Did you know that patios are arguably the most popular option for an outdoor relaxation area for homes in the United States? Almost 20 percent of homes in the United States have patios now. In order to have the perfect patio, you need to have the perfect sliding patio door.
There are a number of pros and cons of a sliding patio door that you need to think about and consider when looking for your next sliding glass door. There are also a number of different types of patio doors to choose from depending on the look and appearance of your house and patio area.
The good news is that you’re not in this alone. You’ve come to the right place to learn more about the different options you have for sliding glass doors as well as the pros and cons of investing in one. Continue reading to learn more about sliding glass doors for your home’s patio.
Types of Sliding Patio Doors
There are a number of different types of patio doors to choose from when it comes to your home and patio area. You’ll want to make sure that your new patio door goes perfectly with the other styling elements of your home and patio so you need to know about your different patio door options.
There are two common types of patio doors that people choose for their homes. They are sliding patio doors and hinged patio doors. Each has its pros and cons that make it a good choice for your home and patio. Here is a closer look at the different types of patio doors you’ll need to choose from.
Hinged Patio Doors
Hinged patio doors are also commonly called “French Patio Doors”, and they’re one of the most classic and classy patio door options available on today’s market. This type of patio door usually consists of one or more panels and they open by swinging in or out rather than sliding as a sliding glass door would.
There are plenty of options when it comes to the door material, color, and finish of your hinged patio doors. You’re even able to have custom-shaped windows for your hinged patio doors if you want to get outside of the box. This means you’ll have no problems matching this style of patio door with the style of your home.
Sliding Patio Doors
Sliding patio doors are very popular because of how easy they are to use and how affordable they are. These doors are great because they don’t swing so you’ll have a lot more usable space inside your home and out on your patio. This means you’ll have no issues placing furniture near this door while still having easy entrances or exits.
These are also popular options for patio doors because they provide a lot of natural light to pass into your home during the daytime. You’ll have plenty of options to choose from for building material with sliding patio doors as well. These doors are made of vinyl, fiberglass, and wood with a variety of different finishes.
Fiberglass sliding patio doors are great for areas that experience all four seasons during the year because they’re perfect for handling large temperature changes. Fiberglass is also the most durable material for building sliding patio doors.
Vinyl is another great option for your sliding patio door because it is both versatile and good with energy efficiency. The frames of vinyl sliding patio doors are durable and don’t require much maintenance, so they make a great investment for your home and patio. Check out Renewal by Andersen Windows & Doors for great sliding door options.
Multi-Slide Patio Doors
If you’re looking for a patio door that has some character and class to it, you’ll never go wrong by picking a multi-slide patio door. This patio door is great for creating a panoramic view out of your home while providing a grand experience when entering or exiting your home.
If you have a large deck or patio at your home then a multi-slide patio door is a great option for you. They’re wonderful because they’re able to create a large open space that opens onto your patio. This is one of the most modern styles of patio doors on the market today.
Bifold Patio Doors
Bifold patio doors work in a similar way to an accordion. They are connected to one another and they slide and fold together when you want to open your patio door. There are even options to have a portion of the bifold patio door act as a traditional swinging door when you need to enter or exit quickly.
They’re also a great option for those Spring mornings and Autumn afternoons when you want to let that sunlight and crisp breeze flow into your home from outside.
Benefits of a Sliding Patio Door
There are a number of great benefits that you’ll see immediately after you invest in and install your sliding patio door at your home. They add a touch of elegance to your home while also creating more usable space and acting as a convenient entrance and exit.
Natural Light
One of the biggest benefits that households see when they invest in sliding patio doors is the increase in natural light in the home. It is a lot larger of an area for light to pass through with a sliding door when compared to a hinged patio door since sliding patio doors are often made of glass.
Think of your sliding patio door as a mix between a convenient door and a massive window. They’re also great in the colder months if you live in a colder climate because that natural light and heat are captured by your home, making it more cozy and warm to spend time in.
If you live in a climate that is hot during the summer then it is a good idea to consider residential window film or blinds for your patio door to avoid too much heat buildup.
Investing in a window film is great for blocking the ultraviolet rays that damage your skin as well as the interior of your home. Getting the right window film will allow the same amount of natural light to enter your home without the harmful UV rays.
Space Saver
Another big reason that households love a sliding patio door is the amount of usable space they create or save. Since the door slides rather than hinges, you’re able to use a lot more space near the door. Depending on the amount of furniture you have near the entrance to your patio, it might be almost impossible to open the door if it is hinged.
French doors tend to be a poor choice for smaller homes or apartments because they take up so much space in order to enter and exit. If you have a smaller residence then you need to consider the space-saving benefits you’ll gain from investing in a sliding patio door.
Disadvantages of a Sliding Patio Door
Despite the great benefits you’ll gain from investing in a sliding patio door, there are some drawbacks that you should be aware of before making any purchases. Here is a closer look at some of those drawbacks.
Security Flaws
Unfortunately, your home’s security is an important consideration to think about no matter how safe and secure your area is. Sliding patio doors aren’t nearly as secure as French doors because they allow people to see easily into your home. They’re also often located in the rear of your home, making it easier for burglars to get a peek at your belongings.
The other downside when it comes to the security of sliding glass doors is that they’re easy to break since they’re a giant window in a frame. They’re also equipped with simple locks compared to hinged doors. These are threats that you need to think long and hard about.
They Get Dirty
Another drawback to consider when thinking about purchasing a sliding glass door is the cleaning involved. If you get a sliding glass door then you’re going to want to keep a lot of Windex on hand. If you have kids or pets then the sliding glass door will be covered in fingerprints and pet nose marks within minutes.
Another area of the sliding patio door that you need to monitor and keep clean is the track that the door slides on. Keep the track clean by using a vacuum cleaner on it to collect any dust or debris that accumulates there. A good rag and some window cleaning solution is a great way to keep the glass clean and clear when you’re cleaning it.
Get The Perfect Sliding Patio Door For Your Patio
There are plenty of great options on the market for patio doors, but none offers the space-saving and convenience of a sliding patio door. It takes up almost no space and allows a ton of natural light into your home. It also creates a warm and cozy environment on those frigid winter days. Best of all, it is classy and simple to use.
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