Kitchen Sliding Patio Door

LSSF

11 years ago

Hi everyone!

My slider is junky and the frame around it is rotten, so it is time to replace. (sigh)

I want to stay with a slider.

I live in an apartment in San Francisco, so:

1. maximizing (north facing) light is important

2. an external screen - it is a bit buggy where I live and I will have it open a lot

3. durable - it will be under no awning/ it will be exposed

and

4. a very secure locking system.

The apartment has a very midcentury/70s feel, so I am sticking with a clean, simple line.

My questions:

Can you help me understand the benefits of aluminum vs. fiberglass?

and

My research turns up dizzlingly divergent opinions on which company to go with, so I would love your longer-term experiences. So far it seems like people are happiest with their Marvin purchases. Is that true in patio doors as well as windows?

I am a teacher, so I am not trying to break the bank on this one, but I want something that will LAST so it doesn't need to be the least expensive.

THANK YOU!!

Featured Answer

PRO

Windows on Washington Ltd

11 years ago

Thermally broken aluminum is probably your best bet based on how I read your requirements.

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Comments (7)

LSSF
Original Author
11 years ago
Hi Windows on Washington: Thank you for your answer. I just realized you had written it! Sorry for the delay. QUESTION that perhaps you will be able to answer? I cannot tell on Milgard's website whether what they are saying is what you are suggesting: is thermally broken the same as "thermally improved"? This is the door I am considering - http://www.milgard.com/sites/default/files/series-detail/architect/am-standard-aluminum-sliding-door.pdf

Milgard aluminum sliding door 450....? THANK YOU!!
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User
11 years ago
Thermally improved is kind of an gray area term. I do not see a thermal break in that door diagram. That is not a deal killer but truly thermally broken window will outperform that door given similar glazing schedules.
eastbay10
11 years ago
No, that is not a thermally broken door. Are you going to pull a permit to do the work? Title 24 that took effect in July of 2014 will dictate that you have to achieve a U value under .32 if the door is the only work you having done. I would recommend a fiberglass door like Integrity or Pro Via with Low e 180 to maximize the VT on your north facing door and get under the .32.
LSSF
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you both! Sorry that I don't understand what this means: " would recommend a fiberglass door like Integrity or Pro Via with Low e
180 to maximize the VT on your north facing door and get under the .32." Do I need to pull a permit to switch from my current slider to this one? No changes at all otherwise. I mean, I am painting and stuff, but no structural changes?
Are you saying I should wait and do this with a permit while repairing part of a kitchen (where door is located)?
I cannot seem to figure out how to find a thermally broken aluminum door?
@eastbay10 - can you help me understand why a fiberglass door is a better way to go?
@Windows on Washington - what does it mean to "outperform"?

So sorry - I am really new to all this!
User
11 years ago
The thermally broken door will be more efficient. Low-e 180 is a coating type that is designed to allow more VT (Visible Transmittance). The 1 stands for coating and the 80 stands for the VT (on the glass and not the total unit number).

You shouldn't need to pull a permit if you are replacing an existing door with the same function/type door.
LSSF thanked User
LSSF
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you! That makes sense I think! I typed in thermally broken aluminum sliding door but it doesn't show which companies/models qualify. If you have any recommendations, I would be so grateful. But regardless, thank you again!!