First, sliders aren’t very secure, so almost any French door is going to be more secure. Years ago we replaced sliders w/ Anlin French doors in the DR. They use a multi-point locking system that is way more secure than the sliders. Ours are outswing, too, b/c if they were in-swing they’d be too close to chairs on that side w/ someone sitting on the chair. We got operating sidelights so we could have air flow w/ doors closed. I didn’t want a screen door for ease of entry/exit & looks w/ V-grooved glass. The sidelights are screened.

We just finished our kitchen. After the first thorough cleaning of our brand new Marvin sliding doors leading from kitchen to patio, I discovered a couple of scratches. They are most noticeable in the PMs when the sun is shining through. Is there any way to fix these scratches? If so, can we do it? Do we hire someone? (We once had a crack in our car window repaired with some sort of filler).

Hi Anita, What you probably have is an Anderson Frenchwood Glider (door). They have made zillions of these and it's a good door. Just to be sure here - the piece you're talking about runs from the floor up to the top along the "jamb" side (where the "keeper" is for the lock to latch into)Basically the frame. First. Is the door aprox 80"-84" tall? You don't need to be exact here i just want to confirm it's not 8' tall. Second. Is it white? Sand? (the color of the weatherstrip) Third. When the door is shut is the piece you're concerned about on the inside? the outside? or are they both a problem? They are 2 different pieces. Yes i'm a window and door nut. I help people from all over figure out how to get parts for vinyl windows - cases where no one even knows who the manufacturer is. They email me pictures of balances and locks and i can usually help them out as i am a rep (my paying job)in the business and it's all i really know! Of course you don't necessarily need me. But don't bother trying to contact Anderson either, they will be of no help. They rely on distribution i.e. an Anderson (dealer) lumberyard in your area. Hopefully the Millwork salesperson is willing to help you, i have seen cases where they aren't interested because you didn't buy it from them etc, and of course this is not a warranty issue. If you want to email me a pic i would be happy to take a look. Otherwise Good Luck! Ed edcossart@gwi.net

We have been using internal blinds doors now for about 12 years and while there have been a failure here and there, they seems to work quite well and are very functional when solar or light control is required.