Pop quiz. Which of these would you rather do to improve the look of your home?
If you agree with the first two statements, you should go to Home Depot and buy some paint & brushes. If you agree with the second two, keep reading.
Because we’re going to talk about new ideas on how you can implement sliding doors into your home and what you should consider when installing them, you don’t want to make the wrong decision only to regret it later.
Frameless glass sliding doors are gaining in popularity for their sleek, minimalist design, Most of the time, they come with frosted glass for privacy or smart glass that turns frosted by the push of a button.
You have probably seen how those glasses break so having an automated closing system to make sure they don’t break should be considered.
If you like technological integration in your home, this might be something for you, but consider the fact that it is difficult to operate during power outages.
Their popularity gives you the ability to save space by sliding into the wall, making them perfect for smaller living areas. Though installation complexity requires thoughtful planning; this innovation is particularly suited to those looking to maximize their living area without compromising on style or functionality.
Multi-panel sliding doors have more than one moving panel that stacks in itself. Easy to open, these doors are perfect for homeowners who like to have a bunch of natural light. Imagine a cozy seating area just a few steps from your regular door, where opening it fully is impossible without hitting something.
Not fun, right?
The main reason people invest in sliding doors is their space-saving ability; look at it as having a huge wall of glass that can magically disappear.
However, if the doors are located where people frequently pass by or live, others can easily look into your home. Changing the visibility of those glasses is important. There are 2 good options for this.
Click and learn more: sleek and modern window designs
Yet, it’s not all about looks, is it?
There are 3 main considerations when installing a new sliding glass door.
Let’s be honest, if you did not care about how you—including others—perceived your home, we would just use plain white, simple decoration, and maybe a TV.
But we do care. So we decorate our living spaces with colors, textures, materials, and pictures to create a personality and individuality in our home.
So integrating something that looks futuristic and gives a sense of nature is perfect considering the fact that you don’t need pictures of nature anymore 😉
Depending on your needs, security requirements can vary greatly. They can include anything from visual privacy to hurricane protection to even theft prevention. The importance of these factors largely depends on the location of your home.
For instance, if you live near the coast, it’s crucial to have sturdy windows to withstand strong winds or even flying debris, especially when you live in a hurricane-prone state like Florida.
Whereas if it’s close to a busy street and you can see people from your own windows or doors, you probably don’t need impact-resistant windows/doors, but rather something to prevent outsiders from seeing inside.
Everyone is in the business of saving money, right? One way to do so would be to use less electricity. Changing your light bulbs to LED is an easy one, but what about air conditioning?
If your AC is running all the time, then that is a sign of poor insulation in your home, good-insulating windows and doors and glass can help with that.
Opting for double or triple-glazed gas windows and doors (and a tight seal, of course) can reduce your electricity usage by 30–50%.
While a triple-glazed window/door can be pricey, there is something that will reduce noise and electricity usage and protect you from hurricanes. Find out more under: The Rising Trend of Impact-Resistant Windows
If you like the idea of space optimization and functionality in other areas of your home, here are some of applications that you might not have thought of:
No matter where you install sliding door systems, it’s about making it more fun and easier to move around in. Plus, everything feels a bit bigger and more open, which is always nice.
There are several options available for sliding doors and windows, each of them have advantages and disadvantages of their own. There is no one style of window frame that is inherently better than another.
If you are unsure which one to pick from, we have created a short list of the most commonly used frames so you know about their popularity, flaws, and strengths.
For traditional home designs, wood is a preferred option for many due to its easy to look at price tag. Its beauty is its primary advantage but keep in mind, wood windows need regular painting and sealing, which you have to keep up with (usually every 3-7 years.)
Vinyl leads today’s window choices due to affordability. As a plastic, it’s easily and quickly made. Mostly available in white or tan to prevent fading in the sun, other colors are more expensive. Vinyl insulates well—superior to aluminum but not matching wood—and demands just a little upkeep.
Fiberglass, ranking just after vinyl in preference, combines glass mats and polyester resin for a light yet robust product. It aims to outdo vinyl in longevity and sturdiness, offering slimmer frames and nearly wood-like looks that appeal to many. It’s basically an upgrade to vinyl but also more expensive.
Aluminum’s popularity is on the rise for its lightweight yet strong qualities, enabling large panes and slim frames. Although aluminum is favored for its looks, Its main downside is poor insulation, rendering it impractical for cold climates without a thermal break. Some have wood within aluminum cladding for better insulation, but if you are looking to save money, vinyl is the better option.
A sliding door can be a great addition to a house, but with heavy rain and poor sealing around it, it will cause damage to the floor and furniture, and with the right conditions, mold is guaranteed. Which is exactly why you should check on the door’s sealing every once in a while.
If you live in an area prone to hurricanes or severe storms, consider installing impact-resistant glass to protect your sliding doors. More on that here
Purchasing something only to regret it later isn’t fun, which is why we created this blog to help you avoid that situation.
With this blog, you will have the necessary information to make an informed choice when installing new sliding doors. With a wide variety of glass and frame options available, it’s difficult to make a good decision, which is why we highlighted the most popular and effective ones for you.
Now you should feel more comfortable when making the decision on what to get when installing new sliding glass doors.
We, as a family, have not just built a business but a legacy, intertwining our expertise and tradition with your safety and style for over 40 years. At Home Install Services, every window we install and every door we mount is a testament to a rich history of quality, care, and genuine family service. Your journey through our splendid selection is not just a purchase but a step into a world where each product is instilled with decades of knowledge, skill, and a hearty welcome to be part of our story.
Manufacturer Warranty from Wincore
No high-pressure sales tactics. When getting an estimate from Home Install Services, you will receive a comprehensive quote, competitively-priced estimate on our first visit that won’t be marked with a “today only” price gimmick. Home Install Services takes great pride in providing a quality service from start to finish.
At Home Install Services, we offer an exclusive range of hurricane impact windows, each designed to provide unmatched protection while enhancing the beauty of your home. Our collection includes robust and stylish impact windows for those prioritizing strength, as well as elegant non-impact options for a sleek aesthetic. Available in durable aluminum and timeless vinyl, our selection features leading brands such as Wincore, EAS, and PGT. Explore our premium offerings and let us elevate the scenic views of your Florida home with our dedication to superior quality and exceptional design.
Dive into a world of cool, stylish, and super secure sliding glass and entry doors with our fantastic choices, available in either strong aluminum or handy vinyl.
At Home Install Services, we work with top-notch brands like Wincore, Plastpro, and ThermaTru to give you access to a collection where every door is more than just a way in or out — it’s a bold statement of your style, keeping your home safe and looking sharp. Make every hello and goodbye special with doors that match your great taste and stand the test of time.
Simply schedule an appointment with us to receive on-home measurements of your project.
Get your questions answered with expert insight and guidance, while exploring through our extensive samples and literature.
Get the most competitive pricing upfront - on the same day - without aggressive sales tactics.
Your installation appointment is scheduled once your order ships from the manufacturer and project is completed at the scheduled time.
what makes us different
Invest in the superior quality of new windows and doors with our top-tier products, ensuring your home in Sarasota County and beyond is adorned with the best.
Our skilled team brings seasoned expertise to every windows installation project, delivering flawless finishes in Sarasota, Charlotte County, and Manatee County.
We stand behind every new windows and doors installation, assuring you of a robust guarantee that underscores our commitment to quality across Sarasota and neighboring counties.
We exclusively use paintable urethane caulk for windows installation, prioritizing durable and aesthetically pleasing results throughout Sarasota County and beyond.
From blind removal to furniture relocation during your new doors and windows installation, we assure a smooth, full-service experience in Charlotte County, Manatee County, and Sarasota County.
Secure a warranty on your new windows and doors that seamlessly transitions to future homeowners in Sarasota and its neighboring areas.
Engage with complete, end-to-end project management for every windows installation job, ensuring a streamlined experience across Sarasota, Charlotte County, and Manatee County.
Enjoy competitive, wholesale prices on new windows and doors, ensuring cost-effective solutions in Sarasota County and its surroundings.
With a keen understanding of Sarasota, Charlotte County, and Manatee County environments, our installations are tailored to resist local weather conditions, providing optimal longevity and performance.
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U-Factor measures the rate of heat transfer and tells you how well the window insulates. U-factor values generally range from 0.25 to 1.25 and are measured in Btu/h·ft²·°F. The lower the U-factor, the better the window insulates. A low U-factor is useful during cold days when heating is needed and is also helpful during hot days when it is important to keep the heat out.
NFRC is the National Fenestration Rating Council, a non-profit organization supported by the Department of Energy that helps consumers compare the energy performance of windows and doors. Window manufacturers that participate in the NRFC program are required to label every window with its thermal specifications. The consumer is then assured that those products meet the thermal requirements for energy efficiency set by the NFRC. Being a member of the NRFC is not required for window manufacturers due to the extensive third party inspection and product testing; however, all glass products offered by Home Install Services, inc. are participant(s) of the NFRC program.
SHGC is the fraction of incident solar radiation admitted through a window, both directly transmitted and absorbed and subsequently released inward. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower the SHGC, the less solar heat it transmits and the greater its shading ability.
Condensation is caused by excess humidity in the home and appears on the coldest area of a wall. That is why condensation usually appears on windows.. The warmer the air, the more moisture it will retain, therefore when the air comes in contact with the colder glass, the air is cooled and moisture is released on the glass. Interior window condensation is caused by excessive moisture in the house, and it often occurs in the winter when the warm air inside the house condenses on the cold windows. Exterior window condensation is simply dew and occurs when the window is colder than the dew point.
Condensation is not caused by double glazing (although new windows can sometimes make condensation problems worse, by cutting out draughts).
Treatment for condensation is ventilation (to vent moisture-bearing air to the outside) and heating (to raise surfaces above dew point temperature).
“Low–E” literally means low emissivity, which in turn means a surface that emits low levels of radiant heat. All surfaces reflect, absorb, and transmit heat. So, a Low–E coating reduces the amount of that heat transfer. When talking about replacement windows the term Low–E really applies to the glass being used. Low E glass provides year-round energy savings. A thin, transparent metallic coating is applied to the glass and filters solar radiation. During the summer, Low E reduces heat gain and keeps your home cooler. In the winter, Low E keeps your home warmer by reflecting heat back into the home.
The performance and lasting endurance of vinyl windows compares generously to other building materials. Vinyl offers low maintenance, energy efficiency, and lower cost while still creating an aesthetic appeal. Unlike other materials, however, vinyl does not shrink, swell, or bend during harsh weather conditions.
Since vinyl does not pit, peel, or flake over time, simple care and cleaning can keep your windows looking beautiful for years to come. Heavy rains will keep the vinyl fairly clean, but you can also clean them yourself if desired.
Do not use a high pressure spray to clean your vinyl windows. The pressure can damage the caulking and cause your windows to leak. Use a mild detergent and soft cloth or brush instead.
If you choose to use a mildly abrasive cleaner such as Soft Scrub®, be aware that abrasive cleaners can scratch the glass and frame. Do not use liquid grease removers, strong soaps or detergents containing organic solvents, nail polish remover, furniture polish, or cleaners containing chlorine bleach, as these products can affect the surface appearance of the vinyl.
For dirt and stains that are difficult to remove, please see the warranty.
Argon gas offers a higher level of insulation. The Argon gas is located in the middle of the insulated glass unit. For air to insulate, it needs to be as still as possible because moving air carries energy. Because argon gas is denser than air, adding it to the captive air in double-pane windows improves thermal insulation efficiency. Used in conjunction with a special low-E (short for low emissivity) glass coating, argon gas windows bring the temperature of the window closer to room temperature