Hi everyone I’ve been out of the trades for quite sometime and am not up to par on current products. What is the best, regardless of cost, exterior sliding door on the market today. I’m looking for a 9′-0″ x 6′-8″ glass sliding door, insulated glass, screen, etc. to be installed in a 2×4 framed wall with aluminum siding on the exterior, drywall on the interior, 41/2 ” thickness. Not looking to change opening size. Sure would appreciate any input. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to reply.
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Andersen is one I recommend often to customers. With the knockdown frame, easier for one man to handle on installation. The quality has always been good.
I have also installed Pella's many times and have had good luck. No knockdown frame on these.
Both of these have a couple models (cost).
Have older ('89) Marvins in my home-again, good quality.
A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Thanks Calvin I appreciate your time and info.
okahun
In addition to window suppliers like Andersen, many door suppliers sell "patio" doors. Probably so many different options that it's impossible to identify the "best", especially if we don't have specific criteria like appearance, security, insulation, low maintenance, etc.
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
Cal,
Which one is your favorite of the three? We just did a job with Windsor and it was an excellent door. I've never been crazy about wood sliders. I really like the vinyl sliders as far as ease of use, but you are limited to white or almond). John
J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.
Indianapolis, In.
Well John, that's a difficult question to answer because the customer usually makes the final choice. Sometimes on reputation, others on price. I instruct them on the ameneties, operation etc and the final cost-they pick the one they want.
For me and my single guy install (older and not big guy, but you knew that) I lean towards the Andersen as I can usually get all the pcs to wherever they go by myself. The last 9ft'ers (Pella-assembled) I had the pleasure of installing way up on a 2nd story deck-the homowner and his BIL were there along with a genie lift.
Being a remodeler and not a home builder, I don't have a preferred brand that I stick with. I do not install cheap stuff-that's what I'm usually replacing.
I'm not familiar with Windsor, I'll have to take a look.A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
We've been using Biltbest windows for the last couple of years. The windows are awesome. I like their slider other than the fact that their tolerances on the head jamb are so tight that we have to remove every one of them to trim off about a sixteenth so they slide easily.John
J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.
Indianapolis, In.
Thank you to everyone who replied.