About Sliding Screen Door Hardware
- Sliding doors have been in use for thousands of years. Archaeologists studying the city of Pompei have found well-preserved sliding door tracks made of stone. It wasn't until 1884 however, that metal screens were invented that could be used in doors and windows. During the 20th century, many homeowners added swinging screen doors to their homes. Early models were difficult to install due to flimsy tracks and hardware. As technology improved throughout the 20th century, so did sliding door hardware, making sliding screen doors a viable option for homeowners.
- Sliding doors are installed on tracks that surround the top and bottom of the door. A guide rail is clipped to the door which allows it to slide easily along the track. When the doors are opened, they will rest either parallel to the walls of the home or inside of them, in a scenario called "pocket doors." Beyond the tracks, sliding door hardware includes an auxilary bolt to connect the leaves together, as well as an entrance lock to keep out intruders and protect the home.
- There are numerous benefits to using sliding door hardware over traditional hinges. First, the doors slide to the side instead of swinging out, helping increase usable living space. Second, the lack of a swinging door helps to maintain a clean look for the home, maintaining the exterior lines and design of the structure. Finally, swinging doors are often damaged by strong winds, which can pull a door off its hinges and impact functionality. With sliding doors, the top and bottom tracks help protect the doors from wind damage.
- Sliding door hardware comes in many different formats. The pulls, or handles, are the most visible piece of hardware, and thus come in the largest selection of models. Pulls can range from the simple to the ornate, and come in many shapes, sizes, and finishes. They can be recessed into the door or surface applied. Finally, many screen doors may come with hardware pre-attached, making for simple installation, while other models require that hardware be purchased separately.
- The biggest consideration when selecting sliding door hardware is typically the quality of the tracks. Cheap tracks my be attractive for their low price, but they will often stop functioning much sooner than more expensive models. Each model of track is made for a specific weight class of door. Choosing a flimsy track on a heavy door could mean you'll be left with a door that won't slide, or is difficult to operate. For very heavy or oversized doors, choose a commercial grade model from a local hardware distributor.