Kitchen Sliding Patio Door

LSSF

9 years ago

Hi everyone!

My slider is junky and the frame around it is rotten, so it is time to replace. (sigh)

I want to stay with a slider.

I live in an apartment in San Francisco, so:

1. maximizing (north facing) light is important

2. an external screen - it is a bit buggy where I live and I will have it open a lot

3. durable - it will be under no awning/ it will be exposed

and

4. a very secure locking system.

The apartment has a very midcentury/70s feel, so I am sticking with a clean, simple line.

My questions:

Can you help me understand the benefits of aluminum vs. fiberglass?

and

My research turns up dizzlingly divergent opinions on which company to go with, so I would love your longer-term experiences. So far it seems like people are happiest with their Marvin purchases. Is that true in patio doors as well as windows?

I am a teacher, so I am not trying to break the bank on this one, but I want something that will LAST so it doesn't need to be the least expensive.

THANK YOU!!

Featured Answer

PRO

Windows on Washington Ltd

9 years ago

Thermally broken aluminum is probably your best bet based on how I read your requirements.

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Comments (7)

LSSF
Original Author
9 years ago
Hi Windows on Washington: Thank you for your answer. I just realized you had written it! Sorry for the delay. QUESTION that perhaps you will be able to answer? I cannot tell on Milgard's website whether what they are saying is what you are suggesting: is thermally broken the same as "thermally improved"? This is the door I am considering - http://www.milgard.com/sites/default/files/series-detail/architect/am-standard-aluminum-sliding-door.pdf

Milgard aluminum sliding door 450....? THANK YOU!!
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Windows on Washington
9 years ago
Thermally improved is kind of an gray area term. I do not see a thermal break in that door diagram. That is not a deal killer but truly thermally broken window will outperform that door given similar glazing schedules.
PRO
East Bay 10
9 years ago
No, that is not a thermally broken door. Are you going to pull a permit to do the work? Title 24 that took effect in July of 2014 will dictate that you have to achieve a U value under .32 if the door is the only work you having done. I would recommend a fiberglass door like Integrity or Pro Via with Low e 180 to maximize the VT on your north facing door and get under the .32.
LSSF
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you both! Sorry that I don't understand what this means: " would recommend a fiberglass door like Integrity or Pro Via with Low e
180 to maximize the VT on your north facing door and get under the .32." Do I need to pull a permit to switch from my current slider to this one? No changes at all otherwise. I mean, I am painting and stuff, but no structural changes?
Are you saying I should wait and do this with a permit while repairing part of a kitchen (where door is located)?
I cannot seem to figure out how to find a thermally broken aluminum door?
@eastbay10 - can you help me understand why a fiberglass door is a better way to go?
@Windows on Washington - what does it mean to "outperform"?

So sorry - I am really new to all this!
Windows on Washington
9 years ago
The thermally broken door will be more efficient. Low-e 180 is a coating type that is designed to allow more VT (Visible Transmittance). The 1 stands for coating and the 80 stands for the VT (on the glass and not the total unit number).

You shouldn't need to pull a permit if you are replacing an existing door with the same function/type door.
LSSF thanked Windows on Washington
LSSF
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you! That makes sense I think! I typed in thermally broken aluminum sliding door but it doesn't show which companies/models qualify. If you have any recommendations, I would be so grateful. But regardless, thank you again!!

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Kitchen Sliding Patio Door

Windows on Washington Ltd

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