Many homeowners just take the first patio door they lay their eyes on. This can sometimes lead to disappointing results, what with the homeowner realizing that the new door doesn’t look as good they first thought or that it simply does not fit in well with the rest of their home. Your patio door is a part of your home so it is important to take the time in choosing one. Ask yourself these questions to help you pick the perfect patio door for your home:
- How much space do you have available?
Regardless of the type of patio door you choose, it will take up some space once installed. Do you have enough for a swinging French patio door or just enough for a sliding door? Hinged patio doors often require extra floor space in front or behind it to give the panels clearance to swing open or shut, while sliding doors may call for more wall space at the sides.
- How do you want it to operate?
Choosing the patio door based on how it operates ensures that you are going to be comfortable using it on a regular basis. Sure, patio doors are generally easy to use, but the perfect patio door suits your needs instead of forcing you to get used to it. Furthermore, how a door operates also determines what kind and how much maintenance it will need in the long run.
- What are the frames made of?
Like other types of doors, patio doors can be made of different materials. Frames can be made of wood, vinyl, metal, and even fiberglass, each one with their own sets of strengths and weaknesses. Take note of these strengths and weaknesses to help you find out which one will perfectly suit your home’s looks and your location’s climate. Some materials last longer than others, but that doesn’t always mean that they require less maintenance, for instance.
- What kind of glass does it use?
Some patio doors have large glass panels that allow a nice view of the outdoors, as well as provide plenty of natural lighting. Others have smaller panels, which offer better privacy, or at least have stronger structural support than larger glass panels. Aside from how glass is laid out in a patio door, it is important to pay attention to the kind of glass actually used. High-quality glass improves energy efficiency which can help you save on cooling and heating costs.
- Does it allow screen doors?
Screen doors let you keep patio doors open without worrying about letting bugs or debris inside your home. Patio doors that swing inwards as well as sliding doors can have screen doors installed on the outer, while out-swing variants have screen doors on the inner side.
- How much does it cost?
The perfect patio door suits all your needs and wants, including your budget. Given the range of options available, there’s sure to be a patio door at your preferred price point so don’t get sucked into getting the most affordable or the most expensive right off the bat. To decide if the price is right, consider the overall value you’ll be getting if you get that patio door.
Author Bio:
Bill Chase is a graduate of Westfield State University, where he also served on the Board of Trustees. Bill also holds an MBA from the Boston College Carroll School of Management. Under Bill’s leadership Hi-Tech has become known for delivering home repair, renovation, and improvement work that embodies precision craftsmanship, materials and products that are built to last, and the very highest level of personal and attentive service.