What is the Best Type of Glass for a Sliding Door? | Comparing Double Glazed, Triple Glazed and Laminated Glass

The glass you choose for your external sliding doors can have a major impact on the overall safety and thermal efficiency of your home. Lower glazing options will be less effective in their soundproofing abilities, and are also easier to break, making homes less secure. Double-glazing and laminated glass options are the ideal choice for sliding doors, prioritising security and warmth in your home.

Explore the different options of glass for sliding doors in our guide here.

What Glass is Commonly Used in Sliding Doors?

External sliding doors need strong, thick glass installed to protect homes from the elements and intruders. Common glass types include:

• Double/triple glazing: glass with extra glazing improves insulation within the home and contributes to sound reduction better than single paned glass. Our external sliding doors at Vufold all come with double glazing as standard.
• Laminated glass: this secure glass option contains a layer of plastic between two panes of glass, making it difficult to break through. If it is damaged, it is also less likely to break into shards and cause injury. This can be added as an optional extra in our Status and Supreme ranges.
• Tempered glass: as one of the stronger options of glass, tempered glass breaks into small cubes, reducing the risk of injury much like laminated glass.
• Solar reflective glass: perfect for the summer months, solar reflective glass allows the sun’s visible light to pass through whilst reflecting most of the heat, keeping homes brighter and cooler.

Our Supreme aluminium sliding doors come with double-glazing as standard, with the option to add laminated security glass for an extra cost.

What Glass is the Strongest for Sliding Doors?

There are various glass options considered a strong choice for sliding patio doors. Double glazing is significantly stronger than single-pane glass, and is the standard for most windows and doors with glass panes. Double-glazed glass on sliding doors has better pressure resistance than single-glazed glass, meaning it doesn’t break as easily, providing extra safety.

However, for high-quality security, laminated security glass is the strongest choice for external sliding doors. Laminated security glass uses a plastic interlayer that holds the two panes together, which prevents shattering and creates an effective security barrier that doesn’t cause injury. Due to this, laminated security glass is more likely to prevent break-ins.

If safety and security are paramount when choosing sliding patio doors, opt for laminated security glass for an extra cost. You can configure your own Status external sliding doors here, and your Supreme lift and slide aluminium doors here.

How Does Glass Type Improve Thermal Efficiency in Sliding Doors?

Thicker, more durable glass options for your sliding patio doors can improve thermal efficiency and U-values in various ways, such as:

• Using multiple panes: double-glazed glass doors create sealed air gaps between the panes, which are poor conductors of heat, providing an effective insulating barrier. Using warm-edge spacer bars between the panes also improves energy efficiency. Argon gas-filled units also create a more effective insulating layer, lowering the U-value to achieve better thermal performance ratings.
• Low-Emissivity (Low-E) Coatings: Thin, invisible metallic layers reflect heat back into the home while allowing natural light through, improving energy retention.
• Improved Airtightness: High-quality glazing systems minimise draughts and air leakage around window and door frames.
• Thermal Break Technology: Frames with built-in thermal breaks (especially aluminium ones) prevent heat from transferring between inside and outside surfaces.
• Natural Light Optimisation: Allows high levels of daylight without excessive heat loss, reducing reliance on artificial lighting.

Our Status aluminium sliding patio doors, like our Supreme range, come with double-glazing as standard, with the option to add laminated security glass. Our sliding doors also come with thermal breaks in the frames to further contribute to their thermal efficiency.

Comparing Double-Glazing and Laminated Safety Glass: Benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Typical Costs Associated with Different Glass Types for Sliding Doors?

Double-glazed glass will usually be included in the overall price of a sliding door, but laminated security glass is usually an extra cost. For example, here at Vufold, laminated security glass in our Supreme range is an extra £118, whereas in our Status collection, it is an extra £119.

Which Glass Option Offers Better Insulation?

Whilst laminated glass prioritises security over thermal insulation, providing it is used in conjunction with gas-filled units and low-e coated glass, it can achieve the same thermal properties as standard double-glazed units.

When Should I Choose Frosted or Tinted Glass for Sliding Doors?

Frosted/tinted glass is a design choice specific to your tastes. However, for sliding doors, frosted and tinted glass options are ideal for internal use in more private areas, such as bathrooms, bedrooms and private offices.

Which Door Frame Should I Pair with My Sliding Door Glass?

At Vufold, we recommend choosing an aluminium frame; they are incredibly durable, making them a great choice for external use. They are also less prone to rusting and corrosion, and contain thermal breaks for extra thermal protection.

Is Laminated Glass Worth It for Internal Sliding Doors?

Yes, laminated glass can be worth it for internal sliding doors if you’re looking for extra safety, better sound insulation, or added privacy. While it isn’t essential in most homes, it offers peace of mind because it stays intact if broken, reduces noise between rooms, and blocks UV rays. However, it is more expensive than standard toughened glass, so it’s most worthwhile in high-traffic areas, family homes, or spaces where safety and quiet are a priority.

We don’t offer laminated glass for internal doors; it’s typically heavier, and toughened safety glass tested to the latest British standards is more than adequate for normal internal use. All glass used by Vufold is independently tested to the latest standards to ensure you are supplied with safe and secure glazing

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