Sliding Patio Doors

[cparson]

I ask here because you're all the most intelligent and helpful bunch I've seen on all of the intertubes...  so:

Sliding glass patio door recommendations? 

The one I currently have installed is "Builders Firstsource", appears to be hollow vinyl, and in its free time enjoys allowing entry into the house of:
1.  Small amounts of water
2.  Pillbugs/Sowbugs/Woodlice/Armadillidium vulgare
(Verdict is still out on which is worse...)

So I'm guessing the water and pillbugs are more due to botched installation than the actual door, but I'd like to go ahead and replace the entire thing with a better quality door that is hopefully more secure from breakins and looks a little nicer.  Looked into Pella, Anderson, and a few others, and there seem to be equal numbers of supporters and detractors of each.  Not to mention half the "reviews" reek of advertisements in disguise.  I'm in Northern Virginia, so no NAINA patio doors (if there is such a thing?) for me!

Thanks much for your advice!
Chris

 

[vkumar]

My vote is for Anderson wood patio doors among the pricier brands.  They are well made. I installed 2 doors about 15 years ago and there is no infiltration issues. I recently installed 1 more. i have also installed Pella Vinyl (the cheap stuff sold at Lowes, used to be Viking). Door wise it is fine.  But pretty ugly looking--I installed it in an inconspicuous location so it doesnt matter.

Andersons (wood) costs twice as much as vinyl doors but they look good perform well.  If you were to stay int he house for any length of time it would be worth it.  Helps in resale too.

Pella costs 1.5 x Andersons, Marvin about the same price (why bother). Home Depots store brands are cheaper and look so.  Other pricier brands such as Kolbe and Kolbe  are good but about 2X Andersons

Vijay

 

[robtonya]

I have had a friend that has had problems with Champion. Its a national chain, so I don't know if you have one where you live. I have always heard good things about Pella, but they are pricey. I also have one of those vinyl sliding doors, I was looking into changing it to a french door, maybe a center hinged one.
I think Vijay gave good advice, a good door will help in resale, and is worth the investment.