French Doors or Sliding Doors

[TopHatter]

Hi All,
I live in sunny Florida and I'm replacing my existing sliding doors.
Someone on the board once recommended ODL brand sliders, and they seem to be quite good quality.

My question is: French Doors or Sliding Doors? Is there a distinct energy conservation advantage to one over the other nowadays?

Are the sliding doors rolling hardware really susceptible to breakdown like I've heard?

Other than ODL for sliders, any recommendations for manufacturers or either French doors or sliders?

Thanks!

 

[Sparky617]

Sliders v. French Doors? It depends.

With French doors you can have them hinged on the outside or the middle. In-swinging or out-swing. If it is hinged on the middle only half opens as the door swings back onto itself. If they are hinged on the outside of the jamb both sides can open. Out-swinging will make screen doors harder to have and need wallspace to land without obstructions like wall mounted light fixtures. In-swinging doors need clear wall space to land in the open position. Light switches can get stuck behind the open doors.

There probably isn't a significant energy saving difference between sliding or French doors of similar quality. I've had several sliding doors and never had any problems with the hardware not holding up. I've seen issues with cheap slider hardware not holding up though.

 

[user 4883]

Ditto on what Sparky is saying but, I do love the look of french doors vs. sliders

 

[Blue Jay]

The people who delivered our applicenses said ALL homes should have french doors Sure made it easy getting the big things in!

 

[havasu]

I have french doors throughout my house. I love the look of them, however they can be pushed open with little force, making them susceptible to break ins.

 

[Snoonyb]

I have french doors throughout my house. I love the look of them, however they can be pushed open with little force, making them susceptible to break ins.

These mortised flush bolts provide the security, either stand alone or as part of a T-astragal; https://www.aliexpress.com/item/8-i...-flush-door-latch-surface-bolt/855382314.html

 

[nealtw]

What is it framed for. A slider is a window and comes in 2" increments.
French doors also come in 2" increment but you have to subtract up to 3" before you divide it by two for door size. And 2 to 2 1/2" higher. A little shorter for out swing.

 

[TopHatter]

Thanks for the great responses!

I currently have sliders and I'm leaning toward just getting sliders again. I'm guessing sliders cost less than French doors?

Besides ODL, any recommendations on manufacturers?

 

[Sparky617]

They probably both come in all price points. YGWYPF.

I have some ODL shades on two glass panels on doors, the quality seems good, they've been trouble free for 18 years now. I don't know about their doors.

I would avoid aluminum sliding doors.

 

[TopHatter]

They probably both come in all price points. YGWYPF.

I have some ODL shades on two glass panels on doors, the quality seems good, they've been trouble free for 18 years now. I don't know about their doors.

I would avoid aluminum sliding doors.

Yeah I'm thinking ODL vinyl sliders with the interior blinds and retractable screen, seems like the best option.

 

[slownsteady]

Be sure to check the R-value of the construction.

 

[oldognewtrick]

Be sure to check the R-value of the construction.

The "R" value of a door will vary from an r 2-r 6. More important is weather sealing the opening against air intrusion.

 

[JennieTroxel]

I would have suggested Sliding doors. It looks economic. There are many benefits like, easy to install and maintain, brighten up the room and spacious. One may also use Shoji screens to the exterior part of the door. It gives the look of the elegant Shoji door on the inside with the practicality of the glass on the outside of the door. Adding, keep the main door open and keep the screen door closed to get good air circulation. Also, for more options and knowledge!