Ha! I love the reference and you are too kind.

Has the sliding door just recently gotten tough to use? The reason that I ask is that the mechanisms of the slider are often under serviced and proper lubrication and servicing of the rollers might make is usable for your folks at a fraction of the cost of a new door.

I also realize that if you are having trouble getting folks out to give you a bid, getting someone to service the door might be even harder. Do your parents live in a development that has a list-serv or forum for information that you can draw from for recommendations?

You are welcome. I'd use WoW if they were here (same area) for my own house LOL. Anyway, the sliding door is under-serviced no doubt. And it's been replaced a few times as well in the last 20 years. Basically, there is something going on where a lot of debris and water get into the track. I think the exposure directly to the outside and a lot of yard debris (leaves, dirt from the ditch that blows up in windy weather, etc). And that starts the downward decline. Perhaps the last install was bad. But we really want to do away with a slider completely this time and simply avoid having to keep cleaning the track and servicing it. Even with a new sliding door, the shoulder surgeries have left their arms weak and I think it's best to avoid that type of door going forward

Most sliding glass doors do have a "captured" sill in that they do accumulate debris.

The codes in Florida are quite stringent on the door and replacement end of things and for good reason with all of the storm work and damage down there.

Do the parents live in an HOA? Any friends of family that have gotten work done already? The referral of a friend, family, or neighbor can be very helpful in these cases.

Does your parents ever leave the door open for fresh air? If so you will have to take into consideration some type of screen.

No - there is no HOA. It's a much older area and pretty much anything goes. But it has held up remarkably well.

I actually do have a lead now talking to my son-in-law. That just happened over lunch. So to your point - talking to people (word of mouth) seems to be a good approach.

Anyway, good point on the screen. They have been known to leave the sliding screen closed with the glass open. I have to remind them of that - thank you.

That's good news. If they are going to want a screen option, there are some French doors (few and far between) that have an integrated screen or you will have to look at a cartridge screen. Probably not recommended with Mom and Dad if they are having difficulty with the current door.

The other option is a a garden patio door with just one operable side. Doesn't give you the flexibility of moving in or out big stuff, but does have the screen and track built into it as an option.