French Doors vs. Sliding Glass Doors
mives714
15 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (10)
arewethereyet
15 years agoRelated Discussions
French Doors vs. Glass Sliding Doors
Comments (15)We have five sliders and five french doors (Pella)...and a lot of window washing! The french doors are all single doors and twp of the sliders are doubles (i.e., four panes of glass each). We live in the Sacramento area and enjoy bringing the outdoors in. The screen doors on the sliders are spring-loaded so they close behind you automatically, a very handy feature. Space wasn't a concern for us and we easily could have accommodated french doors throughout but for us the focus wasn't on the doors but rather on the view and the sliders are very unobtrusive in that respect. And although our home is an old-world Tuscan design, the sliders work just fine aesthetically. On the subject of window washing, we discovered the Mr. Clean AutoDry Car Washing system makes washing all those windows a breeze. It's a device that attaches to the hose and dispenses either soap or clear water. But it also dispenses de-ionized water for use in the final rinse so that windows can self-dry without spotting...a big time saver. No squeegeeing, no wiping and the windows are spotless! We wash the windows with a sponge mop, rinse with water and DI water and we're done. If you have divided light windows, it wouldn't be of much help but for large panes of glass, it's invaluable. Bob...See MoreSliding glass doors, or French doors opening outward - crossposte
Comments (30)marti8a- We have 2 sets of aluminum clad, low e, argon filled sliders and a set of the same outward opening french doors, all by Eagle (now owned by Andersen, but independent when we purchased them 8 years ago). They all operate easily, close securely and have no air infiltration, we are in NNY and have wind, cold and snow and have never had a problem. While I like the look of french doors better, we chose sliders in two our of three locations because we wanted screens on the doors, we don't have or want A/C, so screens are on the doors are a must for us. The one french door we have will someday open onto a small sunroom/conservatory (hopefully), that's why we chose a set of french doors in that area. Eagle, as well as the other well known manufacturers, have lots of options on the interior; primed, painted, stained, different wood species, hardware options, etc. We rented a house with vinyl sliders when we were building and I would not recommend them at all, they didn't work well, ice built up in the channels and the cold air poured in seemingly from the entire opening. I strongly prefer the wood interior and aluminum clad exterior, but overall I would get the best ones you can afford, good doors and windows pay for themselves in the form of lower energy costs. Good luck- sandyponder...See MoreSingle French Door, Regular French Doors of Sliding French Doors
Comments (8)Decent quality sliding - or folding sliding doors - will do the job and last more than 15 years. Of course you have to fit them properly for a good seal so choose an experienced fitter, a specialist fitter or buy a door that can be fitted by the manufacturer. As with anything, you get what you pay for. Untreated softwoods are likley to warp over time so treated woods, hardwoods or metal doors will perform well over a longer period....See MoreMarvin Sliding French Door vs. Sliding Patio Door
Comments (4)I would call in another Marvin Dealer as if you were starting from scratch. Have them come in for a consult and a second estimate. Ask the question and see what he/she says. Even if you’re happy with the first dealer, dealers can charge differently so at least you’ll have something to compare apples to apples with. I actually have two appointments scheduled for Sunrise windows next week, but I’m not actually sure which dealer I’ll end up with. I have to say though both my mother and my sister had the french doors installed. They weren’t Marvins but they were extremely happy with that style....See Moremives714
15 years agobrutuses
15 years agotrudymom
15 years agomainecoonkitty
15 years agophoggie
15 years agoluckymom23
15 years agobrickeyee
15 years agoccoombs1
15 years agoI put in a set of double french doors that swing out into my sunroom and LOVE them!! When I open them both, I have a 6' wide opening. I have had sliders in the past and love these french doors so much more. The 3rd panel is fixed just to allow more light into the room.
Related Stories
DOORSThe Art of the Window: 12 Ways to Cover Glass Doors
Learn how to use drapes, shutters, screens, shades and more to decorate French doors, sliding doors and Dutch doors
Full Story
DOORSOpening Acts: Folding, Sliding and Pivoting Doors
Transform your space with glass doors that open dramatically to the breezes and the views
Full Story
DOORSFrench Doors: Ooh La La
Open or Closed, Double Glass Doors Add Elegance, Function and Beautiful New Views
Full Story
DOORSBarn Doors Slide Into Style
You don't have to live in a farmhouse to use a barn door in your home. Here's how to make these space savers work in any room
Full Story
REMODELING GUIDESPocket Doors and Sliding Walls for a More Flexible Space
Large sliding doors allow you to divide open areas or close off rooms when you want to block sound, hide a mess or create privacy
Full Story
MOST POPULARFind the Right Glass Door for Your Patio
It’s more than just a patio door — it’s an architectural design element. Here’s help for finding the right one for your home and lifestyle
Full Story
DOORSInterior Glass Doors Shine as Stars of the Flow
If your rooms are cast in a dreary light or the setting is uninspired, give glass doors a more prominent role
Full Story
REMODELING GUIDESMaterial Choices: Translucent Glass Doors
Let in Light, Keep Things Open — And Maintain Your Privacy, Too
Full Story
HOUZZ TOURSHouzz Tour: A Manhattan Loft Slides Into Flexibility
Sliding doors and "smart glass" windows help turn a constricting apartment into an expansive, open loft
Full Story
KITCHEN DESIGNKitchen Confidential: Glass Cabinet Doors Are a Clear Winner
We look at 9 types of decorative panes and 8 places to use them
Full Story
sue36