Patio doors are more than stylish portals into your home. They add curb appeal and increase home energy efficiency, all while providing an extra level of security for your family.
Choose from a wide variety of frame colors, hardware finishes and locking mechanisms. These doors use superior insulation materials and SolarZone insulated glass units for tough protection against the elements.
Aesthetics
Birmingham homeowners spruce up their properties with the right doors. Whether they live in Forest Park, Five Points South, Crestline, Glen Iris, or elsewhere in the city, these property owners have perfected the art of fusing southern charm with modern tranquility. They achieve this feat by using the right furnishings and fixtures, including their front doors.
A quality home door does more than just welcome family members and friends. It also enhances the energy efficiency of a property and provides enhanced protection from the elements and intruders. With these in mind, homeowners often opt for doors that feature stylish designs and energy-efficient functions. Sliding glass doors are a perfect example of this type of door. They feature sleek frames, Low-E multi-pane glass, and other features that make them the ideal solution for homes that look for ways to save on space and enhance energy efficiency.
Energy Efficiency
Patio doors serve as more than just a portal into your home – they also help prevent energy loss and save you money. But unlike siding and insulation, glass can be a weak link in inhibiting heat transfer through your walls. Sliding patio doors with low-emissivity (low-E) glass can significantly cut your energy costs.
When choosing the glass for your new sliding patio door, pay attention to its performance data. Check its U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). The lower the number, the better – a SHGC below 0.3 lets in 30 percent of the sun’s heat, which cuts air-conditioning consumption during hot weather.
Double-paned glass is more energy efficient than single-pane, but not just because there’s a second layer. In fact, it’s the space between the panes that matters. This is filled with a gas, usually argon, which has two-thirds the thermal conductivity of air, nicely inhibiting heat transfer. Some patio doors even come with krypton gas, which is more effective still.
Security
Patio doors provide a stylish portal into your home, but they also add energy efficiency and security. By incorporating the right locks, you can protect your home from intruders while keeping family and friends safe inside.
Regardless of material, a high-quality patio door should be secured with a multipoint locking mechanism. This type of lock contains multiple bolts that press against the door frame when engaged, making it difficult for intruders to break in. These locking systems are available for uPVC, aluminium, and timber patio doors.
If you are considering a new patio door this spring, visit the Pella Window and Door Showroom in Birmingham, AL or schedule an appointment online to see what options are best for your home. Our expert consultants can help you choose the right style and materials for your replacement patio door. And when you are ready, we can install your beautiful new patio door in Birmingham. Our service area includes Homewood, Fairfield, Midfield, and Center Point, Alabama.
Maintenance
Keeping sliding doors free of dirt build-up is crucial to their functionality and appearance. Dust and food crumbs are easy to clear, but other forms of debris can become trapped within tracks, causing the doors to jam or stick.
To keep this from happening, vacuum out the tracks and give them a cleaning every couple of weeks. Spray a non-abrasive household cleaning solution or a mixture of water and vinegar over the tracks, then wipe them clean with a soft cloth. For hard-to-reach spots, use a toothbrush to scrub them. Be sure to rinse away cleaners as they puddle on the frame or glass, since some chemicals may cause damage.
Learn more about Birmingham patio doors from the pros at Magic City Door. Answer a few questions about your project, and we’ll connect you with top-rated local professionals. Or, visit our showroom to see our products in person and speak with a professional.