GLASS TYPE
There are several types of glass that you can choose from for your sliding glass door. While most modern sliding doors use heavy-duty, breakproof glass for safety reasons, you still have a few options that can affect the final cost of your sliding glass patio doors.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is one of the safest types of glass available. It is created using two or more panes of glass with a layer of thin plastic or polymer layer between the panes. If this glass is cracked, it will not break into large pieces, as the polymer layer will keep the glass intact.
Laminated glass is often used for automotive windshields and may be preferred for commercial buildings or storefronts with a higher risk of attempted break-ins. However, this is one of the most expensive glass options for sliding doors.
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is another type of safety glass. Making tempered glass involves heating the pane to temperatures above 1,000°F and then quickly cooling it down in a process called “quenching.” If tempered glass breaks, this process ensures that the glass shatters into small chunks rather than large shards.
Tempered glass is about four times stronger than regular glass, making it much more resistant to cracks or breakage. Due to its safety features, it is commonly used for sliding glass doors, shower doors, skylights, and patio furniture.
Built-in Sun Protection
Laminated glass does block some UV light, but you can also purchase glass specifically designed for built-in sun protection. These types of glass block UVA and UVB rays, which
can regulate indoor temperatures, prevent furniture from becoming sun-damaged, and protect your family or your customers from harmful UV rays.
Glass with built-in sun protection can be especially useful for homes or commercial buildings with large sliding glass doors that let in a lot of natural light.
Decorative Glass
For residential properties, decorative glass can be an eye-catching focal point of your home that increases your property value and adds a personal touch and some extra privacy to your home or construction project. For businesses, choosing decorative glass for your sliding doors can help build your local brand and make you a recognizable location in your community.
Decorative glass options include frosted, colored, or patterned glass that can add a customized look to your home or business. While these can drive up the total cost of your sliding glass doors, some property owners prefer spending a little extra for the aesthetic benefits.
MATERIALS USED
In addition to the type of glass you choose, a few different materials can be used for the track and frame of your sliding doors. The cost of these materials varies greatly, from relatively inexpensive vinyl to high-end wood. Depending on your preferences, you may focus on finding a budget-friendly, aesthetically pleasing, or well-insulated material.
Aluminum
Aluminum is an extremely lightweight and versatile material used for sliding doors. Aluminum is one of the most affordable, energy-efficient, and planet-friendly materials available, making it a popular option for residential and commercial properties.
Composite
Composite frames combine a few different materials that make them highly resistant to rust, rot, and deterioration. Composite materials can be more expensive than their counterparts, but many homeowners find it worth spending more on a weatherproof material that will last.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a naturally strong material that is resistant to weather and easy to use. It is often more expensive than vinyl or aluminum but is more customizable and stronger than many other options.
Vinyl
Vinyl is the most affordable and common material available for sliding glass doors. While purchasing a vinyl door can save you money, the frame can be bulky, difficult to slide on the frame, and appear weathered over time.
Wood or Wood-Clad
A sliding patio door with a wooden frame can be a beautiful addition to more classic or natural architecture. Most homeowners who opt for wooden doors do so for their appearance rather than for their longevity or weather resistance. Over time, wooden sliding doors can shrink or expand due to the weather, making them difficult to open.
LABOR FEES AND CUSTOMIZATIONS
Labor fees and custom options will obviously contribute to the final cost of your sliding door as well. If you choose to have a custom door designed and manufactured by a company like Nuoxin Windows and Doors, you will receive the highest quality material and innovative design that will last you for years to come.
In addition to custom options, you will likely have to pay a professional to install your sliding door. If you are adding a sliding glass door for the first time, a professional will have to cut out an opening to install the door. Even if you are replacing an existing door, you must pay labor costs to have the new track and doors installed.
Additionally, the size of the opening will affect the cost of your door installation. Oversized units may require an upgrade to a more expensive door choice, and large glass sizes may need to be shipped from further away.
Though both issues can be resolved by reducing hte size of the moving system and placing fixed glass above or beside the door, the installation fees will still be higher than the cost of a standard-size opening.
The number of panels or doors needed can also affect pricing but may make the whole job cheaper in the long run. Though each unit is priced individually, that cost drops each time a new unit is added — meaning that you may be paying a higher price for more units, but each individual unit will cost less. This helps offset the price of larger projects, such as new construction or remodels.
Repairing vs. Replacing Sliding Glass Doors
If you’re upgrading a home with a damaged sliding door, you may consider repairing it rather than replacing the entire door. There are certain instances where your door can be easily repaired, such as if it has come off track or the rollers are worn down.
However, if the glass or frame of the door is cracked or broken, we recommend a complete sliding glass door replacement. Replacing your door can increase the energy efficiency, safety, and value of your home or business.
Professional Installation vs. DIY
We always recommend that you have your sliding glass doors installed by a professional.
Attempting to install a sliding glass door without the proper tools and experience could lead to damage or improper installation, which can cause poor insulation and an increased risk of injury.
Though more complex installations will increase the cost of your bifold door installation, professional contractors are licensed and have the proper equipment to upgrade your bifold doors with ramps or more structural support.
Additionally, if your installation extends below ground slightly (recessed), they’ll know the appropriate way to install additional drainage or change the pitch of the floor.
Attempting these kinds of installations yourself may seem like an effective way to save money, but incorrectly installed sliding glass doors can cost much more in the long run. Improperly sealed frames can lead to water damage, increased utility bills, and unstable frames that need to be replaced more often.
FAQs About Sliding Glass Doors
CAN YOU REPLACE A SLIDING GLASS DOOR WITHOUT REPLACING THE FRAME?
As long as your frame is in good condition, replacing a broken door without replacing the entire frame is possible. However, if the frame is damaged, worn, or warped, we recommend replacing both.
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST OF A SLIDING GLASS DOOR?
The cost to replace sliding glass doors is between $1,051 and $3,414, with the national average being about $2,227. However, the cost can vary greatly depending on the size, glass type, and materials used for your door.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED TO REPLACE MY SLIDING GLASS DOOR?
A few factors will indicate that it is time to replace your sliding glass door. If your door is difficult to open, you can feel a draft coming from the outside, or there is structural damage to your glass or frame, we recommend searching for replacement options.