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What to Watch Out for When Buying Sliding Glass Doors – FAQ
When shopping for sliding glass doors, it’s important to know the key differences between high-quality, USA-approved doors like ours and lower-grade imports that may fail inspections, lack durability, or require costly modifications. Many sellers cut costs by using thin materials, weak frames, and non-thermal glass, leaving homeowners with subpar doors that do not meet building codes or withstand extreme weather conditions.
At Gladiator Window and Doors, we are committed to providing superior craftsmanship, energy efficiency, and structural integrity in every product we manufacture. Here’s what you need to look out for when comparing doors:
1. U.S. Building Code Compliance
✅ Our Doors:
✔ Fully tested and certified for U.S. use.
✔ Compliant with local and national building codes (see product images for certifications).
❌ Competitor Doors:
✘ Many imported doors do not pass U.S. inspections.
✘ Customers only discover compliance issues after installation, requiring expensive modifications.
2. Frame Thickness & Strength
✅ Our Doors:
✔ Built with 2.2mm thick 6063-T5 aluminum alloy, ensuring maximum durability and structural integrity.
✔ Designed to withstand extreme weather conditions without bending, warping, or deteriorating.
❌ Competitor Doors:
✘ Many use 1.2-1.4mm thin aluminum frames, which are prone to bending, damage, and long-term wear.
✘ Cheaper materials lead to failures over time, requiring costly replacements.
3. Thermal Break vs. Non-Thermal Frames
✅ Our Doors:
✔ Feature thermal break aluminum with argon gas-filled glass, providing superior insulation.
✔ Reduces energy bills by keeping homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
❌ Competitor Doors:
✘ Many non-thermal models allow heat and cold to pass through, leading to higher energy bills.
✘ Poor insulation leads to temperature fluctuations, discomfort, and condensation buildup.
4. Double Pane Tempered Glass vs. Single Pane Glass
✅ Our Doors:
✔ Feature 5+27A+5mm double-tempered glass with argon gas insulation for maximum efficiency and durability.
✔ Reduces outside noise, condensation, and energy loss.
❌ Competitor Doors:
✘ Many sellers use thin, single-pane glass with no insulation, leading to heat loss, high energy bills, and poor weather resistance.
✘ Weak glass is more prone to cracking and shattering.
5. Wind Resistance & Weatherproofing
✅ Our Doors:
✔ Industry-leading 4500 Pa wind resistance, making them 5x stronger than standard 800 Pa doors.
✔ Fully waterproof with a three-seal system and hidden drainage, preventing leaks and air infiltration.
❌ Competitor Doors:
✘ Many doors cannot withstand high winds or heavy rain, leading to leaks, water damage, and structural issues.
✘ Poor sealing results in air leaks, higher energy costs, and drafty interiors.
6. Packaging & Delivery Protection
✅ Our Doors:
✔ Each order is fully crated in a high-strength, reinforced wooden box (a $1,000 value) to ensure damage-free delivery.
✔ Designed to protect doors from impact, shifting, and weather exposure during shipping.
❌ Competitor Doors:
✘ Most sellers use basic open-frame crating, which leads to damaged deliveries, costly returns, and installation delays.
✘ Poor packaging can cause glass breakage, frame dents, and alignment issues upon arrival.
7. Industry-Best Price Guarantee
✅ Our Doors:
✔ We guarantee to beat any competitor’s price in the USA for a comparable product.
✔ If you find a better price, we will match or beat it—no exceptions.
❌ Competitor Doors:
✘ Many sellers advertise low prices, but add hidden fees for crating, shipping, or installation.
✘ Cheap upfront costs often mean poor quality, leading to expensive repairs or replacements later.
8. Warranty & Customer Protection
✅ Our Doors:
✔ Every door comes with a FREE 15-Year Warranty for peace of mind and long-term protection.
✔ Our products are built to last, and we stand behind our craftsmanship.
❌ Competitor Doors:
✘ Many sellers do not offer warranties at all, leaving you with no protection if issues arise.
✘ Some offer limited warranties with strict conditions, making it difficult to claim coverage.
The Bottom Line – Choose Quality Over Cheap Imports
🚫 Many sellers cut costs by using lower-quality materials, weaker frames, and poor insulation.
🚫 Inferior doors fail inspections, require expensive modifications, and do not withstand extreme weather.
🚫 Poor packaging leads to damage upon delivery, creating frustration and additional costs.
✅ At Gladiator Window and Doors, we build high-performance, U.S.-approved sliding glass doors that offer unmatched quality, durability, and efficiency.
How Do I Get Started?
1️⃣ Request a Free Quote – Fill out our online quote request form, and a team member will provide pricing and details.
2️⃣ Confirm Your Order – Our team will verify your frame color, dimensions, and customization options before finalizing your purchase.
3️⃣ Manufacturing & Delivery – Your custom-made sliding door will be professionally crated and shipped within 10-12 weeks.
📞 Have Questions? Contact Us Today!
🌍 Visit Our Website: [Your Website URL]
📧 Email Us: [Your Email Address]
🚪 Upgrade your space with the highest-quality, factory-direct sliding glass doors—built to last!
