Important Considerations When Buying a Sliding Patio Door

A sliding patio door is an invaluable addition to your home that allows natural light inside, offers picturesque views, and makes your space appealing and inviting. Whether you want to buy a new sliding patio door or replace an existing one, choose a door that is functional, secure, aesthetically appealing, durable, and energy-efficient. Learn seven essential things to consider when purchasing a patio door.

Number of Panels

Decide the number of panes you need for your door. The most common panes are single-pane, double-pane, and triple pane. As the name implies, a single-pane door has one pane of glass, a double-pane has two, and a triple-pane has three.

Single-pane sliding patio doors are less expensive but are less durable and offer less insulation. Triple-pane doors are durable, resistant to harsh weather, and energy-efficient. However, these doors are more costly than their single- and double-pane counterparts.

Security

Since your sliding patio door allows entry into your home, settle for one that offers excellent security to keep you and your belongings safe. Luckily, modern sliding doors come with numerous security features, ranging from alarms to locks, to ensure your home is safe from intruders and burglars.

Notably, ensure you work with a qualified professional to install your patio door correctly. A poorly installed door is more vulnerable to giving into intruders than a professionally installed one. Also, the professional can help you choose the best security system for your patio door.

Frame Material

When choosing a sliding patio door material, pick a material that is durable and can withstand weather elements. You have numerous frame material options depending on your budget.

Aluminumis sturdy, low maintenance, sleek, and inexpensive but dents easily. Vinyl can withstand extreme weather while providing excellent thermal performance and low maintenance. Also, it is inexpensive, durable, and versatile to match your home's style and décor. Nevertheless, extreme temperature can cause vinyl to crack.

Homeowners who want a frame material with a traditional and distinctive style might consider wood. Wood frames are elegant and offer a stylish finish but are costly, less energy-efficient, and high maintenance.

Energy Efficiency

The best sliding patio door is energy-efficient to reduce utility bills and offer a return on investment. If energy efficiency is a priority for you, opt for a low-E coated glass for your patio door. The glass reflects sunlight to minimize heat gain in your house and reduce cooling costs during hot summer days. Also, glass with a low U-factor conserves energy.

You can increase the efficiency of your sliding door by weather stripping it and having a professional install it to make it airtight. Remarkably, the frame material can contribute significantly to your door's energy efficiency.

Glass Type

Sliding patio doors come in various glass types, ranging from soundproof, impact-resistant, textured, and textured glass to meet a broad range of homeowners' needs. If you live in a busy locality, you can purchase a sliding patio door of soundproof glass to reduce noise reaching your home.

Impact-resistant sliding patio doors can bear vast amounts of pressure, heavy rainfall, and strong winds to protect your home in severe weather. They are suitable for homes in regions with unpredictable weather and disaster-prone areas.

Texture glass is famous for its appearance and is available in many designs, including frosted, glazed, beveled, and ripple glass.

Cost

The cost of sliding patio doors varies widely, depending on size, frame material, number of panes, glass type, brand, and extra features. For instance, you might pay $1,626 for a 72''× 80'' single-glazed vinyl door or $4,804 for a same- sized dual pane wood sliding patio door. On average, the cost is between $2,000 and $4,000.

Contact Bob's Glass for high-quality sliding patio doors. We offer exceptional customer service at competitive prices and strive to exceed your expectations.