Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Patio Doors

If you are in the market to replace or to add patio doors to your home, then you may find yourself overwhelmed with all of the choices available to you. There are several types of patio doors that will suit most homes, and each has their own unique benefits and drawbacks.

Get to know more about some of the factors you should consider when you are choosing your patio doors. Then, you can be sure that you are selecting the right doors for your home.

Door Style

One of the most important factors to consider when you are choosing your patio doors is the style of the door. There are many different style options available.

Perhaps the most common style is the sliding door. These patio doors slide open horizontally along the plane of your walls, using a sliding track. These doors are often comprised of one moving glass panel, one stationary panel, and an optional screen door that can slide open and closed as well.

Another popular door style is the French hinged patio doors. These patio doors swing open, much like a standard entryway door.

You could also opt for folding patio doors. Folding patio doors fold open like an accordion and can create a wide opening to the outdoors. These are excellent options for large patio openings as well as temperate climates where you will want to have fresh air flowing through your home often.

Type of Glass

The type of glass you choose for your patio doors is another important factor to consider. Many people choose clear glass as it gives them an unfiltered and clear view of the outdoors and allows in the most light. However, the amount of light that comes into your home might be a problem.

When unfiltered light comes into your home, UV rays from the sunlight may damage the color or finish of your furniture and other household items. Additionally, that extra UV radiation can also increase thermal transfer through your windows, raising your energy costs.

However, glass specialists have tried to address this problem, with glass that has a low-emissivity (or low-E) coating. Low-E coatings are specialized glass coatings that filter out some of the damaging UV rays from the sun, so the rays won’t get into your home. While this coating can tint the windows, it can improve energy-efficiency and keep your interiors looking as nice as possible.

Floor Space

When selecting the right patio doors for your home, floor space is an issue to consider. Sliding patio doors, for example, take up virtually no floor space inside of your home.

On the other hand, French hinged patio doors need space to swing open, which can take up several feet of floor space. Accordion or folding patio doors require floor spaces as well. You should measure the amount of floor space you have available and the space the doors will take up as you choose your patio doors.

Door Material

Choosing the right material for your patio doors is another important part of the patio door selection process. Wood is one of the most traditional choices for patio doors and can be quite stylish and beautiful. However, wood is a heavier material and requires resealing and refinishing to keep it in good condition when it is exposed to the elements.

Lighter-weight modern options include vinyl and aluminum. Vinyl can be designed to look like natural wood which can help you get the look you want without the extra costs of real wood. Vinyl also is very durable and requires minimal maintenance. Aluminum doors are similarly durable but aren’t as energy efficient.

Now that you know more about the factors to consider when choosing your patio doors, you can select your new patio doors and have them installed as soon as possible.