Patio doors add both a practical and aesthetic aspect to your home. Picking one out seems like it would be straightforward, but most homeowners quickly find out there are many choices and factors to consider. Today, we’ve got some tips to help you choose the right patio doors for your home.
How Do You Envision Your Patio Door’s Purpose?
A patio door serves an everyday purpose, so as you start your search, it’s a good idea to think about how you envision it fitting into your home.
Will it primarily be an entrance/exit?
Are you seeking to add extra light to your home?
Do you want a good view of your yard or other landscape?
Are you seeking to be more energy efficient?
Is the primary purpose of adding style to your home?
How protected does the entryway need to be?
Once you consider how you see yourself using the door, you can start to narrow down your options. Think about style, protection, and practicality.
Decide on a Preferred Style
Most people carefully select their front doors – after all, it plays a vital role in the home’s style. Patio doors do the same for the back of your home. Ask yourself if you want your new patio door to help create a new look or if you want it to quietly mesh with your existing design. Once you determine this, it can help you narrow down your choices and styles. Options for patio doors include sliding, hinged, bi-parting, folding, and French. Our customers find Andersen patio doors fit their needs, and FAS carries Andersen’s entire line, unlike local retailers that typically only stock a few selections.
Consider the amount of space you have inside and outside where the door will be installed, as that may play a critical factor in what is feasible. For example, swinging and French doors need room to open. If this is an issue, you’ll want to choose a door that slides. However, if you have the space, swinging doors open all sorts of interesting options. Simonton patio doors feature enhanced design flexibility and come in seven different sizes.
Determine Level of Maintenance and Protection
Durability is a consideration when it comes to patio doors. The more durable your product, the less maintenance you’ll need and the better longevity you’ll enjoy. Patio doors made of easy-to-maintain materials such as vinyl, aluminum, and clad-wood doors uphold well and don’t require painting. Fiberglass is also another good choice. For instance, we carry the Custom Windows Systems brand, which is designed to last a lifetime and provides reliable performance.
Protecting your home from the elements is another determining factor and how well it holds up against heat, cold, rain, and snow should be considered. Additionally, if you live in a high velocity wind zone (HVWZ) or an area prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, you’ll need to keep shatterproof and impact versions of patio doors in mind. PGT is an industry leader in impact windows and doors.
Consider Amount of Lighting
Believe it or not, the type of glass you choose for your patio door will have a direct impact on the level and quality of sunlight that shines through. You also might want to take other factors, such as privacy, into account. For instance, would you prefer clear, decorative, or frosted glass? Always look through the glass before making a final determination and envision how it would affect your day-to-day life.
Another important factor you may want to consider is energy efficiency. For instance, the PGT patio doors we carry are of high quality and contain all the ingredients to offer you a higher level of energy efficiency. Features such as double weatherstripping and optional insulating glass help to keep wind and water out, yet keeps your heat and air conditioning in. The U.S. government rates patio doors as they do glass for energy efficiency and has created the “U-factor” – the lower the U-factor, the better energy efficiency you’ll realize. The Low-E component helps lower energy bills and protects your curtains, carpet, flooring, and furniture against UV fading.
After you’ve considered what you want in a patio door and have fine-tuned some of the features you’re seeking, put together a list of questions to ask your installer. This will ensure the patio door you buy ticks off all your “must-haves” and that you make the right investment and meets your expectations.
Find Your Perfect Patio Doors at FAS Windows & Doors
Looking for a new patio door? If you have questions about how to choose the right patio doors, contact FAS today. We’re happy to answer any questions or share information about the wide selection of patio doors we carry from numerous manufacturers. All of our products are of high quality and our inventory enables you to find the perfect patio door that fits your style, protection, energy efficiency, lighting, and budget requirements.