If you have decided it’s time to change some things up around your home and are considering replacing your current patio door(s), you may be getting overwhelmed by all the options. Do you go with sliders, swinging doors, or maybe something a little more elegant, French doors? And what material should you choose? Wood, vinyl? What about fiberglass? Is one better than the other? And if that isn’t confusing enough, when you add in all the different glass options you have available, you might just be ready to give up.
Well before you throw up your hands up and throw in the towel on your patio door redesign, we have some information that can help you sort it all out. We'll review some of the different door options, what material might work best for your needs and help you choose the right glass, so you can pull off your patio door upgrade without pulling your hair out in the process. First, let’s review some of the different door options.
Most Common Door Options
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Sliding—Sliding patio doors are made up of two or more pieces of glass installed parallel to one another with the panels overlapping slightly in the middle. The panels are either installed into a bottom groove suspended above from a track or both. One piece of the sliding door is usually stationary, while the other slides open when drawn across a track. These doors are ideal for pool areas because they can be left open to accommodate heavy traffic. And since the door doesn’t swing open, you don’t need as much space on either side of the door for it to work properly. During cooler weather the slider can be left open to allow for maximum air flow. And can also help increase the amount of natural light in a room.
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Swinging—Swinging doors are installed in pairs and hung with hinges on opposite sides of the doorway opening. Although this is the most common configuration, they can also be ordered in other configurations. They can also be fitted with a device that closes the door once it’s released. Make sure you have enough clearance on both sides of the door for it to fully open before you choose this option.
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Folding—These doors are also called accordion doors. Folding doors have between two and eight leaves, or folding sections, which are joined by a series of hinges. Similar to sliding doors, they don’t require a lot of space, since the door doesn’t have to swing open or closed. And like sliders, these doors can be left open during times of heavy traffic and to maximize air flow.
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French—These are doors with rectangular glass panes that extend the full length of the door. They are available in a variety of designs and can be easily incorporated into many different types of decor. Also great for improving the amount of natural light in a room.
Related Topic: Glass Doctor Sliding Patio Door Selection Guide
Door Material
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Wood—Wood doors are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a more traditionally, yet elegant option for your home. However, if you’re on a tight budget, keep in mind that wood doors are usually the most expensive. Since wood doors are also the most susceptible to weather damage, they also require the most maintenance in order to prevent the wood from rotting.
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Vinyl—Vinyl doors are the most cost-efficient option, but extreme temperature changes can sometimes cause them to crack (although this is not common). On the plus side, vinyl is much easier to maintain. These doors don’t usually require regular repainting or staining and are far less susceptible to damage than wood.
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Fiberglass—Fiberglass is a great option if you like the look of wood but don’t have the budget for real wood doors. These doors offer the design advantages of wood (you can get ones that look just like wood) and the stability of vinyl. So, you get the best of both options.
Patio Door Glass Options—Some glass options for your patio door include:
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Double-pane windows with sliding blinds—This is a good choice if you are looking for a classic style with a privacy option. You can let in natural light, then close the blinds if you need protection from the sun.
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Decorative glass with matching side windowpanes—This is a great option if you’re looking for a more upscale design aesthetic. Decorative glass comes in a wide variety of designs, which helps add a unique look to your home.
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All-weather glass (Hurricane-rated laminated glass)—If you live in an area where storms are common, this may be the best option. This type of glass resists damage from high winds and debris and protects your home from a buildup of internal pressure that could cause a patio door blowout during severe weather.
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Energy-efficient glass/Double-pane glass—This type of glass creates an air pocket between two pieces of laminated glass that insulate your home and helps prevent condensation. It saves energy by preventing the air temperature outside your home from affecting the air temperature inside your home.
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Low-E Glass—This glass reflects heat back into your home during the winter and keeping the solar heat at bay during the summer.
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Hydrophobic Coating—Adding a glass protectant is a good option if you’re looking for a door with easy upkeep. Clear Choice makes surfaces easier to clean by making them more water and oil repellent. This high-tech shield creates a protective barrier on silica-based surfaces and lasts up to five years with a single Clear Choice application.
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Glass Tint—Tinting is a good option if you need a permanent privacy option. It will enhance patio door security, provide UV protection, increase your energy savings, and reduce glare.
Get a Professional Consultation
Now that you have some information on the different types of doors, material and glass available, it’s time to get them installed. Patio doors, especially glass doors, can be difficult to install. If they are not installed correctly, you could be in for a lot of headaches and additional expenses. Make sure your doors are installed by a professional like Glass Doctor. We have the experience, tools and expertise to install your doors right the first time. To schedule an appointment call, 855-603-1919 or visit us online today!