When it comes to visual appeal and ease of operation, sliding glass doors have no comparison. They move on a track, allow in a lot of sunlight, and can be retrofitted to fit into any decor style.
But sliding glass doors are not the best option when it comes to safety as they are easily detached and broken.
If you want to replace yours with another type, what are the best sliding glass door replacement options for your Toronto-area home?
In this post, we present top alternatives to sliding doors. As Toronto’s best glass company, Academy Glass offers our customers the best glass repair, replacement, and installation services. We also provide a diverse range of glass products such as shower enclosures and doors, custom-made table tops, and bathroom mirrors.
Let’s get started.
Alternatives for Sliding Glass Doors
The glass door types recommended as alternatives for sliding doors may enhance your home decor and privacy. Here are some popular options to consider.
Pivot Doors
As the name suggests, these doors close and open simply by pivoting in and out. The pivot handle and floor bear the weight of its glass and metal construction. They are popular for their capacity to withstand adverse weather conditions and their stability. Because of their sleek and clean look, they are also used in commercial buildings.
Advantages:
- They are easy to operate.
- They have a unique design.
- They’re stable and robust.
- They provide an unhindered view outside even if they are closed.
Drawbacks:
- These doors are a bit expensive.
- They may not be suitable for traditional-style homes.
- They are mediocre in terms of energy efficiency.
French Doors
These doors have a timeless appeal and are mostly used as patio doors. They are designed like sliding doors but have glass pockets throughout. Like sliding doors, French doors make your room look bigger and allow in a lot of sunlight.
The new type of French door is French sliders. They are a kind of sliding glass door with the design of traditional French doors. This new type of door has four panels where two panels on the side act as stable frames and sidelights. The remaining two may work as middle slides partly like the usual sliding door.
Advantages:
- They are good options for exterior and interior doors.
- They are easily customized.
- They provide the illusion of a bigger space.
- They allow natural light to enter the house.
- They have good visual appeal.
Drawbacks:
- They are difficult to install.
- They may not be suitable for all home styles.
- They have a low energy efficiency rating.
Accordion Doors
Like the instrument after which it is named, these glass doors rightly fold in as well as out when they move. If opened, their glass panels are bundled up, and when closed, they spread. In terms of security, accordion doors are a better option than sliding glass doors.
Unlike sliding glass doors, they are the better option when it comes to security. As far as design is concerned, they are good for contemporary homes. A new type of accordion door is lift sliders. They work just like bi-fold doors and disappear completely inside a track and stack on the wall. They are the best option for patio doors instead of entryways.
Advantages:
- They are high in energy efficiency.
- They are lightweight and highly functional.
- They have a versatile finish and design.
- They are easy to maintain.
Drawbacks:
- They are not easy to operate.
- They are expensive.
Roll Up Glass Doors
Are you searching for non-latch glass doors? If so, then roll up glass doors are your best bet. If rollup doors are opened wide, everything inside the home is exposed. It is a recent stylish glass door option. Their design is minimalist and they are a perfect option if you have a wide front entrance to cover.
Advantages:
- They have excellent visual appeal.
- They have an easy open/close mechanism.
- They are durable and resistant to fire.
- They are highly insulated.
- They provide an unhindered view if opened.
Drawbacks:
- They may cause door jamming problems.
- They require high maintenance.
Bi-fold Doors
As opposed to the accordion-style of glass door, when this door is opened, it is split from the centre and folds from there. These doors have excellent visual appeal and are easily custom-fit to your space. Like sliding doors, they save space, but unlike sliding ones, their installation cost is higher.
A new version of bi-fold doors is multi-track sliding glass doors. When these are opened, four different panels and four tracks open together.
Advantages:
- They are easy to install.
- They are versatile as well as functional.
- They offer security to your house.
- They are available in diverse finishes and styles.
Drawbacks:
- They have door stacking issues.
- They obstruct the view from inside because of their excessive frames.
- They are expensive.
Single Door with Sidelights
This stylish glass door has a single panel along with glass sides. Like a sliding door, it allows a lot of light to come in and has a minimalist design that suits modern home decor.
Advantages:
- It’s durable.
- It allows ample light in the house.
- It has a modern design.
Drawbacks:
- It doesn’t provide maximum privacy
- It’s expensive
- It’s not space-efficient
If you have decided to replace the sliding glass door in your Toronto-area home, consider these alternatives. They all have unique functionality, top-quality designs, and styles. If you are struggling to find out the best sliding glass door repair and replacement services, contact us. We’ll be happy to help.