Sliding Glass Doors
Replace Your Old Aluminum Sliders — Once and For Good
The original aluminum sliding glass doors installed in most South Florida homes were never designed for today's hurricane codes. Modern impact-rated sliding glass doors are stronger, smoother, more energy-efficient, and built to last decades — not years.
Why Homeowners Replace Their Sliders
What's Wrong With Your Current Sliding Doors
Most South Florida homes were built with standard aluminum sliding glass doors that met the code at the time. That code has changed dramatically since Hurricane Andrew. Here's what your old sliders can't do.
Not impact-rated
Standard sliders use single-pane or basic tempered glass with no interlayer. They shatter on impact and leave your home's envelope open during a storm — exactly the scenario that causes roof failure and catastrophic interior damage.
Corroded frames and hardware
Original aluminum frames oxidize in South Florida's salt air environment. Rollers wear out, locks fail, and frames warp — making doors difficult to open, impossible to seal, and a security liability.
No energy performance
Single-pane sliders offer almost no thermal resistance. They let solar heat pour into your living space all day, driving up your AC load and your electric bill every month.
No insurance credit
Non-impact sliders don't qualify for the opening protection credit on your wind mitigation inspection. You're paying full wind premium for a door that won't protect your home.
Styles & Configurations
The Right Slider for Every Opening
Impact sliding glass doors are available in a wide range of panel configurations, sizes, and frame materials. Every unit is Miami-Dade NOA approved and built to meet Florida Building Code requirements for your wind zone.
2-Panel Slider
Up to 12 ft wide × 8 ft tallThe most common configuration — one fixed panel and one operating panel. Available in standard and oversized dimensions to replace virtually any existing opening. Clean sightlines, smooth operation, minimal frame profile.
3-Panel Slider
Up to 18 ft wide × 8 ft tallTwo operating panels flanking a fixed center panel, or one fixed and two operating. Ideal for wider openings where a 2-panel would require an oversized single panel. Provides a wider clear opening when both panels are open.
4-Panel Slider
Up to 24 ft wide × 8 ft tallTwo fixed and two operating panels in a 2+2 or 1+2+1 configuration. Creates a dramatic wall-of-glass effect while maintaining the simplicity of a sliding system. All panels are impact-rated.
XO / OX / OXO Configurations
Custom to openingX denotes a fixed panel, O denotes an operating panel. XO and OX are standard 2-panel layouts. OXO places the operating panels on the outside with a fixed center — maximizing airflow on both sides of the opening.
Frame Options
Aluminum vs. Vinyl — Which Is Right for Your Home
Both aluminum and vinyl frames are available in impact-rated sliding glass doors. The right choice depends on your home's architecture, your performance priorities, and your aesthetic preferences.
Aluminum
Most Popular in South FloridaAdvantages
- Slimmer sightlines — more glass, less frame
- Stronger — supports larger panel sizes
- Powder-coated finishes: white, bronze, black, custom colors
- Preferred by architects and HOAs for modern aesthetics
- Handles South Florida's heat and humidity without warping
Considerations
- Conducts heat slightly more than vinyl (mitigated by thermal break frames)
Vinyl (uPVC)
Best Thermal PerformanceAdvantages
- Superior thermal insulation — lower U-Factor than standard aluminum
- Never needs painting — color is integral to the material
- Lower cost than aluminum in most configurations
- Resistant to salt air corrosion
Considerations
- Bulkier frame profile than aluminum
- Limited to smaller panel sizes — not suitable for very wide openings
- Fewer color options — typically white or tan
Manufacturer Options
Products We Install
All Phase installs sliding glass doors from Florida's leading impact window manufacturers. Every product carries current Miami-Dade NOA approval and Florida Product Approval.
PGT Innovations
Florida's #1 Impact BrandPGT is the largest manufacturer of impact-resistant windows and doors in Florida, with over 45 years of experience building products specifically for the Florida market. Their WinGuard aluminum sliding glass doors are the benchmark for the industry — available in 2, 3, and 4-panel configurations up to 24 ft wide, with thermal break frames and Low-E glass options.
ES Windows
Premium Aluminum SystemsES Windows manufactures premium aluminum impact products with an emphasis on architectural performance and slim sightlines. Their sliding glass door systems are popular for high-end residential projects where aesthetics and performance both matter. ES Windows products are manufactured in Florida and carry full Miami-Dade NOA approval.
EAS (Eastern Architectural Systems)
Value-Focused PerformanceEAS produces impact-rated aluminum sliding glass doors that deliver Miami-Dade NOA performance at a more accessible price point. A strong choice for homeowners replacing multiple openings on a budget without compromising on code compliance or storm protection.
The Replacement Process
What to Expect When You Replace Your Sliders
Free in-home measurement
We measure every opening precisely — rough opening, existing frame dimensions, and sill condition. Accurate measurements are critical for a proper fit and a watertight installation.
Product selection & quote
We recommend the right manufacturer, configuration, and glass package for your openings and budget. You receive a written quote with full product specs and NOA documentation.
Permit & HOA approval
All Phase handles the building permit application and provides the full NOA documentation package for HOA approval. We manage the paperwork so you don't have to.
Installation day
Our crews remove your existing sliders, prepare the opening, and install the new impact units. Most sliding door replacements are completed in a single day with no overnight exposure.
Inspection & closeout
We schedule and pass the building inspection. You receive the closed permit, the NOA documentation, and everything you need for your wind mitigation inspection and insurance discount.
Ready to Replace Your Old Sliders?
Schedule a free in-home measurement and quote. We'll assess your existing openings, recommend the right products, and give you a clear written price — no pressure, no obligation.