I have a Pella door that is 20 years old Wood with metal clad on thee
outside and works as well as the day we put it in. I hate their windows
(triple glazed PITA ) but the door is great. Look at the varieties of glass,
Reflective , Low E, the thickness available, look at the maintenance down
the road , How are the rollers made , Is the frame 2" wide or 4" How are the
corners joined? Stay away from a aluminum frames (different from wood clad)
because of conducting the cold One big consideration is the threshold thin
and flimsy or of substantial strength Look how the door seals interlock
when closed. As a former Handyman home repairman with 30yrs ex
I will repeat what a friend once told me

IF YOU GOT A TEN DOLLAR HEAD BUY A TEN DOLLAR HELMET

You get what you pay for
A quality installation is the key in many cases to the end results. Good
caulking ,properly installed flashing , after putting the door in seal
around the outside flange with foil tape before butting the siding back on
.. If you use expanding foam brace the door first so the foam don't bow it.
Use minimal expanding foam.Use a 6' level not a 4' if you are installing
doors . (I used a 6' with a electronic level against the side)
Just to add a little humor I recently helps a friend install his door.
Special order low E glass He took the inside glass retainer off after I left
(He found his misplaced hardware bolts) and while was leaning it against the
wall the door fell forward to the floor. The air cushion between the door
and floor kept it from shattering. He had just moved all his tools out of
the way preparing to put them away. Good reason to work area clean.

"vic" wrote in message
oups.com...
Have a sliding glass door in the kitchen which is letting in cold air
causing a chilly kitchen.
The original was a builders grade which is 18 years old.
I want to replace the sliders with a new set and am looking for advice
on which companies make the best sliding doors. Thanks for your help