Finding the perfect patio door is something that most homeowners may not consider an important investment. However, if you want to make the most of your home’s performance and complement the interior and exterior spaces you’ve carefully crafted, choosing the right patio door is an essential step to improving the look and feel of your home. Besides, who wants a home with a brand-new entry door and all-new windows clashing with a patio door that’s inefficient or ready to come off its track? In this guide, we’ll provide four things you should consider when it comes to purchasing a patio door for your home.
Sliding Patio Door or Swinging French Door
Sliding patio doors are practical, functional entryways. Not only do they save space, but it lets you leave and enter your home with ease. If you want to let in plenty of natural light, a sliding patio door can do just that while still keeping safety a priority. They also require very little upkeep if any at all, so you can enjoy the low-maintenance life for most of your sliding patio door’s lifespan.
Swinging French patio doors are versatile, stylish, and trendy. They are hinged like a regular door, but both doors can open to provide you with a wide, seamless entryway. With plenty of ways to customize French doors to match your home’s style, you can add a contemporary flair while bringing in a lot of natural sunlight. No matter the configuration you’re looking for, whether it’s just a single door with a sidelight or two swinging doors, we can help.
Energy Efficiency
You invested a lot of money into your home to help you save money in the long run, there’s no reason your patio door shouldn’t be energy efficient as well. Whether you prefer sliding patio doors or swinging French doors, Clarity only trusts Anlin’s Malibu Series which comes in two high-performance glass options that actually beat Energy Star® requirements. It doesn’t matter what time of year it is. Clarity’s patio doors will keep the cool air in during the summer, and the cold air out during the winter.
Safety
It’s no surprise that patio doors are mainly glass, but it doesn’t mean that they should be an unsafe feature of your home. Some patio doors come with just a simple latch, which can easily be jimmied from the outside. Choosing a patio door that has passed forced entry resistance tests and has secure locking systems are essential features to consider. We’ve taken all of this to heart, which is why all of our patio doors have passed those tests and even have metal reinforced panels and locking mechanisms fastened directly into the panel.
Patio Door Materials
Your home is a reflection of who you are. There’s no reason your patio door shouldn’t be as well. After all, you’ve carefully selected your furniture and décor that speaks to you, shouldn’t you feel the same about your patio door? With a variety of materials to choose from, each one has its own benefits that you should know.
- Vinyl — Vinyl is one of the most popular materials used for patio doors. It works well in both warm and cold climates, and it can enhance the performance of your home with its energy-efficient properties. Not to mention, it’s very strong and durable, so it can stand up to everyday wear and tear while still looking great. You won’t have to worry about vinyl patio doors fading or warping, either, which is a huge plus if you’re looking for a door with very little maintenance. Vinyl patio doors won’t fade, peel, rot or warp.
- Wood — Wood patio doors can be quite difficult to maintain, but its warm, traditional look can complement almost any decor nicely while providing a seamless connection to your home’s exterior. Because they are wood, you will have to spend some time with upkeep to prevent warping, cracking, and rot, but if you do so, the reward is a breathtaking patio door that can transform your home’s interior into a lasting, unforgettable living space.
- Aluminum or Steel — Aluminum or steel patio doors are a durable, cost-effective option that can help you improve your home’s performance. Although they are not as energy efficient as vinyl patio doors, you can save on maintenance with treatments that can prevent corrosion and rust for an effortless operation for many years to come.
- Fiberglass — Fiberglass patio doors are durable, lightweight, and can resist harsh weather. Although its properties are quite similar to vinyl patio doors, cost is generally one difference. They are considered to be the most expensive material available, but its maintenance-free lifespan and resistant to extreme weather are important features to consider when buying a patio door.
Of course, this isn’t everything to consider when it comes to your patio door, but these are some of the most important features to think about to ensure you get a patio door that accents your home’s beautiful design while improving performance. Call the Clarity Windows and Doors Team today to help educate you on what works best for your home. We can even provide a free, in-home consultation to walk you through your options so you can be confident you’re getting the perfect patio door to match your home.