Getting the best patio doors for your home is all about focusing on what fits, which material will be most suitable in your location, what are your energy efficiency expectations, and what locks should be installed.
Patio doors should provide easy access to the backyard and beautifully unite the outer and inner spaces, making them one. But come to think about it, not all homes are the same. Some have narrow openings; some have huge openings; some have interior space restrictions. No wonder there are choices among swing and sliding doors.
Since the patio door must secure, make your life easy, reduce external noises, protect from the weather, and be impressive, there’s a list of things you must consider. Should we get started?
Swing or sliding patio doors?
It’s vital to choose the right patio door type. If not, it will cause problems
when you open and close it. Consequently, measuring and evaluating the space in the house are both very important. As for the patio doors, although there are two main categories – swing and sliding glass doors, there are some sub-categories too.
Swing patio doors may have one leaf or the style of French doors. It depends on the door’s opening. Of course, if there’s sufficient space for even a small French door, it’s better than a single-hinged door since the opening will be wider and the indoor better illuminated. Once you know what’s needed, you also need to see if the swing door(s) will open inwards or outwards. This depends on the room available in and out.
Sliding patio doors usually have one or two panels or more – depending on the size of the opening. There’s a track at the top and bottom where the wheels of the door(s) slide. Now, when it comes to sliding doors, we also have choices among variations.
· A typical sliding patio door has one steady panel and one moving panel. These patio doors are also known as bypass doors.
· When the opening is big and the panels are multiple, the doors close like a telescope – hence, such doors are known as telescopic doors.
· When there’s no sufficient space for all other sliding doors, architects create wall cavities and pocket doors are used as patio doors. These can be single- or double-panel doors.
· Bi-folding doors look like an accordion. Although they still run in the track, they also pivot in the track instead of closing against the stationary panel.
Common materials for patio doors
Patio doors are glass doors. Naturally. But they have a frame. And when it comes to patio door frames, the materials vary. Now, when it comes to that, it’s all about the price, the resistance to the elements, and the aesthetics.
· Aluminum frames are popular due to their resistance and strength but they are expensive and need good insulation.
· Wood frames are fabulous, durable, and in spite of the material’s disadvantages, long-lasting. Which are the wood’s disadvantages? It may swell due to water absorption, rot, and warp. Wood is expensive and also contracts and expands as the temps change and fluctuate. Eventually, this may create some gaps – hence, problems as drafts may find their way in.
· Vinyl is one of the most cost-effective solutions for patio doors since the material is resistant, cheap, and energy efficient. The downside? It’s not very strong and will give in if kicked and bumped.
· Fiberglass has the advantages and disadvantages as vinyl. It doesn’t cost much and is resistant and energy efficient but not very strong.
Patio door energy efficiency
Even if this part of the house is relatively protected from the elements, you need energy-efficient patio doors, for no heat transfer. That’s possible with frame thermal efficiency and insulated glass units. Most patio doors have double glazing, some have triple glazing, and some are made with quad glazing.
For less heat loss, you need a high R-value and a low U-value. You also need a low-emissivity glass – that’s a thin coating placed in the inner part of glass panels. What does it do? While it lets the sun’s energy and light come in, it doesn’t let controlled heat from indoors go out. It reflects the heat back inside, providing a shield against the low temps outside. When it comes to the fillers between the glass layers, argon is an excellent choice.
With two or more glass panels, patio doors keep external noises out – at least, most noises. Noise reduction is also achieved with glass thickness and the right distance between the glass layers. Also, with the installation of a laminated acoustic membrane.
Patio door installation, locks, and colors
Don’t forget that the door’s thermal efficiency and good performance are also subject to the door’s installation. And so, you need good door installers, suppliers, and contractors.
What you also need is good locks. And what you choose primarily depends on the door type. Hinged patio doors may have a deadbolt. Sliding doors may have a multi-point lock. The sliding door lock may connect to the frame or there might be a track lock that keeps the door from sliding. Once you decide about the lock, you are nearly set and have one last thing to do – that’s to choose the color. That’s up to you depending on the home style and personal preferences. White, black, and grey are the common choices unless you get a wood frame in which case, you may like the natural wood grain for your patio doors.
