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Sliding glass doors, also known as Arcadia doors, are rectangular framed sheet of glass that is mounted adjacent to a similar, often fixed, glass partition and slides in its own plane, usually in a fixed track, parallel to its neighboring partition. Sliding glass doors are commonly used as doors between the interior of the home and the patio that is why they are often called patio doors.
Sliding glass door frames can be made from wood, aluminum, steel and pvc. Pvc frames are double glazed for more strength. Aluminum frames are light yet super strong and durable aside from being more environment friendly than wood. These doors have two panel sections, one being fixed while the other is the sliding panel so that you can close or open the door. You can choose from different frame finishes, it can be brushed silver for a clan high tech look, wood grains and black or white finishes. The doors can be fitted with different kinds of locks for safety purposes. Security design in the doors is aimed at preventing the doors both fixed and sliding from being lifted of their rails. Anti-lift blocks are fixed at the top of the frame in order to prevent them from being lifted off its rails. A portable security bar can also be fitted from the inside of the room to prevent sliding action when door is closed. The adjustable security bar can also be used for added security when you will be away for a vacation. Wheel locks can also be installed so that the glass panels can become sliding or stationary at the touch of a lever.

Sliding glass doors are safe to use even if you have small children. The glass that is used can be tempered, laminated or just plain glass. However, tempered or laminated glass is much safer to use than plain glass. The glass can either be 5mm or 7mm thick. There are six types of glass to choose from. These are clear, linen, frosted, laminated, milky and mirrored. Clear glass is often used in offices or when you want to keep an open look and feel to the space. Linen glass has a woven texture and provides privacy while allowing plenty of light to pass through. Frosted glass is the most popular. It allows light to enter, but visibility is blurred for objects more than 6 inches away from the glass and only bright colors will be apparent. Laminated glass is smooth on both sides and is perfect for room dividers, loft spaces, any use where you’ll see both sides of the doors. It also provides the most sound reduction.  Milky glass is nearly opaque and is ideal for closets and storage enclosures and allows some light to pass through. Mirrored glass is completely opaque and perfect as closet doors where you want to hide the contents. The only thing you’ll see with our mirrored doors is your own beautiful reflection.

Sliding glass doors weigh differently according to its size with 24″ x 80″ being the smallest and at 34 lbs. the lightest. The biggest is the 40″ x 96″ which weighs 71 lbs. However, you can have your glass door customized to your needs. Sliding glass doors can be installed on carpet, wood floors, concrete and tiles. You can also opt for your glass doors to be swinging or floating.