Tight on space? Renewal by Andersen’s French sliding doors are becoming Long Island’s elegant solution
Renewal by Andersen® patio doors are revolutionizing the options for Long Islanders seeking classic elegance without sacrificing space. Whether it’s a classic cape home in Suffolk County or a cozy ranch in Nassau, many homes don’t have room for traditional swing-out doors — but this company’s French sliding doors bring all of the style with no space constraints.
The Long Island backyard dilemma
From Huntington to Hempstead, indoor-outdoor living is cherished. But for many Long Island homeowners, maximizing patio space is a yearly puzzle. Arranging furniture often becomes a frustrating exercise in compromise, dictated by the wide swing of a traditional hinged door.
It’s not easy adding swing-out doors to post-war capes, ranches or split-level homes that weren’t designed with them in mind. Long Island’s eclectic architectural styles have evolved far beyond its original Dutch roots and continue to diversify.
And it’s not just backyards. Swinging doors can be awkward for tight balconies on North Shore condos or sunrooms in the Hamptons. Wherever space is limited, it’s an issue.
Sliding French doors are the elegant compromise
Sliding French doors give the beautiful, light-inviting look of classic grid-pattern doors, but with no swing-out hinges — instead, they slide smoothly to the side. It’s the perfect blend of style and function for any home that needs space-saving doors.
No space is lost, so furniture and foot traffic are unimpeded, yet light still floods in and the room is elevated by classic design.
Sliding French doors can still have all the architectural elegance of traditional versions. That makes them a perfect fit for traditional home compatibility. A single door can be installed to slide to one side or the other, while a double door can open in the middle and slide to each side.
Standard plain glass sliding doors are functional but not aesthetically pleasing. The French door version, on the other hand, brings character and charm.
What makes Renewal by Andersen the perfect fit for Long Island homes?
Renewal by Andersen has taken a classic design and perfected it with modern technology. As the company says, “[We have changed] the window replacement industry — not only with a different and better process — but also with an innovative new material to make the frames.”
It starts with innovative Fibrex® material
Fibrex® is a composite material exclusive to Renewal by Andersen. It’s twice as strong as vinyl, so the frames can be narrower, allowing more glass. That means a wider, more beautiful view and more natural light flooding the home.
Doors that shrug off the coastal climate
Salty humid air from the Great South Bay? Nor’easters and blazing summer sun? No problem. Fibrex® material is exceptionally durable and won’t crack, pit or corrode. That’s a huge plus in Long Island’s weather, especially with extremely hot days expected to increase over the coming decades.
Renewal by Andersen notes, “Vinyl frames are known to have a higher expansion/contraction rate and can bow, breaking the glass seal.” By contrast, they explain, Fibrex® composite “contracts very little, even with extreme temperature swings.”
Effortless gliding, come rain or shine
It’s a familiar struggle, wrestling with a sticky, misaligned sliding door that gets stuck on its tracks. However, Renewal by Andersen® patio doors are engineered for “smooth operation even in the harshest temperatures and weather.” They use dual ball-bearing rollers, which means doors will glide open with just a gentle push, every single time.
A timeless look that’s right at home on Long Island
Whether it’s a stately colonial, a charming Victorian or a modern transitional home, these space-saving doors just sit right. The class grid patterns and customizable hardware options lean into traditional home compatibility. With so many possibilities, every homeowner can design a French sliding door that looks like it was always meant to be there.
Renewal by Andersen® French sliding doors are available in many color options to match both the interior scheme and the exterior siding. “We can offer dark exterior colors that vinyl can’t because Firbrex® material can take the heat,” the company explains.
For increased privacy, between-the-glass blinds are a perfect finishing touch.
A white glove installation process that homeowners trust
From the in-home expert design consultation to custom measuring and professional installation by certified technicians, Renewal by Andersen takes care of the job from start to finish. Its Signature Service Promise ensures wrap-around care, while an industry-leading warranty brings peace of mind.
“From design and sales through manufacturing, installation and service, we own the entire process,” explains the company. “[This gives] you a single point of contact … helping make your experience the most streamlined home-improvement project you’ve ever done.”
The French sliding door FAQ
Here are some of the most common questions that homeowners want answered.
What’s the difference between a French sliding door and a regular sliding door?
Think of it as the difference between a basic sedan and a luxury car. A regular sliding door is functional, but a French sliding door is all about style. It has the wider bottom rail and classic grid pattern of a traditional sliding door, giving it a much more elegant, upscale look.
Are French sliding doors on Long Island energy-efficient?
Renewal by Andersen® patio doors are designed with energy efficiency in mind. High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass could improve energy efficiency by 47% in winter and 56% in summer. SmartSun™ glass and Heatlock® technology offer even more thermal protection.
What if my door opening isn’t a standard size?
Every door Renewal by Andersen produces is custom-made to fit precisely. The firm’s team of experts takes precise measurements on a home visit to ensure a seamless installation.
Will French sliding doors work in a small space?
Yes. Long Islanders looking for small patio doors or space-saving door solutions will appreciate not having to leave room for a door swing. With this type of door, there’s no lost space, so furniture can be positioned as desired, and people can walk around as normal.
Why is Fibrex® material a good choice for the Long Island Climate?
Coastal climates can be tough on homes. The salt air, the humidity, the storms — it all takes a toll. Fibrex® material is highly resistant to the elements and designed to withstand even extreme temperatures, both hot and cold.
Are these doors safe and secure?
Yes, doors are built with security in mind. Fibrex® French sliding doors have multiple locking points. Renewal by Andersen adds, “We make it possible to add auxiliary foot locks for your additional peace of mind.”
Do sliding French doors affect a home’s resale value?
Sliding glass doors of any kind can bring up to a 65% return on investment when a home is sold. Choosing a top-name brand with professional installation and styling details that complement the home may further boost that figure.
The next steps to a sliding French door upgrade
Sliding French doors are a smart Long Island home improvement project that will pay off with added style, comfort and convenience. To get that classical look without sacrificing precious patio space, reach out to a provider and schedule an in-home consultation.
All images sourced from Renewal by Andersen®.
