What sizes do impact sliding glass doors come in, and can STS custom-fit my opening?
Standard impact sliding glass doors are typically 80 inches (6'8") tall, with widths ranging from 60 inches (5 feet) to 96 inches (8 feet) or more for multi-panel configurations. STS Impact Windows & Doors provides custom sizing to fit your exact opening, ensuring a precise fit for optimal performance and aesthetics. Contact us for a free measurement and quote for your Boca Raton, Palm Beach County, or Broward County home.
Are impact sliding glass doors more secure than standard sliding doors?
Yes, significantly. Standard sliding glass doors are vulnerable to break-ins because the glass shatters easily, and some can be lifted off the track. Impact sliding glass doors feature laminated glass that resists shattering and holds together even when broken, plus reinforced frames and multi-point locking systems. This makes them far more difficult for intruders to breach while also meeting Florida's hurricane codes.
Should I choose impact sliding glass doors or impact French doors for my Florida home?
Impact sliding glass doors are ideal when floor space is limited because they glide parallel to the wall without swinging in or out, allowing more flexible furniture placement. They also have narrower frames than French doors, maximizing natural light and views. Impact French doors offer a more traditional aesthetic and wider openings. Both options provide full hurricane protection; the choice depends on your space, style, and how you use the room.
What panel configurations are available for impact sliding glass doors?
STS Impact Windows & Doors offers impact sliding glass doors in 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8-panel configurations to fit virtually any opening size. You can customize which panels are operable (sliding) and which are fixed, and choose between bypass style or pocket style, where panels slide into the wall. Optional features include sliding screen doors, secondary locks, keyed locks, and colonial grids.
How do impact sliding glass doors protect my home during a hurricane?
Impact sliding glass doors use laminated glass with a durable interlayer bonded between two panes of tempered or heat-strengthened glass. This construction can withstand repeated impacts from a 9-pound, 2x4 beam traveling at 34 miles per hour, the standard Florida hurricane test. Even if the glass cracks, the interlayer holds the pieces together in the frame, preventing wind, rain, and debris from entering your home.
