Just about every modern residential home or commercial building has at least a few glass doors. They’re one of the most common architectural features in both new builds and renovations. Property owners who want to let more natural light into their buildings and improve their views should note that not all glass doors are created equal. Each type features a different style and works using different mechanisms, so read on to find out about six of the most common types of glass doors found in residential construction to learn about the benefits of each.
Telescoping Glass Doors
Telescoping glass doors are sliding frameless doors with large openings. They’re common in high-end offices, but homeowners also love them as kitchen and bedroom entryways. The telescoping glass doors sold by Klein Architectural Interior Systems can we wall or ceiling mounted to avoid the need for floor tracks and can be installed as synchronized opening systems of two to four doors, making them ideal for large spaces.
Hinged Single Glass Doors
Hinged single glass doors work just like any traditional hinged door. They feature swiveling hinges on one side of the frame, allowing the door to be opened inward or outward by swinging open from the wall. Hinged doors are great for maximizing space in narrow openings, and they come in a variety of styles and sizes, including both framed and frameless models.
French Doors
French doors consist of two single-hinged glass doors that open away from each other. Traditional models feature timber-framed glass panels, but today, PVC, aluminum, and fiberglass models are also available. French doors are perfect for filling wider openings. They make great exterior doors, especially when space in front of the opening is a priority.
Bi-Fold Doors
Bi-fold glass doors, also called folding doors, consist of multiple, individually folding, hinged panels that fold along a track. They can be framed or frameless and can be pushed to one or both sides of the opening. Bi-fold doors don’t require structural posts, so they create the illusion of a larger interior design. They also provide more flexibility than single-hinge and French doors since they can be opened partially, and property owners can designate one door panel to function as an active door without needing to open the entire system.
Pivot Doors
Pivot doors are mounted from both the top and the bottom. They can be installed as single panels or as multiple doors depending on the size of the opening and can be mounted in the center of the panel or off-center. Pivot doors can be angled to direct breezes and provide more flexibility in rooms that require open spaces on both sides of the door since the pivots can be installed at different points.
Sliding Doors
Sliding doors are like simpler, less-versatile telescoping doors. They glide along a fixed track on the floor, so they open sideways instead of inward or outward. They make great patio doors, offering an expansive view and a good transition between outdoor and indoor spaces. Sliding doors don’t need structural support on the walls or ceilings of the opening since the weight is held by the bottom track, and they don’t need space on either side of the opening.
The Bottom Line
Property owners who want to install glass doors have more options than they might think. The best way to make an informed decision is to contact a glass door manufacturer directly with questions and concerns.