Sliding Glass Doors: Which Type Fit Your Lifestyle?

The decision to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces is a common goal among many homeowners. When it comes to choosing the right opening, sliding glass patio doors have become an increasingly popular choice in modern homes. They effortlessly bridge the gap between the interior and exterior, creating a smooth transition and a sense of continuity between the two spaces. Sliding glass patio doors are not only practical and functional, but they also make a significant impact on the overall aesthetics of the home. In this article, we will take a closer look at the different styles of patio sliding doors to help you make an informed decision for your home.

Benefits of Sliding Glass Patio Doors

Sliding patio doors have become an increasingly popular choice in modern homes, thanks to their attractive design and numerous practical benefits. One of their key advantages is their space-saving nature, as they don’t require additional room for swinging open like traditional hinged doors. This makes them an ideal choice when you want to complement your backyard and create a visually pleasing view from the outside while leaving more space for patio furniture.

Another great benefit of sliding patio doors is the amount of light they allow into your home. Even in small spaces, these doors can bring in an overwhelming amount of natural light, making them a favorite among professional remodelers. And aesthetically, sliding patio doors offer versatility in design, with an array of styles, materials, and finishes available to suit any home’s unique character.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, sliding patio doors also promote a healthier living environment by providing improved ventilation when open, inviting fresh air to circulate throughout your home. And with low-profile designs available, they offer enhanced accessibility for all family members, providing a seamless experience that transforms your living space into a stylish haven.

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Patio Doors HORIZON

Patio Doors COMPACT

Sliding Patio Doors Styles

Different sliding patio doors offer various benefits, and at OKNOPLAST, we offer a wide range of options to suit your needs. Glass sliding doors can be divided into three main categories, and we specialize in all of them.

First, our inline sliding patio doors feature a smooth sliding mechanism where the door panels slide along a single track, typically parallel to the existing wall or glass panels. Our innovative OKNOPLAST COMPACT line is a prime example of this style, offering easy and intuitive daily operation, stability, and the ability to accommodate large structures, making it suitable for various interior types.

Next, our lift and slide doors, also known as HST or lift and slide glass patio doors, operate differently from inline sliding doors. They feature a handle controlling a complex set of gears around the door sash, allowing you to adjust its position effortlessly. What sets OKNOPLAST HST doors apart from classic sliding doors is that they have sashes mounted on two rails, enabling sliding without one sash overlapping the other. This design feature maximizes the door’s size, and our HST solution offers sashes with widths reaching 8ft 2.42in or a passage of 7ft 6.55in. Additionally, the OKNOPLAST HST system allows up to 36ft 1.07in of glass surface, providing ample natural light to your living space.

Finally, our tilt and slide doors operate on the same principle as sliding doors but with the added feature of tilting the panel, which is often used in public buildings where easy access to ventilation is necessary.

At OKNOPLAST, we offer all of these styles in various materials, finishes, and colors to suit any home’s unique character. Our sliding patio doors promote a healthier living environment by providing improved ventilation when open, inviting fresh air to circulate throughout your home, and they offer versatility in design, providing a seamless experience and enhancing accessibility for all family members.

The energy efficiency of patio doors

For many investors, thermal performance is critical when selecting patio doors. The essential question is: can such a tall, wide glass wall effectively retain warmth within your home? Thanks to modern technology, sliding patio doors can provide insulation comparable to that of windows. The key to choosing energy-efficient patio doors lies in understanding the U-factor, which measures the system’s ability to insulate against temperature changes.

The glazing package, frame, and any additional insulation layers applied during installation determine the overall U-factor.

To ensure your patio doors are energy-efficient, keep these guidelines in mind:

• Invest in triple glazing or low emissivity glass
• Install an aluminum frame
• Look into dry glazing or a bonded system
• Purchase the doors from a reputable manufacturer
• Invest in expert installation services

Learn more about choosing patio door technology and innovative OKNOPLAST solutions from our blog.