Patio doors are a beautiful way to let natural light and fresh air into your home. They also add value to your property and enhance its curb appeal.
They are available in a wide variety of styles, materials and prices. However, different types of patio doors have their own benefits and drawbacks.
Choosing the Right Door
Adding patio doors to a home serves a number of purposes. The primary ones are welcoming the entry, flooding the house with natural light and enhancing its style. Exactly which ones the homeowner chooses to buy, however, depends on the reasons for the upgrade. These may include a desire to expand living spaces, to protect the house from storms or to make it more energy-efficient.
As the mind’s eye picture of the ideal patio door begins to take shape, decisions have to be made about the style, structure and glass details. It is also important to consider the material and hardware.
Patio doors need to withstand the subtropical climate and high winds that Florida brings. They can do so with a combination of wood, fiberglass and aluminum. Clad wood is a popular option because it looks like real wood while being resistant to impact damage. Other options include frosted or decorative glass and glazing that offers protection from UV radiation.
Sliding Doors
Sliding doors are a popular option for homeowners because they allow easy access to the patio or backyard while providing plenty of natural light. They can come in a variety of styles and colors to complement your home’s decor and are an affordable way to update your exterior space.
Sliding bifold doors, like those used in this kitchen and living room by d’Arcy & Associates, create a sense of connection between your home’s interior and outdoor spaces. They also work well as closet and pantry doors.
Double-pane glass is a great choice for energy efficiency, keeping cool air in and hot sun out during the summer. Argon gas can be added between the panes to further increase energy efficiency. These features will help you reduce your utility costs and make your home more comfortable year-round.
French Doors
When it comes to blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors, nothing beats French doors. Whether as patio doors that lead to your garden or as internal doors that give you complete access to your backyard, they’re a great way to enjoy natural light and bring the outside in.
JELD-WEN French doors come in a wide range of sizes, materials, and designs to suit your home’s aesthetic. Choose from single- or double-glazed glass panels and a range of grille styles and between-the-glass blinds to personalize your door.
Wood French doors are a traditional choice that adds warmth and texture to your home, while vinyl and fiberglass options provide better energy efficiency. For maximum weather protection, opt for out-swing French patio doors, which create a tighter seal when closed. Alternatively, you can install Rolscreen sliding patio doors, which open outward and hide the retractable screen behind the frame when not in use. This helps keep bugs and debris out of your home while letting fresh air in.
Double Doors
If you want to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your home, consider installing french doors. They provide a timeless, ageless appearance and are available in a variety of designs and materials. They also offer a wider opening and can be matched with sidelights or transom windows to create an elegant aesthetic.
Your front door should look great, be easy to open and close, and allow you to control air and light flow into your house while keeping the bad weather and intruders out. If your existing patio door fails to meet any of these requirements, Morgan Exteriors can replace it with a new, high-quality door that will not only improve the look of your property but also save you energy costs.
RONA carries an assortment of architectural door lite inserts that give your entryway a customized look without the need for a full replacement. Find the right one for your home from leading brands like Taylor, Therma Tru, Masonite and Castlegate Doors.