How Do Multi-Slide Doors Work?

What Is a Multi-Slide Door?

Imagine an uninterrupted view of the Phoenix landscape, with so much natural light pouring through the windows that you can barely tell where the indoor and outdoor spaces begin and end at your residential property. This is essentially how multi-slide doors work. So, how can you too live this experience? Consider investing in these doors to enhance your view, home design, and daily life. 

Unlike patio doors and other traditional doors, multi-slide doors offer seamless transitions from indoor to outdoor spaces. We also commonly refer to double or three panel sliding patio doors as “scenic doors” or “big doors” for this reason. But how do multi-slide doors work? These glass panels provide easy physical and visual access to the outdoors. While the standard patio door offers a small exit and glimpse into your backyard, multi-paneled sliding doors deliver an entire experience that benefits any home with functionality and aesthetic design.

How to Work a Multi-Slide Glass Door

For a reason, a multi-slide door has certain budget considerations – they require refined installation techniques. To properly install the door, the installer must first partner with an engineer to check the necessary calculations beforehand. These calculations could include assessing the header carrying the door’s weight, planning for floor and ceiling space to allow proper door operation, and checking that the door measurements fit the space – especially if you want a customized set of panels.

If you are considering installing multi-slide doors for the first time, you might wonder about some more of their operation details. Multi-slide doors involve other additional features than a single door, (such as with double sliding doors), and have more than one moving panel in the aligned row. These panels stack side-by-side when opened to move towards a designated edge of the wall pocket. While some multi-slide doors require large amounts of space to stack their panels, they are typically ideal for most residential homes as they save floor space.

Why Choose Multi-Slide Doors?

There are many reasons to choose multi-slide doors over the traditional single entry-exit door. Multi-slide doors are the best choice for any contemporary home with their versatile functionality, indoor-outdoor feel, and energy-efficient quality. 

Lighting

Multi or double sliding patio doors offer wonderful opportunities for natural light to flood any home. Consider the design opportunities available to you with such natural light exposure. You can include more greenery within your indoor spaces, start a small herb garden, or design a small breakfast nook area close to these multi-slide doors. 

Air

Double sliding patio doors are great options for smaller, compact homes. Instead of the three panel sliding patio door, which would take up too much space, consider investing in single or double sided patio doors. For energy-efficient homes or even tiny homes, these doors provide natural ventilation and prevent stuffiness.

Space

The best home designs create natural transitions between indoor and outdoor living spaces. Whether through opening up walls or using sliding doors, connect the home’s areas to provide seamless spaces within decks, patios, or garden rooms. 

Cost

The typical range for a multi-slide door cost can vary. On average, you can pay roughly $700 to $2,000 per foot for folding doors, $600 to $3,200 for sliding panel doors, and $1,400 to $2,300 for doors that pivot. Additional costs include installation fees and hiring fees for an engineer to size your doors. While this may seem like a sizable amount, remember that you want high-quality, durable doors installed to maintain a safe home. Also, remember to adjust the estimated price of your doors based on material and glass type. 

Privacy 

Three panel sliding patio doors are stunning visual additions to any home. However, most multi-slide doors use glass, which can be see-through, depending on the type and materials. If you are concerned about privacy, investing in shades can cost around $2,000 to $3,500. As you will discover, just one multi-slide door costs a certain amount, but if you view the doors as an investment, they can provide numerous financial benefits, including for your home’s resale value, energy efficiency, and more.

Safety

On their own, sliding glass doors are not necessarily the safest option to choose. However, you can easily incorporate safe, beautiful sliding glass doors into your home by installing specific hardware. Depending on your door, you can integrate various lock systems such as foot locks, double-point locking systems, and even automatic locks connected to safety alarm systems. 

Upkeep

Sliding glass doors can quickly build up debris and experience normal wear and tear. To ensure your doors stay in the best shape, actively clean the glass of smudge prints. For functional reasons, check on build-up around the door tracks – heavy doors cannot glide as well over dirty tracks. 

Double Sliding Patio Doors

Experienced and first-time homeowners frequently confuse double sliding patio doors with french doors. French doors have hinges and open fully as one. However, these doors require more floor space than sliding doors to operate properly. In contrast, sliding patio doors use minimal floor space as they open horizontally. While french doors are aesthetically pleasing, they are only one of the most functional types. Of course, you can always opt to choose a multi-slide door with more than two panels if your home’s layout calls for it. Consider incorporating sliding doors into your floor layout for a flexible home design with less upkeep. 

Energy Efficiency

At AZ Valley Windows, we aim to provide clients with quality products that offer long-term benefits. Similar to our windows, our doors provide impactful energy efficiency. Living in Arizona is a costly experience, with warmer temperatures and considerations for expensive cooling systems. Our specially designed doors offer a convenient solution to decrease daily expenses. They are also more environmentally friendly. Help regulate the temperature of your home by investing in the right multi-slide door for you. With the varying material types and styles available, virtually all of our doors provide energy-efficient solutions. 

Material Types

Like our window offerings, double and three panel sliding patio doors come in several materials. While glass doors are the most popular option, you can frame your door using the following materials: vinyl, fiberglass, or aluminum. Vinyl and fiberglass are the most cost-effective and durable as they’re manufactured materials that resemble natural wood grain. Aluminum is nearly 40% more expensive than the other two materials for a reason – while not as durable, it’s highly desired for its contemporary look.

AZ Valley Windows Will Install Your Doors

After you’ve decided which multi or double slide doors best fit your home needs and visual design, connect with a certified company to install your doors. It’s important to use a reliable company of experts to avoid immediate or future safety hazards. With extensive professional experience and knowledge, AZ Valley Windows will safely and timely install your next set of multi-slide doors. Even if you’re current patio doors are nearly 20 years old, we can ensure they are safely installed and suggest any necessary updates.