In the market for a patio door replacement? Well, you’re in the right place.
Patio doors are an important part of your home’s look, texture, and presentability.
When you have the right patio door for your house, it can produce an entirely new atmosphere. One that you feel happy and excited to come home to every day.
Regardless of the type of new patio door you’re searching for, the right one will breathe new life into your living space.
It will flood your home with sunlight to create an ambiance of warmth and comfort. It will connect you to the outside, and it will supply ample amounts of fresh air throughout your home.
But how do you know which patio door types are the best fit for you? That’s a tricky question, as there is no one size fits all.
However, we have compiled a list of 5 simple tips to help you find a new patio door.
1. Decide Which Type of Patio Door Suits Your Needs
Measure the space you have on both the exterior and interior of your current door frame. This is to get a grasp on the opening system you will need from your new patio door.
Here is a small list of patio door types to consider based on the measurements you get from your door frame:
Screen Door
A screen door has many benefits. The least of which is increased airflow (without the pesky bugs), admission of natural sunlight, protection for your front door, etc.
Sliding Door
Sliding doors are safe as many of them now have shatterproof safety glass. They are efficient and are also very stylish. The property value of your home will be increased by your sliding door’s polished and modern look.
In-Swing Door
The most common type of door for homeowners is in-swings. And for good reason. Their nice, clean, and charming look give way to an appealing doorframe that has a vintage feel that is also very easy on the eyes.
Out-Door Swing
This option requires a cleared walkway on the other side due to the doors swinging outwardly. These doors are best suited for areas that experience high winds.
The power and robustness of this door provide the hardiness needed to protect against hurricane weather.
Exterior Double French Doors
French doors are a sleek and smooth alternative. Often found in conventional construction; this is one of the more stylish patio door options.
Bi-Fold Patio Doors
This brand of patio door has an up-to-date look, it also folds in against itself. This makes it a great option if you don’t have a lot of space.
2. Determine How Much Wall Space You Need
When deciding on your patio door replacement, you don’t have to get the same size as your previous door. If you want to, you can completely readjust the size of your original entrance.
If you’re so inclined, you can extend the wall to fit the size and scope of your new patio door.
You can enjoy bigger and more expansive views of the outdoors. And because of glass panels as well as other features of modern patio doors, you won’t have to worry about bugs, animals, or intruders.
You’ll be both at home and abroad with the panoramic views that this “indoor, outdoor living” arrangement can provide.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), most Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors. This option makes it easy to bring the Great Outdoors to you.
3. Find Out What Suites Would Be Best Suited For Patio Doors
Living rooms are great for patio doors, as the extra light brings new liveliness to the area. Kitchens are a great choice too.
It often gets stuffy and steamy in kitchens once you get cooking. A screen patio door can help dispense with a lot of that steam by replacing it with fresh air from the outdoors.
Garages offer another spot to potentially add a patio door. It can get quite hot, stuffy, and humid in a garage. Adding a patio door can clear up a lot of the dampness and stale air in that area.
It can also bring in plenty of much-needed light as garages are usually very dark and dingy.
Your dining room is another great option for a patio door. Adding in an in-swing or out-swing door to your dining area can infuse the space with a bit of sophistication and classiness.
And finally, if you have a balcony in the master bedroom, then adding a new patio door to your bedroom can be just what you need to help you relax after a long day.
You can kick your feet up, slide the door open, and enjoy the breeze from the cool air as you take in the ambiance.
4. Determine Which Patio Door Medium Is Best For Your Home
When looking at different types of patio doors, it’s important to keep in mind which materials would be ideal for your home. Choosing a material that matches the appearance and feel of your home creates unison and continuity.
But you also want to make sure your patio door can handle the demands of the climate of where you reside. Does it get blistering hot? Or maybe shivering cold? Do you get torrential downpours in your area? Etc.
These are all good questions to ask yourself when determining which materials you’ll require for your patio door.
Here are a few suggestions to consider:
Aluminum Patio Doors
Aluminum doors are great for their strong, sturdy, and well-built design. Aluminum is cheaper than steel but provides the same structural integrity (up to a point).
On the flip side, it does have some drawbacks. Since it’s lighter than steel, aluminum does become damaged more easily than its steel counterpart.
Wood Patio Doors
If you’re looking for vintage beauty, consider getting a patio door made out of wood. This will add a touch of refinement to your home and will make for a distinctive feature to your exterior.
Although the negative side is that wood requires a lot of maintenance and can easily bend, twist, and become warped over time.
Fiberglass Patio Doors
More than likely, fiberglass is not your go-to choice when it comes to patio doors. But don’t write it off because fiberglass does prove to have some advantages.
Mainly, the low maintenance as well as its ability to handle adverse weather conditions.
Vinyl Patio Doors
Cost-effective, durable, and efficient, vinyl is a great material for your patio door. These doors can manage some of the most severe weather without losing their sleek and polished look.
Steel Patio Doors
If you want raw strength and durability in your patio door–then you want steel. It may not be as warm and inviting as a wooden door, but you can rest assured it will be able to handle anything that the elements throw at it.
5. Study The Maintenance Needs of Your Patio Doors
Some patio door types are going to need more care and maintenance than others. For instance, wood and vinyl doors will require more attention and safe keeping than steel and aluminum.
Make it a point to learn as much as you can about the maintenance that each material will need from you. Nothing is worse than getting caught off guard by unexpected requirements from new materials.
This is also why it’s crucial to know the weather conditions of your area.
The more you’re attuned with how Mother Nature functions in your neck of the woods, the more informed your choice will be about your patio door.
Severe weather will impact each patio door in different ways. And by understanding what the strengths and weaknesses are of your door, you’ll make the right decision for yourself and your family.
At the end of the day, you want to choose the material that will function well and (preferably) add to the atmosphere of your home.
6. Learn About The Warranty and What it Covers (Bonus Tip)
Your patio door replacement should be a durable and long-lasting commodity. But things happen, it’s understandable that sometimes accidents will occur that cause damages such as cracks, scratches, etc.
This is why ensuring you have a warranty locked in for a specific length of time is prudent of you.
Learn about whatever warranties are provided and take advantage of them. Generally speaking, most producers offer some type of money-back guarantee should anything happen within a certain amount of time after purchase.
Some producers even offer full lifetime guarantees. If your patio door breaks, cracks, or is subject to any damage covered by the warranty, it will be replaced with no questions asked by the manufacturer.
Are You Ready For Your Patio Door Replacement?
It can be hard to make the right choice, this is especially true when matters of the home are involved. But selecting the proper patio door replacement can be made easier if you’re armed with the right information.
We hope you enjoyed this article. If you found it of value, be sure to check out and browse through some of our other posts.
