Impact Sliding Glass Doors for Lanais and Water Views
Impact sliding glass doors are hurricane-rated patio doors with laminated glass and reinforced frames tested to resist debris and wind pressure. Storm Pro Window and Door installs impact sliding glass doors in multi-panel configurations with vinyl or aluminum frames from PGT, CWS and Simonton, and most installations take one day.
Why do impact sliding glass doors matter so much in a hurricane?
On many homes, the patio slider is the largest single opening in the building envelope. If a large opening breaks during a storm, wind rushes in and raises pressure on the roof and walls from inside. An impact-rated slider is designed so the glass can crack yet stay in the frame, keeping the house closed without shutters. It also counts toward the opening protection needed for insurance credits. See our wind mitigation guide.
Often the largest opening in the home
Glass can crack yet stay in the frame
No shutters needed before a storm
Counts toward insurance opening protection
Choosing Your Sliding Glass Doors
Panel configurations and frame materials for impact sliding glass doors.
What panel configurations are available?
2-panel
One fixed and one operable panel. The most common setup for standard openings.
3-panel
A wider opening, with a center operable panel or panels that stack to one side.
4-panel
Very wide openings, often with two center panels that open toward the sides.
Pocket and multi-slide
Panels stack or disappear into a wall pocket for a nearly open wall.
Custom sizes are available. The larger the opening, the more it matters to match the approved design pressure to your home’s requirements, which we handle in every quote.
Vinyl or aluminum frames: which should I choose?
Vinyl
Vinyl insulates well, resists corrosion and needs little maintenance. A strong pick for energy efficiency in typical openings.
Aluminum
Aluminum is strong and slim, allowing larger glass and narrower sightlines for big openings and water views. It conducts more heat, so glass selection plays a bigger role in efficiency.
We walk you through the ratings, look and efficiency of each for your specific opening.
How Impact Sliding Doors Perform
How impact sliders handle heat, water and security.
Do impact sliders help with heat and energy bills?
Laminated impact glass with low-E coatings can reduce solar heat gain and fading, and tight interlocks cut drafts. Look for the product’s performance label; the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) explains what the numbers mean. Learn more about energy-efficient impact windows.
- Low-E laminated glass cuts solar heat gain
- Helps reduce fading
- Tight interlocks cut drafts
- Check the NFRC performance label
How do sliding doors keep water out?
The track and sill are where water tries to get in. Impact sliders are tested for water resistance along with impact and pressure. Quality products use high sills, weep systems that drain water back outside and tight panel interlocks. Correct flashing, sealing and leveling during install matter just as much. Keep the track clear of sand so the weeps can work.
Are impact sliders more secure?
Laminated impact glass is hard to break through, and impact sliding glass doors use heavier frames and interlocks than standard sliders. Locking hardware varies by line, and some include multi-point or keyed locks.
We got a fair price and quality windows and quality installation. They did exactly what they said they would do.
Kenward B.
How long does installation take?
Most impact sliding glass doors are installed in one day by our in-house crew. We pull the permit, protect your floors, remove and recycle the old door when possible and clean up. We never install into a rotted or structurally unsound frame. See the impact door installation process, or compare impact French doors if you prefer a hinged door.
- Most sliders installed in one day
- Our in-house crew pulls the permit
- Floors protected, old door recycled when possible
- Never installed into a rotted frame
Frequently Asked Questions
Are impact sliding glass doors worth it?
For many Florida homeowners, yes. The patio door is often the largest opening on the house. Impact sliders protect it without shutters, can improve efficiency, and help qualify the home for opening protection credits when every glazed opening is protected.
Can I replace my old slider with a larger one?
Sometimes. Enlarging an opening involves structural work and permitting beyond a standard replacement. We evaluate the wall and explain what is possible and what it involves before you commit.
Are impact sliders heavy to open?
Impact glass weighs more than standard glass, but quality sliders use rollers built for the weight. A level door with a clean track should glide smoothly. Try working samples at our showroom.
What maintenance do impact sliders need?
Keep the track and weep holes clear of sand and debris, clean glass with non-abrasive cleaners and check weatherstripping periodically. Near salt water, rinse the frame and hardware now and then.
Which brands do you install?
Storm Pro installs sliding and patio doors from PGT, CWS (Custom Window Systems) and Simonton. See our impact window and door brands page.
Is financing available?
Yes. Storm Pro offers 0% financing with approved credit. See our financing page.