Thermal curtains

[GaryGary]

Gary, I saw you setup before posting. I recognized what you stated that it worked well for the stationary side but would be problematic on the moving side. We probably open our door 20 times a day to let dogs (one very old) in and out.
I was thinking of taking your idea and perhaps connecting the panels together like a bi-fold door with it either mounted to the side or at the middle of the slider. Trouble is I'm looking at panels about 2 ft. wide if I do four sections and that would take up some much needed room during storage.
Thanks for your reply.

I guess you could use the bubblewrap technique on the sliding window.
If the slider is opened a lot, it would probably take more than just the usual water spray to hold the bubble wrap in place -- maybe some small patches of double stick tape?
This would give you about R1 additional on the slider, but the nice thing is that you don't lose the light.
http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/Conservation/bubblewrap.htm

Or, just as a thought, how about a piece of the thin twinwall polycarbonate cut to fit right against the slider glass -- maybe space it off the glass by an eighth inch to give a small air gap -- I'd guess the benefit would be greater than R1, but less than R2?
If there is room to space it off the glass by a quarter inch, you would probably get pretty close to R2 additional.
I think that Menards sell the twinwall at a reasonable price.

Gary

 

[becasunshine]

Here's another thought... can you install a dog door in another place in the house? If you could install a dog door and put a "window quilt" over that, you could insulate that sliding door to your hearts' content.

 

[lml999]

I guess you could use the bubblewrap technique on the sliding window.

Anyone find the medium or large bubble wrap locally? I think Office Depot may have it, but haven't confirmed. I'm looking for a small quantity (to cover a half dozen windows).

<edit> Just bought a roll online from Office Depot. Added a 6 pack of packing tape and got free 2 day delivery.