Patio doors allow you to enjoy a scenic view of your backyard. These doors also let in a lot of light and make your home feel more spacious.
Choose from a wide variety of panel configurations, glass options and woodgrain patterns to perfectly complement your style preferences. You can easily filter by window type, material and product line to narrow your selection.
Aesthetics
Patio doors offer a seamless bridge between indoor and outdoor spaces, connecting interior design to natural scenery. They can be customized with multiple paints, stains, grille patterns, and hardware finishes to create a personalized look for your home. These doors also offer energy efficiency with insulated glass and durable framing materials that reduce drafts and air leaks.
Several styles of patio doors are available, including sliding, swinging, and French. Sliding doors slide open on a track and can be configured to open to the right, left, or center (depending on your preference). Swinging patio doors are characterized by dual door panels that operate like traditional hinged doors and typically have large window panes. French doors are another type of patio door that features multiple individual window panes across a dual door panel, creating an elegant aesthetic.
For a more modern look, Endure glass exterior patio doors feature smooth lines and a choice of popular or custom color options. These doors are also available in a range of configurations to fit your living space, including 2-, 3-, and 4-panel doors opening to the right, left, or center (3- and 4-panel options include transoms).
Energy Efficiency
Sliding patio doors offer a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces, allowing natural light to flood your living areas. This allows you to reduce your reliance on artificial lighting and saves energy costs. In addition, they can be outfitted with a retractable screen to maximize ventilation options during warm or cold weather.
They also provide exceptional insulation capabilities, reducing the transfer of heat between your home’s interior and exterior. Combined with Low-E glass, this helps to minimize your utility bills and improve your comfort year round.
The frames available in this door style are made of fiberglass and vinyl, both of which offer superior insulation capacities. This makes them an energy efficient option for homeowners in North Alabama. Plus, they’re built to withstand the elements and resist dents and scratches, so you can enjoy them for years without worrying about maintenance. Look for ENERGY STAR® and National Fenestration Ratings Council labels to ensure your new patio doors meet the highest standards of performance.
Security
While security is not the main reason homeowners purchase patio doors, it’s still important to keep your family and belongings safe while inside the home. Burglaries are one of the most common crimes that occur in homes across America, and burglars often use the side or back entrances like patio doors to gain access.
Because many patio doors use latches instead of locks, it’s easy for burglars to fiddle with them and break into a home. Luckily, there are steps that can be taken to improve patio door safety and security.
The most basic way to secure a patio door is by installing a blocking bar. This is a metal or wooden bar that you place in the track of your sliding patio door to prevent it from moving. This will deter burglars who would otherwise be able to easily lift the door off its tracks and break in. It’s also inexpensive and effective enough to be a worthwhile investment.
Maintenance
Patio doors act as a bridge between indoor and outdoor living spaces, so they must remain functional, energy efficient, and secure. Visible signs of wear and tear like squeaking door frames, loose locks, or a buildup of dust on handles can compromise their functionality. Regular inspection is essential to identify these issues and prevent the need for costly repairs or replacement.
Fortunately, modern patio doors are the low-maintenance superheroes of the home improvement world. They are often constructed of fiberglass or vinyl, which require little more than a regular wipe down to keep them looking brand new. Additionally, improvements in frame materials and insulation designs can reduce outside noise, creating a quieter, more relaxing interior vibe. The key to keeping your patio doors in tip-top shape is regular cleaning, using a simple mix of mild detergent and water. This helps remove smudges, streaks, and buildup that detract from aesthetics and hinder function. It also prevents moisture ingress and security snags.