When shopping around for a new patio door, the options may seem never-ending with the copious amounts of designs and styles that are available to you.
however, you do not have to let this stop you from finding the right door to fit your needs with the aid of our guide to buying patio doors that will teach you everything you need to know.
What to Look for in a Patio Door
First off, a patio door is a type of door that contains special glass that is able to connect the indoors and the outdoors together, as well as provide airflow and lighting in your home while offering a great view of the exterior.
Before deciding which door to choose, it is important to ask yourself the following questions:
- What is the intended purpose of the door?
- What style do I prefer to have in my home?
- Do I value efficiency, longevity, or style the most?
Now, on to the patios…
Three Common Patio Door Types
In general, there are three types of patio doors that you will commonly come across when looking into the patio door. Two of the most popular ones are sliding patio doors as well as swinging french doors. In addition, there are also accordion doors that are becoming more popular, as they slide with the help of a track but can fold when being open or closed similarly to an accordion.
Sliding Glass Doors
Due to the way the open, these doors do not take up any space while stepping in or out of the home. They are also adjusted with more ease than a typical French door and are often less expensive than accordion or French doors while appearing more modern.
They are also secure thanks to a multipoint locking system. However, they are not ideal for bringing in or moving out larger items such as furniture which is important to keep in mind.
Glass French Doors
French doors are popular in traditional homes or those with a lot of architectural intricacies. There often have more space to walk through compared to sliding doors and offer more air and light.
They are also versatile and relatively unobtrusive due to not being fixed on a track like other door styles. You can fix one door while another swing, or have both doors open in order for a larger opening.
This said, one potential drawback is that more floor space is needed when opening and closing the door, which is not the case with accordion or sliding doors.
Glass Accordion Doors
Otherwise known as bi-fold patio doors, accordion doors as the name indicates, open and close in a way that resembles an accordion. Most often, they are able to open either one pane of all at once.
These doors take up little space and look very stylish and modern within your home, along with being simple and easy to use.
Notably, these doors are generally more expensive than the aforementioned options, which is something to keep in mind while making your decision.
For additional help or more information feel free to contact a Glass Doctor® in your area to get you on your way!
Patio Door Materials
Each of the aforementioned styles of patio doors is also available in a few different material options as well.
One such material is wood, that offers a tasteful and traditional look that is less costly than other options. On the other hand, vinyl is also not too expensive, however, it can be prone to cracking during extreme temperature shifts. Lastly, fibreglass can offer the appearance of wood without the potential negatives of real wood. It is also customizable with various designs and hardware styles, as is the case with the glass for even greater amounts of customization.
Efficiency and Safety of the Glass
Most modern patios regardless of their size and shapes will often be equipped with insulated glass units or double panes that are energy efficient. Moreover, Tempered, as well as security rated panes, are commonly the standard when it comes to patio doors, providing home security or areas that are prone to hurricanes.
If you would like to replace your current glass doors for added safety and security, contact a Glass Doctor in your area to gain insight into the best replacement styles for accordion and French sliding doors.
Allow Glass Doctor to Repair Your Patio Door Panes
If you are hoping to install a brand new patio door, or simply replace your current one, Glass Doctor has you covered. Local technicians are ready and willing to help you every step of the way from the initial consultation to the final installation.
To begin improving your patio doors now, Call 855-603-1919 or ask for an appointment online to get started!
