You may know that in recent years, more Milwaukee homeowners are swapping their old and conventional wood doors for sliding glass doors.  Sliding glass doors have a bright and modern aesthetic and fantastic space-saving capabilities. This is why sliding glass doors in Milwaukee can transform the look and feel of your room.

Homeowners in Milwaukee are now opting to modernize and optimize their space by choosing to install various types of sliding glass doors. While traditional doors, such as wood doors, are still a great option, sliding glass doors offer multiple benefits to Milwaukee homeowners that many traditional doors may not.

However, if you are looking to invest in a sliding glass door for your home, you should understand the positive and negative aspects of installing one.

Benefits of Sliding Glass Doors

You will be happy to know that a sliding glass door fulfills many tasks at once, such as economical use of your free space (which a swing door can’t provide), acoustic and thermal insulation, maximum access to natural light, and fashionable design.

Open and Bright

Sliding glass doors in your patio not just give you an excellent view but also let in immense amounts of natural light. This is great as it gives an illusion of more space. It is worth noting that sliding glass doors can be the ideal accessory in any room.

Also, you will be happy to know that they help you avoid the feeling that things are looking cramped. As glass is transparent, note that you can easily separate various areas of your Milwaukee home without feeling like a specific area in your home was completely walled off.

Require Less Room

Did you know that sliding glass doors in Milwaukee are very common in smaller homes? This is because they do not take up much space. In order to open the door, all you have to do is slide the door to the side rather than swinging it outward.

Energy Efficient

Although they may not be the most energy-efficient doors on the market, sliding glass doors can create a tight seal against the elements.

If you would like to make sure that you’re choosing the most energy-efficient option, it is best to read the NFRC labels and select doors with double-pane glass as well as argon gas fills.

Cons

Can’t Handle Extreme Weather Conditions

As you can imagine, glass doors do not hold up well in places that experience harsh or extreme weather conditions. For example, high winds, frosts, and severe storms may cause these doors to deteriorate. On the other hand, extreme heat can also adversely affect sliding glass doors, impacting their durability.

Security Flaws

You should know that sliding glass doors often have some security flaws. For example, they allow people, including intruders, to see inside your home. Also, it is worth noting that they are typically in your backyard. This is why criminals and burglars have plenty of time to peek inside your home without being seen by your neighbors.

So, if a criminal or thief decides they want inside, note that getting in can be as simple as jiggling or even breaking the door.

Maintenance

Keep in mind that glass doors are not easy to maintain. Actually, the process can be very time-consuming. This is especially true if you have to replace any parts.

Also, there are various glass door maintenance costs that you have to consider. This is because you can't simply spray some window cleaner and then hope for the best.

Glass Types

Just like all other windows and doors in your Milwaukee home, glass doors can be designed and made with different types of glass. For example, manufacturers often use tempered glass, also known as safety glass, in sliding glass doors.

This is because it breaks into smaller pieces on impact and does not leave more dangerous, larger pieces of glass or shards stuck in the door.

Manufacturers also use reflective glass in order to reduce heat gain into a living space since the coating on this glass helps reflect sunlight away.

Tips to Protect Your Sliding Glass Door

Add an Alarm Sensor

You should know that using an alarm sensor tied to your home security system is a simple and efficient way to protect your sliding glass door. It is worth noting that most alarm systems now come with window and door sensors.

When you attach them to your door frame, these high-tech sensors monitor open/close motions. So, if somebody forces the glass door, the alarm will sound and call for help.

Also, note that some alarm systems feature glass break sensors. The sensors are effective and detect the sound glass produces when breaking. If the system senses that glass is breaking, it will automatically send an alert to you or the monitoring center.

Add a Metal Rod in the Tracks

You may know that some sliding glass doors come with a sturdy metal rod for added security. Note that if your glass door has this security feature, you should use it. It will help reinforce your glass door against unwanted entry.

The Bottom Line

There is no doubt that glass doors are reliable products that can easily make your room brighter and more spacious. In Milwaukee, sliding glass doors are a popular choice for many reasons. These doors are affordable and provide plenty of natural light and heat, which can save you money.

However, as you can see, these doors have security flaws and are time-consuming to maintain. This is why if you don’t like cleaning windows, a glass door might not be the most suitable choice for your Milwaukee home.

Many homeowners opt to buy sliding glass doors rather than traditional doors because of the various benefits. However, you should make a sound decision based on your specific needs and preferences.