Glass Sliding Doors and Door Glass

The glass is the biggest part of most aluminium doors, so it matters for safety, comfort and privacy. Whether you are choosing glass for a new glass sliding door or need a cracked pane replaced, AluminiumDoor.co.za can help. Tell us what you need and we pass your request to an independent glazier, installer or supplier in your area, who quotes you directly. We don't cut or fit glass ourselves. The service is free and you are under no obligation to accept a quote.

Safety glass rules for doors

Under SANS 10400-N, glass in doors and in panels next to doors must be safety glass, because these are the places people are most likely to walk into or fall against. Ordinary annealed glass breaks into sharp, dangerous shards and should not be used in an aluminium door with glass. A reputable glazier will mark or certify the safety glass they fit. The rule also covers low-level glazing near floors and large panes that could be mistaken for an open doorway, so manifestation strips or decals may be needed on big panels.

Laminated or toughened

Laminated glass: two sheets bonded with a plastic interlayer; if it breaks, the pieces stick to the layer and the pane stays in the frame. It adds security and cuts some noise and UV
Toughened glass: heat-treated to be several times stronger than ordinary glass; if it breaks, it shatters into small blunt pieces. It cannot be cut after toughening, so it is made to exact size

Laminated is the common choice for residential sliding door glass because it holds together after a break-in attempt or hail damage.

Tinted, frosted and double glazing

Tinted glass in grey, bronze or green reduces glare and heat gain on sunny elevations. Frosted or sandblasted glass, or obscure patterned glass, gives privacy on front doors, bathrooms and street-facing rooms. Double glazing traps a sealed gap between two panes for better insulation and noise reduction, and needs a frame designed to take the thicker unit. Low-E coatings can help new builds meet SANS 10400-XA. On the Highveld, thicker laminated glass also copes better with hail during summer thunderstorms.

Replacing broken glass in sliding doors

When a pane cracks, keep the door closed and tape the glass if it is loose. A glazier will measure, lift out the sash, strip the glazing rubbers or beads and fit new safety glass of the correct thickness for the frame. Old doors fitted with ordinary glass should be upgraded to safety glass at the same time. Mention the door type, sash size and whether the glass is clear, tinted or frosted when you request a quote.

Comparing quotes for aluminium door glass

The lowest price is not always the best value. When your quote arrives, check:

Measure and system: whether the price is based on a site measure, and which aluminium profile range is specified for the size of the opening.
Glass and finish: safety glass type and thickness, and powder coating or anodising, with a marine-grade finish near the sea.
Installation: removal of old frames, fixing, levelling, sealing and making good, and who handles plaster and paint.
Guarantee and timing: what the guarantee covers, the lead time for manufacture and the date for fitting.

What to include in your request

Type of door and size of the glass panel
Whether it is new glass or a broken pane
Glass type wanted: clear, tinted, frosted or double glazed
Photos of the door and the existing glass
Your suburb and how urgent it is

Frequently asked questions

Does glass in an aluminium door have to be safety glass?

Yes. SANS 10400-N requires safety glass, such as laminated or toughened glass, in doors and in glass panels beside doors where people could impact them.

Which is better for a sliding door, laminated or toughened glass?

Both are safety glass. Laminated stays in the frame when broken and adds security, so it is popular for homes. Toughened is stronger against impact and is common in frameless and commercial doors.

Can I fit double glazing into my existing door?

Only if the frame can take the thicker glass unit. Many standard residential sliding doors can't, so a glazier will check the frame profile before quoting.

How quickly can broken sliding door glass be replaced?

Laminated glass can often be cut locally and fitted within a short time. Toughened glass must be made to size, so it takes longer. A glazier can usually make the door safe in the meantime.

Aluminium Door Glass by province

Aluminium Door Glass by city

Mark	Type	Notes
D02	Aluminium Sliding Doors	Configurations: 2-panel and 3-panel, one or two sliding leaves	Get a quote
S03	Aluminium Door Repairs	Roller and track repairs for sliding doors	Get a quote
D10	Aluminium Shower Doors	Sliding, pivot, bi-fold and hinged doors	Get a quote
S05	Aluminium Doors and Windows	Sliding, top-hung, side-hung and fixed windows	Get a quote