I want to replace my old aluminum frame sliding glass door to my back yard. I like the look of french doors, but I don't know if they are as energy efficient as sliding glass doors. I want something that is not cold in the winter (like the current one) and has a little less sound transmission. Any other differences? Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

 

I have a sliding door facing north in Minnesota.

When I replace in the next year, I am definitely going to go with a french door because I feel it will seal better from the north winds in the winter.

I am fortunate that I have the room for the swing. I don't have that option for my other door.

Dick

 

Aluminum framed doors and windows are notoriously cold during the winter because of their thermal conduction (heat leaving the home). Almost any type of material is better than aluminum as far as that goes... so pick a door that is wood/aluminum clad or vinyl or fiberglass, composite, etc.

Any door you decide on (sliding or french / wood, vinyl, fiberglass, etc.) can be purchased with any type of glass package you'd like- so really there is no benefit of one over the other as far as the glass is concerned, since you can get the glass you want in either one. Laminated glass has good sound deadening properties, so if that's high on your list of requirements, you could consider that.

Different doors have different grade levels, so it's hard to give you any hard facts until you select a door and start comparing it to others. I'm partial to Pella's sliding doors (with the retractable interior screen). French doors are nice, but they have to have enough room to swing in or out and the weatherstrips on bottom can get old and give out. In my experience, you rarely have any issues with replacing parts on sliding doors, unless it's the rollers- and that's usually on 30 yr old doors. Adjusting a patio door is just a matter of adjusting the rollers, whereas if a french door gets out of adjustment it's not usually as simple. I've heard that some french doors have adjustable hinges, which would really be handy.

 

As sleeper suggested, French style doors require extra room inside to swing. But most any style door will be much more energy efficient that what you have. I am partial to Andersens French wood doors, gliding or french style. They are a quality product with excellent weatherstripping. They are wood with aluminum clad exteriors(no exterior maint), so they will not conduct heat/cold.

 

Sliding glass doors do not inhibit into the room, french doors do.
Also, you get more glass and daylight with sliders but french doors
are the style i think, and if you want to leave the door(s) open to
let in some fresh air, you can get a slider style screen or custom
storm-door style screen added on. I hope you make the right choice
for your situation and consider the look, design, daylight, and the
inhibitation of door swinging into room as well as sealing and insulation.



Goodluck, have a nice day!

 

Thanks everyone for all the great input. I like the idea of sound deading (laminate). Any idea of how much of a difference that would make compared to other types?

 

Just for the record, ask for laminated glass, not laminate. If it's an option, it will likely cost an extra $100 per pane, but that's just a guess.

 

True french doors swing out, not in, so you won't lose any room space. Of course, you won't have the luxury of having screens unless you install the self storing screens. By swinging out, once closed, wind will only tend to seal them better as it presses the doors more against the seals.