frames, or malfunctioning hardware. These issues may require professional repairs, which can be costly, especially if the door is out of warranty.
   
3. Replacement parts: If your custom sliding glass door requires replacement parts, such as rollers or handles, these parts may be more expensive than standard parts due to the custom nature of the door.
   
4. Installation: If your custom sliding glass door was not installed correctly, this can lead to problems down the line, such as air leaks or water damage. Fixing these issues may require professional installation, which can be costly.

Get Your Custom Sliding Glass Door From Murray Glass

If you’re looking for a high-quality custom sliding glass door for your home, look no further than Murray Glass. Our team of experts has years of experience designing, manufacturing, and installing custom sliding glass doors tailored to your specific needs and preferences. 

We use only the highest quality materials and state-of-the-art technology to ensure that your custom sliding glass door is built to last and provides the beauty and functionality you desire. 

So why wait? Contact Murray Glass or call us at 801.262.3364 today to schedule a consultation and get started on your custom sliding glass door project!