Glass Doors - Options & What to Consider

When looking for external glass doors for a property whether for an extension, renovation or new build there are numerous options on the market to suit a variety of needs. So what are the things that a homeowner needs to consider when thinking of installing glass doors?

Firstly it’s important to decide on the top criteria you want to meet. So for example are you looking for the wow factor, something which will truly make the architecture of your property come to life? Are you looking to save on energy bills and need the top ways to make savings? Or do you have to meet set building regulations to stay in keeping with your area? There are lots of questions to consider.

Firstly, I’d recommend you decide on the overall look you want to achieve and the space which is available. The opening widths and heights will play a large part in the external glass doors or systems you opt for and depending on space, you could choose anything from folding sliding doors (also know as bi-folding doors), patio doors such as sliding doors, sliding stacking doors or through to stand alone single doors or French style double doors.

Aluminium bi-folding doors

There are companies out there which provide standard size door panels whereby you will need to ensure the space caters for these sizes, however, if you’re truly wanting to gain the ultimate wow factor and be the envy of the neighbours, made-to-measure bespoke doors, from for example Sunfold Systems, will fit with your exact needs and requirements. You can then choose the colour, finish and your preferred configuration, opening mechanisms and glazing options for your own tastes.

You can then look at what will best suit your situation. It’s important to discuss with your contractor what is possible to ensure that your external door requirements will meet with building regulations. Building regulations can change depending on your location and in particular in conservation areas. So consider structural support and your choice of frame material as this will impact on the suitability of the system and the door energy efficiency levels which can be achieved. 

A U-value which is the measurement of the rate of heat loss through a material, is a key consideration as this will impact on the energy ratings of the doors. Legislation states that external doors have to comply to a U-value rating of 1.8W/m²K to meet building regulations. Achievable U-values will depend on the size of the door panel, the type of frame, sealants used and also glazing and glazing coatings, so by choosing bespoke doors in particular you could potentially lower the rating and save further on long-term energy bills.

Specialist marine treatments for bi-folding doors on the coast

There are other ways to maintain heat transfer and protect against the elements through your choice of doors. If choosing folding sliding doors, for example, track choices are important to make the system watertight and airtight along with allowing drainage to flow away from the doors. Frames should be designed to ensure a barrier between the outside and inner frame to alleviate condensation between glazed panels. There are special marine coatings for external aluminium frames to protect against harsh saline environments, this is usually recommended for coastal properties to help prevent quick corrosion of frames and components.

Once you’ve chosen your frame, track options and configuration you’ll want to look into glazing options. Standard systems will usually incorporate double glazing filled with gas (argon gas is typical) in the cavity this helps to reduce heat loss in double glazing by slowing down convection inside the air space. It is extremely cost-efficient, and works well with low-e coated glazing. Triple glazing will work in the same way, however, by adding an extra layer, heat loss is lowered even further and can help achieve lower U-values as a result. Depending on your requirements you might also be interested in either solar, tinted or laminated security glazing. Tinted glass will usually be used as a privacy measure and solar glass will also help with heat transfer by protecting against the sun’s rays and the heat being reflected from the inside.

Your home’s security is another key consideration. Make sure that the door locks you choose meet with insurance company approval and that you consider not only making it difficult for intruders to enter the property but also how they exist. Burglars often have a planned escape route in case they become interrupted, shoot bolt locking on folding sliding doors will help disable easy opening from the inside and hinder escape. Laminated security glazing will also help against break-ins for any glass door system.

You'll also want to make sure you find a quality supplier rather than a cowboy, but how do you tell the difference? Recommendations are always a good way to go. In fact a large proportion of our own business does in fact come from recommendations from past customers. I’d always look to the internet for unbiased reviews along with a company’s own testimonials. Look at the company’s track record, the longevity of the business is a good tell as to its overall success. Most importantly listen to your contractor for their personal experience and for their advice on who to use and also on which professional bodies the supplier should be a member of. A reputable supplier will always be happy for you to contact past customers (as long as the customer agrees) for first-hand experience to give you more confidence in your choice.

Sliding doors for larger glazed panel widths

So what types of external glass doors are available? Folding sliding doors will offer the ultimate wow factor to any property. They ooze quality and are designed especially to open up areas with no interrupted view. This makes them perfect for the summer months when accessing outside spaces and enhancing the light into a property when the doors are closed all year round. Sliding doors are another option. Sliding doors allow for larger panes of glass and are used when full opening isn't required. Both these systems are framed to comply to building regulations whereby main external doors require structural stability and energy ratings, however, there is an alternative for when making use of external areas throughout the year when these concerns aren't an issue. Sliding stacking doors are perfect for covered patio/decking areas and balconies to protect against wind and rain but without the thermal benefits.

Finally, what about installation of the actual product? Simply, it’s best to leave this to the professionals. Either your supplier will offer this service or your building contractor will be able to arrange this.