In my kitchen we have a French door that causes me nothing but grief.. It leaks tons of cold air (we stuffed insulation around the leaks in the winter). Sometimes the lock works and when it doesn't work you can't open the door. When snow builds up it sometimes leaks a little water inside.. Time for a new door.. I'm not a big french door fan. I bought this vinyl slider from Menards and had a local guy install for me today. I used new vinyl trim outside and was able to re-use the interior casement trim.. Much better! Much more light, low e, tight fitting with no leaks... And it opens and closes properly... Before... After....
That looks much better. I think sliders have gotten a bad rap. We have a 30 year old+ 8 ft. Andersen slider in our house that works great. It seals well (I've checked with a thermal camera) and really opens up the view outside much better than a french door would do.
Only caution about sliders and you should be good because it looks enclosed on the other side. They have to have at least a five foot overhang over them. Because the drain lines if they ever freeze will crack and leak water into the house. I learned hard way! Regardless of price everyone I looked at has the same void on the warranty..
Yes, absolutely. It will make a huge difference for next season. It will also allow your house to stay cooler in summer.
That's what I have in my house. A mid 80's Andersen triple pane that I bought off CL. It replaced what was the original slider from the 60's. Replacing the seals this spring made it like new again.
I've had both. They both can leak air and water. They both can have their maintenance woes and requirements. I prefer the looks of a french door but prefer the general practicality of sliders.
I'm not a fan of French doors, and prefer sliders. I guess I am biased since my previous housed didn't have enough room to open up the left door anyway (or, you just couldn't have a kitchen table - and it didn't have a dining room).
