The cliché, “Don’t throw stones if you live in a glass house,” assumes glass is inherently fragile. This assumption, when applied to real situations, can leave designers and architects skeptical about using large glass doors and windows throughout their luxury home projects—especially when those homes are in High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ).
But fragility is not the only concern. Some also question large glass doors’ resistance to air and water leakage, energy efficiency, size limitations and even aesthetics. While these concerns may have been valid in the past, industry-leading manufacturers continue to refine and improve how large glass doors and windows perform.
In fact, premium glass doors and windows have all but rendered these concerns a thing of the past. Continue reading to learn more about how today’s opening solutions not only debunk common myths around architectural glass systems but also contribute to more resilient luxury homes.
Can large glass doors withstand extreme weather?
The building envelope is the first defense against wind and rain. It supports energy-efficient and comfortable indoor temperatures by limiting heat transfer. And for coastal regions, it can be a homeowner’s shield against hurricanes and tropical storms. But can large glass doors safely weather the elements?
In short, they can. Modern, large glass doors can meet some of the most stringent standards for air and water leakage. Likewise, these solutions can support energy efficient design. For example, Euro-Wall’s Vista Fold™, a folding door solution, is available as a thermally broken system. Meaning, this opening solution features a thermal barrier that effectively reduces heat transfer to help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures while minimizing energy consumption.
For coastal projects, Euro-Wall also offers impact-rated glass doors and windows. These opening solutions can withstand hurricane-force winds and impact from flying debris. They have earned product approvals from the state of Florida, the Texas Department of Insurance and meet the strict standards for use in Miami-Dade County and other HVHZ.
In terms of weather resilience, today’s glass door systems support design strategies that keep occupants safe and comfortable without compromising an inspirational vision of what’s out there.
How big can glass doors be?
Since they can offer superior weather resistance, some may wonder how big large glass doors can actually be. The truth is size limits heavily depend on the product and its manufacturer.
Select U.S.-based glass door manufacturers, like Euro-Wall, offer glass doors with some of the largest panels currently on the market. Panels can range in size from 168 inches in height and 100 inches wide. Euro-Wall’s American-made large glass door systems can also incorporate multiple panels for openings that can span a full wall.
Despite their larger-than-life sizes, these glass door systems are easy to operate by hand or with automation options.
Do large glass doors require bulkier frames?
Due to their size and high-performance capabilities, large glass doors can weigh up to 800 pounds per panel. In the past, glass doors of this size may have required thicker framing profiles to provide the structural strength needed to support such heavy panels.
However, today’s options are available with thin framing profiles. For instance, Euro-Wall’s Vista Multi Slide™ offers interlock sightlines that are less than an inch wide, allowing nearly unobstructed views. Designers can pair these sliding doors with Euro-Wall’s full suite of window systems, all of which feature thin profile frames to create a cohesive aesthetic throughout the built environment.
Like Euro-Wall’s large glass doors, these windows and full-height glass wall panels are available with impact ratings to meet the strict standards of Miami-Dade County. They are also available as thermally broken systems to support energy efficient design.
No matter the framing width or opening type, Euro-Wall’s solutions are available in a wide range of finishes, including a wood-clad option. This helps bring a homeowner’s unique vision to life.
Premium glass doors combine luxury and resilience
When designers, architects and building professionals select industry-leading, American-made large-glass doors, they are selecting opening solutions that meet today’s luxury home design trends and support the long-term durability and security of a home.
While some opening solutions can satisfy the demands of waterfront development, not all manufacturers can rise to the occasion.
Not only do Euro-Wall’s large glass door systems offer some of the largest panels with the highest load capacities, but also some of the most diverse options available on the market. These systems are backed by Euro-Wall’s personable and top-rated customer service and warranties.
Contact Euro-Wall today to learn more about these superior by design opening solutions.