When it comes to completing your home, no detail is too small. Everything matters, from your roof to your siding to you patio door. That’s right, your patio door. The Right Patio Door can really transform the look and feel of your home. The patio door is an aesthetically pleasing portal between your indoor and outdoor living spaces. Because of this, it is not just important that your patio door be energy efficient, but it must also look good.

How to choose the Right Patio Door

The right patio door combines several factors, including style, materials, and energy efficiency.

1. Style: When it comes to your patio door, it needs to look good. Period. Aesthetic appeal is at the top of everyone’s list, which is why it is so important to find the right style patio door. Sliding Patio Doors are extremely popular. They let in a large amount of natural light and are very easy to maintain. Swinging Patio Doors operate much in the same fashion as a standard exterior door. The only difference is they are typically center hung, hinged on either side of a central mullion. French Patio Doors are a style of swinging patio doors in which the doors are are hinged at the side jambs so that the door panels meet when closed. Finally, Folding Patio Doors operate accordion-style.
2. Materials: Next on the aesthetic appeal checklist is materials. Your options include fiberglass, vinyl, aluminum, steel, wood and clad-wood. Fiberglass provides the look and feel of real wood without the maintenance. Vinyl is both durable and energy efficient. Aluminum is a cost effective alternative to wood. Steel is strong, durable, and, most importantly, affordable. Wood is….well, wood is wood. It is aesthetically appealing, but requires more maintenance than other materials. Finally, Clad-wood is a strong layer of metal on wood, providing extra protection and low maintenance.
3. Energy Efficiency: Inefficient patio doors are a thing of the past. Today’s patio doors offer several energy efficient features. According to JELD-WEN, “some factors to consider are R-value, U-factor, Low-E glass, UV coatings and other glass options.”

JELD-WEN Patio Doors Available Through Architectural Window Supply

In addition to our wide selection of entry doors, Architectural Window Supply also carries a large selection of sliding glass and patio doors. We will help you find the perfect patio door, a patio door that fits your needs, your style, and your budget.

If you have any questions about Patio Doors or if you wish to schedule a free consultation, please contact Architectural Window Supply by calling 410-266-5254 or visit our website! You can also follow Architectural Window Supply on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

What to consider when buying patio doors JELD-WEN