Open up: available in dozens of styles, sliding and patio doors offer wide-open views of the great outdoors

Building Products, May-June, 2004 by Stephanie Herzfeld

RELATED ARTICLE: Energy efficient, Too.

According to sliding and patio door manufacturers, homeowners are selecting low-E glass because of its energy-efficient benefits.

"The Energy Star logo is big. People know what it means so they add low-E glass to get [local] rebates," says Jeff Kibler of Peachtree Doors and Windows.

Low-E glass, which many sliding and patio door manufacturers offer, also protects interior furnishings from damaging UV sunlight, notes Jeff Lowinski of the Window and Door Manufacturers Association.

While not standard, those in the industry predict low-E glass will become increasingly popular as consumers become more savvy about energy conservation. --S.H.