It’s already summer- the perfect time to renovate or remodel your home. It’s that time of the year when homeowners undertake bigger projects such as a kitchen remodel or window replacement. And of all the home improvement projects, patio door replacement is one of the most crucial and often neglected tasks.
Most people don’t pay attention to their old and damaged patio door until there’s severe damage. However, with time, your patio door also needs all the attention that it deserves. So, when your patio door becomes obsolete and no longer keeps your home comfortable, it’s time to replace it.
Replacing your patio doors can be a great way to update your home. It can, in fact, transform any space and is one of the most energy efficient upgrades for your home. The right type of patio door will not only reduce your energy bills but also allow the flow of more natural light.
By installing a modern and sleek patio door, you can elevate the looks of your home, as well as bring down your utility bill by preventing leakage of hot and cool air. However, not all patio doors available on the market are the same. There are sliding, swinging, French, and many more types of patio doors. So, how do you know which one is right for you?
When it comes to selecting the right patio door for home, you need to consider a few things. You should think about your home’s design, your lifestyle, and ease of maintenance. The door you pick should complement your home’s architectural style and helps to define your outdoor living space. So, if you’re looking to replace your patio door, here are a few things you should consider before making your purchase.
- Frame Material
Your patio door has to survive extreme weather condition from cold and snow to rain and scorching heat. This means you need to pick the right frame material when buying a new patio door. The material you choose depends on the weather of the region where you live. Patio doors are available in various different materials and each one has some pros and cons. The most popular door materials are wood, vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass patio doors.
Wooden patio doors look elegant and can be customized with any color to complement your home décor. However, wooden doors require some maintenance and are usually more expensive than the other materials. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, aluminum patio door might be the right choice for you but they offer less energy-efficiency. The most popular option these days is vinyl patio doors because this material can stand up to extreme weather conditions and require very little maintenance. Moreover, vinyl doors are affordable, energy efficient, and look fantastic. Similar to vinyl, fiberglass patio doors also need low or no maintenance but this may cost you a heavy amount.
- Patio Door Style
Another important consideration is the style of the patio door. Patio doors come in various different designs and styles and you need to pick the one that serves your purpose best. For instance, if you want to install a patio door near a pool, a sliding patio door can be right for you. Sliding, also known as gliding patio door is the most popular style and are best suited for tight spaces. The large glass surface of the door means you get a wide, unobstructed view of the outside, as well as a greater flow of natural light. The second option is the French or swinging patio door which is hinged at the sides and when closed it joins in the middle. This style allows you to explore more space and enhance the beauty of your home. But when buying this type of door, make sure you have the clearance to open the door. For smaller and compact spaces, a sliding patio door is a better choice. When choosing the style of your patio door, you should think whether you need a door that swings out or one that opens inward. No matter which style you pick, it’s always possible to customize your hardware to reflect the style of your home.
- Energy Efficiency
When buying a patio door, it’s crucial to consider the energy-efficiency of the product. The patio door you purchase should offer insulation and better sealing to ensure a comfortable indoor atmosphere. For bigger patio doors, vinyl is often a better option as it needs little maintenance and provides thermal protection from fluctuating temperatures outdoors.