Installing Sliding Doors in Your New Extension: What You Need to Know
When planning an extension to your home, you need to think through every detail that will make your additional room cozy, functional, and easy to use. One of the essential components is the door.
Although many people still choose classic entrance options, many homeowners prefer installing sliding doors. They are more practical, modern, and aesthetic, and allow you to create a smooth transition between the interior and exterior.
Below, we will discuss the main advantages of the decision, the numerous door types, and features. In addition, we will analyze the feasibility of self-installation versus professional assistance.
Why Choose Sliding Doors for Your Extension?
A sliding door is a structure consisting of glass panels, rails, and rollers. They move horizontally along the guide and do not swing outward like classic single doors.
Sliding doors in a house extension have many advantages. They steal less space, create a cozy atmosphere, and add much more natural light. They are an indispensable option for rooms that have a small area or aim to gently connect the interior with the garden or outdoor seating area.
The main benefits of installing sliding glass doors are as follows:
- Saving usable area. You can furnish the room in any way you want, you don’t need to save valuable centimeters to accommodate the door swing.
- More natural light. It will save your bills and create a calm and hospitality atmosphere at home.
- Panoramic view of the exterior. Glass doors allow you to observe the garden or street and enjoy the scenery.
- Flexible layout. You can use the extension as an office, a kitchen, or a living room. The sliding doors fit any room and style.
- Good thermal efficiency and insulation. Reliable glass doors are resistant to environmental influences and can have a significant positive impact on the thermoregulation of the house.
- A wide range of options. There are many types of sliding doors, so you can choose the option that best suits your extension.
The installation of sliding doors will help you create a functional room of any configuration, regardless of how large the area is.
Choosing the Right Sliding Doors
Since there are different types of sliding doors, you should think about which option will be appropriate in your case. Take into account the climatic conditions, the size of the extension, the design and style of the house, etc. Here are the main types of doors and materials to choose from.
Types of Sliding Doors
Modern sliding doors can be small and completely hidden in the wall, or be multi-panel structures with a side entrance. The most popular are the following:
- Patio doors. This is the most common type with large glass panels and is best suited for extensions. Usually, one panel is stationary while the other slides along it. Such doors provide a lot of light and space, and can have different sizes and frames.
- Pocket doors. Their construction implies that one of the glass panels hides in the wall when opened, completely disappearing from view. They are perfect for small rooms with very limited space, but require major work. They are usually installed between rooms, less often as external doors.
- Barn-style sliders. You should choose them if your house and extension have an industrial aesthetic style. Their mobile glass panels hang from the rails and slide along the wall surface when opened. They can be constructed from a variety of materials and stand out for their easier installation compared to other types.
In addition, glass sliding doors can have a frame or be frameless. The first type has visible frames made of different materials. They provide additional support and structural strength. The second type is a minimalist door that is not complemented by frames. They are more difficult to install, but guarantee better visibility and light penetration.
Materials
Sliding door panels can be made of ordinary or tempered glass. Plain glass is the most popular. It transmits a lot of sunlight and is cost-effective. Tempered glass breaks into small, frosted pieces when broken, so it is considered safer.
In addition to the choice of panels, you need to decide on the frame material when installing a sliding glass door. It can be:
- Aluminum. Such frames are lightweight, resistant to every kind of environmental conditions and corrosion. They are highly appropriate for external solutions.
- Wooden. It is a classic option that will add coziness to your extension and guarantee good insulation. They need a bit more maintenance but are very aesthetic.
- Vinyl. It is durable, easy to maintain, and resistant to different weather conditions. They can have a variety of colors, so they will suit any home.
- Fiberglass. This type of frame is durable, energy efficient, and can imitate the look of wood. They will be suitable for any climate, as they are not afraid of the effects of any weather conditions.
You can combine different materials for your door to get the most durable, easy-to-clean, and sustainable option.
Considerations Before Installation
Although choosing a door may seem like a simple step, the final choice can be confusing and overwhelming. You should pay attention to a lot of details to make sure that your home renovation or extension will go smoothly and you will get the expected result. Here are several extra factors to take into account.
Space and Layout Planning
To ensure that the sliding glass door installation goes smoothly and without problems or delays, you need a thoughtful plan. Evaluate the space you have and choose the type of construction that fits the structure of your extension. Make sure that you have enough area and determine the materials and type of door that will allow you to use the available space most functionally.
Energy Efficiency and Insulation
In addition to matching your style, the door must be reliable and protect from weather and cold. Keep in mind that large barn-style sliders may not provide the necessary insulation and will let in more cold air. To ensure high energy efficiency, choose doors with double or triple glazing. They’ll lower your bills and your energy usage.
Security Features
Sliding doors should be safe and protect your privacy. To prevent housebreaking, choose options with reliable multi-point locks and install additional security sensors. If you want to reduce the likelihood of people watching you from the street, hang curtains or blinds.
Think about every detail before installing sliding glass door. It will help you avoid spending much money and time in the future.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Sliding Doors
The door installation process requires some knowledge and experience. However, if you’ve got thoughts on how the procedure will go, this information will be useful to you.
Preparation and Measurement
Accurate measurements are the key to the successful installation of a sliding door. You must measure the width and height of the openings accurately to ensure that you have enough space. Particular attention is required when installing pocket doors. In addition to the opening, you need to determine the wall cut so that the panel can be easily hidden in it.
Tools and Materials Needed
You do not need any special equipment to install sliding door. Prepare the basic elements and tools in advance to speed up the process. Their list may vary, but in most cases it will be as follows:
- A door set consisting of rails, rollers, and glass panels.
- Measuring tape.
- A pencil.
- A drill.
- Screws.
- Safety glasses and gloves.
The final list will depend on the type of door you have chosen and other conditions.
Installation Process
Although the process may vary depending on the type of door, here is a unified step-by-step guide to help you understand the basic stages of the procedure:
- Get the installation location ready. Wipe the floor and exclude any furniture that is in the way.
- Make marks to install the top rail. Then make the holes and attach it.
- Install the bottom rail. Proceed in the same way as in the previous step and make sure that it is positioned exactly under the top one.
- Hang the door. First, attach the rollers and then insert them into the guides.
- Check that the fasteners are secure. Try to move the door to make sure it functions properly.
- Perform the final work. Attach the handles and clean the area.
Installing the door might require a bit of time and effort to complete. Framed doors are often easier to install, while frameless constructions require more attention and skill.
Professional vs DIY Installation
You can handle putting in a sliding glass door yourself or hire a professional team to help. The choice is yours because each alternative has its strengths and weaknesses.
By choosing to install it yourself, you can work at your own pace and save money on paying for the services of a third-party company. However, do not forget that you may not have the necessary experience and risk making mistakes in the calculations. As a result, you may incur extra costs associated with reinstalling the door if the first attempt fails.
Outsourcing the process to a reliable contractor and remodeler reduces risks and time. Professional assistance in the installation of sliding doors:
- Ensures accurate installation and compliance with all building requirements.
- Guarantees efficient use of time and completion of the process by the deadline.
- Offers a warranty period and assistance with door maintenance over time.
There will be no need for you to spend time or effort trying to handle the process yourself. You can turn to a trusted contractor like CBS Renovation and get a comprehensively designed service for selecting and installing sliding glass doors. You will receive high-quality service and quick implementation of your idea at an affordable price.
Maintaining Your Sliding Doors
The majority of sliding doors don’t need extra maintenance and are simple to keep up. However, to make them last longer and wear out less over time, you should look after them and regularly perform simple actions that will extend the service life of the construction.
Here are some tips to consider:
- Clean the glass panels with a special product and a cloth. Since this is an extension, it is quite likely that your doors will go outside. They will be exposed to moisture, sun, and dust. Timely cleaning of the glass will keep your home cozy and tidy.
- Wipe the frames. They are one of the elements of the construction, so they also require some maintenance. Do not use aggressive chemicals, as in most cases, they can damage the frame material. Use a soapy solution and rinse it with clean water.
- Clean the guide rails. Over time, they can become clogged with dust or debris from the street and create obstacles to the movement of mobile glass panels. You can vacuum them, wipe them with a damp cloth, and use a toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach areas.
- Lubricate the rollers. They can wear out over time and affect the functionality of the door. To prevent them from breaking, you should lubricate them occasionally.
- Replace the seals. Worn seals can let in moisture and affect thermal efficiency. To keep dust, rain, and cold air out of the house, you should replace them on time.
If your glass breaks over time, you should contact a professional team to replace it. Firstly, they offer high-quality, dense glass, and secondly, they will help you cope with the process more easily and faster.
Caring for sliding doors is straightforward. However, you must perform mandatory maintenance to ensure their long-lasting, better aesthetic appeal, and non-influence the interior.
Conclusion
If you are planning a new extension and want to get the most out of the functional space, glass sliding doors installation may be the best solution. This is a modern approach to arranging the entrance to the house or any of its areas that saves free space and allows you to better furnish the room.
Sliding doors have many variations and can be made of a wide variety of materials. Their primary characteristic is that they move on rails and do not swing outwards. Their large glass panels provide a lot of natural light, high thermal efficiency, and insulation, creating a cozy atmosphere in the house.
Modern sliding doors are equipped with various locks, so they are completely safe. The process of installing them is not too difficult, however, it requires experience, so you should entrust the matter to professionals.
CBS Renovation is a reliable contractor that will help you implement your project from start to finish. You don’t have to stress over specifics, skills, or time. You will receive a comprehensive solution that will ease your path to creating an extension with sliding doors.
