Create a smooth transition from your living spaces to the outdoors with premium patio doors. These doors will allow in natural light, fostering an uplifting atmosphere that research suggests makes you healthier and happier.
Properly-installed doors require less maintenance and repairs, which saves you money in the long run. However, choosing the right door is a complex process.
Aesthetics
Patio doors offer homeowners the opportunity to bring a sense of luxury and elegance to their residence. Whether crafted from aluminum, fiberglass, or wood, these doors provide a number of aesthetic choices to suit any design style. Moreover, many of these doors feature expansive panes of glass that allow residents to enjoy uninterrupted views of their outdoor spaces and natural light. Additionally, these doors are often made from shatterproof safety glass, ensuring the safety of family members and friends who may accidentally walk into them.
With the trend toward darker and richer interior design, some homeowners choose to complement this look with their new patio doors. For instance, the Fiber-Classic mahogany patio door from Therma-Tru features a warm and inviting grain that will enhance any home design.
Energy Efficiency
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, many patio doors feature energy efficiency options that help you save money on your utility bills. For example, some have double- or triple-pane glass that insulates the home from hot and cold air. They also use Low-E coating to limit the amount of ultraviolet (UV) rays that can pass through the door.
The energy efficiency of a patio door is determined by several factors, including the type and quality of glass, frame materials, and opening mechanisms. Double- or triple-pane glass is the most effective at insulating a home. Some even have an argon gas fill that minimizes heat transfer.
JELD-WEN offers several patio door models with energy efficiency features. The MasterPiece Impact Hinged Patio Door is an example. It is constructed of high-impact fiberglass and has double-pane glass insulated with argon gas to reduce energy costs. It is available in out-swing and in-swing models and includes a door handle, locking mechanism, and weatherstripping.
Durability
The longevity of your patio doors is crucial for enhancing the beauty and functionality of your home. Recognizing the signs that your doors require replacement can help you make a timely decision.
For instance, if you notice drafts or condensation around your doors, it could mean that they’re leaking air and causing energy loss. Such problems lead to poor indoor comfort, higher utility bills, and may even lead to a decrease in your home’s value.
Choosing patio doors with Low-E glass is an excellent way to improve your home’s energy efficiency. The insulated glass will reflect solar heat to prevent excessive energy loss and protect your carpet, curtains, and furniture from UV fading.
Sliding doors provide a sleek appearance and offer the convenience of opening and closing with one simple motion. For a more modern look, you can opt for bi-fold doors that combine the mechanics of sliding doors with the style of French doors. These doors can provide an expansive opening to your outdoor space for effortless indoor-outdoor living.
Security
Patio doors offer access to a home’s living space. They also connect indoor and outdoor spaces, elevating the aesthetics of a home and allowing for the inflow of natural light that supports healthy circadian rhythms.
However, as entrance points into a home, they can be desirable targets for burglars. This is because they typically feature more glass than front doors, which have to be secured with a strong frame and lock.
Fortunately, there are many security measures that can be implemented to improve the security of these doors. These range from rudimentary to technological, and they include installing blocking bars, security pins, and security screens. Additionally, by maintaining landscaping to eliminate hiding spots, implementing a layered approach, and integrating the patio doors with a home alarm system, homeowners can increase resistance to break-ins. These steps are easy to implement and cost-effective. With the right expertise, they can also be performed on older patio doors that are in need of upgrade.