Natural light has health benefits that include warding off seasonal depression, improving sleep, and boosting vitamin d.
Increasing the amount of natural light in your life is one of the benefits of patio doors. They also offer unobstructed views, a portal for letting a lot of fresh air into the home, and a great way to tie your interior or exterior together.
But not all patio doors are created equal. Before you buy, you’ll need to know about potential materials, the importance of good glass, how to choose a color, and how to add extra security.
Read this buyer’s guide for all you need to know about patio doors.
Materials
The most common materials used for patio doors are wood, PVC, aluminum, and uPVC. Each of these materials has different costs, levels of energy efficiency, and maintenance needs.
Although wood is an elegant and traditional choice, it’s also among the most expensive options. Scratches and small damage are relatively easy to fix, but avoiding moisture and sun damage requires a lot of maintenance.
PVC patio doors are affordable and highly resistant to rust, rot, and weather. They’re simple and clean and they’re also not very conductive, which means they’re energy-efficient.
Aluminum is a durable and affordable option, but it does cost a bit more than PVC. Aluminum won’t rot and requires less maintenance than wood patio doors. But their biggest benefit is that, because of the load-bearing capacity of aluminum, you can have a larger aluminum door system than you can with PVC or uPVC (which means a lot more natural light).
uPVC doesn’t contain phthalates or BPA, which means it’s safer for the environment. It’s also more durable than aluminum and it won’t rust or fade.
Colors
Patio doors come in a wide range of colors, especially if you’re choosing uPVC or aluminum. To choose the right color, you need to consider your home as a whole.
If it’s a more traditional home, go for a subdued color. If it’s more energetic and eccentric, try something brighter. You may also consider choosing a contrasting color to what has been used for your siding, which will really allow the patio door to stand out.
Colors don’t stop at trim, either. You’ll also need to think about the colors you’d like for handles and thresholds.
Glass
Doors are important contributors to energy efficiency (or lack thereof). Not only does the material of the door impact energy efficiency, so too does the glass.
That’s why it’s important to purchase patio doors with high performance, low emissivity, double-glazed glass. This ensures the thermal efficiency of the home, especially for a space as large as patio doors.
Locks and Security
Patio doors can and should be fitted with locks and other security features for your safety. At the very least, look for anti-lift devices that hinder the glass panes from being lifted off the track system. But there are even more secure devices, such as the fit Ultion Sold Secure Diamond cylinder locks with Lockdown Mode, that make you feel safe and secure.
Looking for New Patio Doors?
Patio doors come in a wide variety of materials and colors. They have numerous options for security and energy efficiency. Which is right for you depends on your budget, the style of your home, and your own personal preferences.
When you’re ready to start looking for new patio doors, start with us. We offer a stunning collection to suit any home.
