By Now Aluminium
When installing new patio doors, many people immediately default towards sliding glass doors. And while they are certainly a good choice, they aren’t your only option. You have a variety of fantastic options such as bifold doors.
Our guide will highlight 3 alternatives to sliding glass doors that will make you fall in love with your patio area.
What Are Sliding Doors?
Sliding glass doors are large glass panels mounted in a frame that slide horizontally along a track, rather than swinging on hinges like traditional doors. They typically consist of two or more glass panels, where one or more panels slide past the stationary panels.
These doors are commonly used as patio doors, connecting indoor living spaces to outdoor areas.
They're popular because they provide a wide, unobstructed view of the outdoors, allow plenty of natural light into the home, and create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Why You May Want An Alternative To Sliding Doors
Sliding doors are often seen as a go to option for many people who are looking at a set of patio doors. And while they can be a terrific option, you may want to stand out from the pack and try something a bit different.
There are plenty of other great aesthetic options for patio doors and sliding glass doors may just not be the one for you.
Alternatively, you may have some concerns around maintenance and security. If this is an issue, then you are likely dealing with a lower quality set of doors that do not have security standards set to the same level as NOW Aluminium’s sliding patio doors.
Sliding Door Alternatives
If you are looking for an alternative, here are three popular options.
Bifold Doors
Bifold doors represent one of the most popular exterior sliding glass door alternatives available today. These doors feature multiple panels that fold back on themselves in a concertina-style motion, allowing you to open up to 90% of your aperture.
Unlike sliding doors that require track space along the wall, bifold doors fold back into a compact stack, making them ideal for situations where space is at a premium. The multi-panel design also offers superior flexibility - you can open just one panel for ventilation or the entire system for entertaining.
Modern aluminium bifold doors offer excellent thermal efficiency with thermally broken frames that prevent heat transfer. Quality bifold doors also feature advanced locking systems across multiple points, providing enhanced security compared to traditional sliding doors.
The smooth operation and contemporary aesthetic make bifold doors particularly suitable for modern homes, though they work equally well in traditional settings.
Try out our custom bifold door builder and find your perfect set of doors today.
French Doors
French doors offer a classic alternative that never goes out of style. Featuring two door panels that open outwards or inwards, they provide a traditional aesthetic whilst still offering excellent access to outdoor spaces.
The main advantage of French doors is their simplicity and reliability. With fewer moving parts than sliding or bifold systems, there's less that can go wrong mechanically. They also offer excellent security when fitted with modern multi-point locking systems.
French doors work particularly well in period properties or where you want to maintain a more traditional appearance. They're also generally more cost-effective than complex sliding or folding systems whilst still providing good natural light and outdoor access.
Pivot Doors
Pivot doors represent a contemporary alternative that's gaining popularity in modern architecture. These doors rotate on a central pivot point rather than traditional hinges, creating a striking visual effect and smooth operation.
The pivot mechanism allows for very large door panels whilst maintaining easy operation. This makes them suitable for creating dramatic entrances or where you want a single large panel rather than multiple smaller ones.
Pivot doors work particularly well in minimalist designs where clean lines and uninterrupted glass panels are desired. They can also accommodate very heavy glazing options, including triple glazing for superior thermal performance.
Summary
Just because sliding glass doors are a good option, it doesn’t mean they are the only option. Hopefully you now have a better understanding of the alternatives to sliding glass doors so that you can make the best purchase for your project.
If you’re looking for a fantastic set of doors for your patio space, then get in touch with NOW Aluminium for a quote today.
