Sliding glass door

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Sliding glass doors are wide glass doors in an exterior wall that slide open on a track. They give access to a yard, patio, or balcony, bring in daylight, and offer a view. When open, they also let in fresh air.

How they work
- Most doors have two panels: one fixed and one movable that slides to open.
- A glass pocket door slides into a wall cavity and disappears, creating a wide indoor–outdoor space.
- Some systems suspend panels from above and slide into side pockets, leaving a mostly uninterrupted floor.
- Corner designs can eliminate a post at the corner for a more open look.
- Door handedness (from outside) describes which side the handle sits on and which way the door slides.

Common designs
- Traditional two-panel door: one fixed panel, one sliding panel.
- Glass pocket door: panels slide into wall pockets.
- Above-suspension or trackless options: panels hang and slide into side pockets.

Materials and energy
- Frames are usually wood, aluminum, stainless steel, steel, or PVC.
- Glass is typically double or triple glazed, with low-emissivity coatings and sometimes argon gas for better insulation.
- Metal frames may have thermal breaks to reduce heat transfer.
- To improve energy efficiency, use proper sizing, shading, blinds, or curtains.

Security and safety
- Anti-lift blocks help prevent the door from being lifted off its track.
- A locking mechanism and a security bar (Charley bar) can add interior protection.
- Some doors use internal fittings and reinforced glass for security.

Uses and variations
- Widely used in homes, apartments, hotels, and offices to access decks, patios, balconies, or gardens.
- Popular for bringing natural light into living spaces and for unobstructed views.
- Special forms include platform screen doors on railway platforms and Shōji-inspired interior designs with frosted or translucent glass.

Care and maintenance
- The moving parts (rollers and tracks) are the most common items that need replacement or adjustment.
- Glass can be clear or tinted, tempered or laminated, depending on safety and climate needs.

In short, sliding glass doors blend outdoor access with bright, open views, coming in several designs to suit different spaces, while balancing energy, security, and styling needs.