Glass Doors

Glass doors go by different names depending on their specific style and function. For example, doors with glass panels that slide along a track are often called "sliding glass doors." When used as the main front entrance door, they are known as "glass front entry doors."

Glass doors are also very popular for use in showers, in which case they are referred to as "glass shower doors." Special modern styles, like double doors with glass that meet in the middle and swing open, are called "French glass doors."

No matter the type, all glass doors are constructed from strong tempered safety glass. This glass is durable enough to withstand impacts. In hurricane-prone coastal areas, impact resistant glass doors are a smart option for protection during storms.

Installing glass doors is generally a very good idea for a home or office. Glass doors create a contemporary, stylish look and allow plentiful natural light to stream into interior rooms. This gives spaces a bright, airy, and inviting vibe.

Despite their delicate appearance, glass doors are actually quite strong and secure when made with tempered safety glass. This special glass is heat-treated to resist shattering if impacted. So glass doors are very durable and safe to use.

Glass doors can also help reduce heating and cooling costs. During cold winter months, the glass helps contain warm indoor air to keep your rooms toasty. In the summer, glass doors keep cooled indoor air from escaping outside.

A common question homeowners have is whether glass doors cost more than wooden doors. After comparing prices, the answer is that it depends on the type of doors.

Some standard sliding wooden doors can be found for around $600 plus tax. So in some cases, basic wood doors are actually cheaper than basic glass doors.

However, high-end custom wood doors made from expensive hardwoods or intricate designs can cost much more than basic glass doors. The pricing really comes down to materials and detailing - a basic wood door is not necessarily cheaper than a basic glass door.

When it comes to glass doors, homeowners and business owners often want the combination of good looks and high security. That's why laminated glass is such a great choice.

Laminated glass is constructed from layers of glass bonded together by a thin plastic interlayer. This special glass can withstand intense impacts without shattering. For even greater protection against break-ins, bullet-resistant laminated glass up to 3 inches thick can be used.

Another ultra-strong option is glass-clad polycarbonate. Although lighter than laminated glass, this material is highly impact resistant as well.

The type of glass typically used for exterior doors is called tempered safety glass. This specialty glass is exceptionally durable and able to withstand pressure and heat much better than normal glass.

Tempered glass does not break into dangerous sharp shards if an impact occurs. Instead, it crumbles into small rounded pebbles that reduce injury risk. It's also about five times stronger than regular glass, making it very difficult to actually shatter in the first place.

In addition to strength, tempered glass blocks over 99% of harmful UV radiation from the sun. This helps maintain indoor temperatures - keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. That means savings on energy bills too!

French glass doors are a beautiful type of interior door typically used in place of traditional doors between rooms. As the name suggests, they are made almost entirely of glass, with only thin frames constructed of wood, fiberglass or vinyl.

The large glass panels allow French doors to bathe adjacent rooms in natural light. They create an open, airy feeling and sense of spaciousness wherever they are installed.

French glass doors come in single or double door versions. The double doors have a classic symmetrical style with two doors that meet in the middle. There are also sliding models that save even more space.