Hello Chipmonk. My final decision was to forgo the blind option altogether. We didn't need them for privacy, just for sun and heat protection. I thought I'd end up selecting a window treatment covering to minimize the sun and heat after the installation, but I haven't needed one. With my builders assistance, we chose Harvey Building Products door and window for our kitchen and decided upon the Tribute line...double pane sliding patio door (they don't put interior blinds in their doors), and double pane sliding window over the sink (so effortless to slide). We noticed a difference immediately with the double glazed, low E argon, easy sun clean glass. The amount of sun and heat that gets through is mimimal compared to our original glass. We have been through the heat of the summer and surprisingly we never missed having blinds. This glass has been wonderful for blocking out a considerable amount of noise, the suns rays, and heat...far exceding my expectations. Upon closing the slider the heat is sealed off and you can visibly see the reduction of the suns rays. We coundn't be more pleased with our selection. I enjoy having the wide open windows for unobstructed light and view. Wishing you well with your project and good luck with your final selections.

The negative comments are out there everywhere. But almost all of them are from a few years ago, when there were issues with the cords and stuff breaking, and not being serviceable. Pella has made many changes to the line, and has improved them quite a bit. While I'd challenge the "best gliding door on the market" claim, (I'm an Andersen man personally), they do make a high quality product. Be sure to follow the installation and finishing instructions very carefully, as that is the key to lasting quality. The triple pane is a nice addition, giving you a thin insualted glass on the outside, then the cavity for the blinds/shades, then a removeable pane on the interior, giveing good thermal performance. The only down side, really, is the added weight per panel which can wear out hardware, i.e. rollers. That, and they carry a hefty price. But if you have young kids, or pets, the extra cost may be worth it.

Provia is much better. Andersen perma shield sliding door is a piece of junk as far as im concerned. Alot of the unskilled contractors where i am located use that door because they can buy it cheaply at home depot. I think its designed poorly. They basically take some pine/ wood and wrap it in a thin piece of plastic; thats how the perma shield by andersen is made. I would look at a higher end vinyl door,i think provia make a nice one. The higher end vinyl doors are actually built much better than the perma shield and are much more energy efficient. Soft lite, Okna, and Sunrise are a few very good one's. This post was edited by doorproz on Sun, Oct 27, 13 at 12:39

We've had Pella sliders with built in blinds for 9 years. I raise and lower them almost daily. I slant them depending on amount of light I want in the room. Live in the upper midwest with hot summers and cold winters. No insulation problems and they do block road noise. I've even gotten used to the slight blue color of the low e glass. Never have to dust the blinds. The dog and grandchildren can't put their respective noses, paws, fingers through the blinds to damage them. The interior pane opens with a hinge? effect if we ever have to have the blinds changed. I would have a Pella person do this if it ever becomes necessary, I would not want to do this myself. I almost want to "knock on wood" that these have worked out so well for us when I see the negative responses to them.