The right patio doors enhance a living space, improve home esthetic from the backyard and boost energy efficiency. They also make everyday access a breeze, working just like regular hinged entry doors.
Patio door prices vary by materials, style and features. A professional can help you buy your door to save on material/supply costs and reduce installation labor.
Cost
Patio doors come in a variety of styles and materials to suit your home. Many styles can be glazed for energy efficiency. Choosing a door with a double-pane construction and low-emissivity glass will help reduce your energy costs.
Sliding glass patio doors are available in a wide range of designs and sizes. They allow you to easily enter and exit the room while offering plenty of natural light. They also have a stylish appearance. However, it is important to keep in mind that sliding glass doors can shatter if they are not properly installed or maintained.
The cost of installing Patio doors Birmingham AL can vary significantly depending on the style you choose. Some styles are more complex than others, and some require additional features such as blinds or shades. You can also purchase trim molding to frame your new door on both the interior and exterior. The cost of this material will increase your overall installation cost.
Energy Efficiency
The doors that welcome friends and family into your home serve more than a simple utilitarian purpose. They also help reduce energy bills and enhance your home’s appearance by framing beautiful views and letting in natural light during the day. That’s why it is important to consider how the design of your patio door will affect its energy efficiency.
A key factor to look for is the glazing level. French and sliding patio doors are largely composed of glass, so their glazing levels can have a big impact on the energy efficiency of your home. Look for a glazing level with low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) ratings.
You should also check the U-factor and R-value of your patio doors to ensure they meet ENERGY STAR requirements. The lower the U-factor, the better the insulation. The R-value indicates how well your patio doors prevent heat from escaping your home, and the higher it is, the more energy efficient they are.
Design
A well-designed patio door set improves a living space, enhances the home viewed from the garden side and makes a focal feature of a property. It also plays a key role in the energy efficiency of a house, particularly with multi-panel doors like bifolding and sliding systems.
Modern PVCu and aluminium doors come with impressive energy saving glass options including a double-pane window with argon gas or Intercept warm-edge spacer system. This reduces the U-value and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), and helps the homeowner conserve air-conditioning.
Sliding doors offer a number of options for privacy with blinds between glass panes, as well as a French rail to add a sophisticated touch. If you’re considering a wood-framed patio door but are worried about warping due to the Birmingham climate, ask your local dealer about furniture-grade veneers.
Maintenance
Patio doors play many roles in your home. Besides being stylish portals for family and guests, they also enhance your home’s insulation and provide security against intruders. To ensure these doors perform their best, it’s important to maintain them regularly.
Cleaning the surrounding frames is an important maintenance step to keep your patio doors looking beautiful and functioning properly. Whether they are made of wood, uPVC or aluminium composite material, these door frames need to be washed and rinsed on a regular basis to prevent dirt and grime from building up over time.
Sliding door tracks are particularly susceptible to dirt and debris build-up that can affect the smooth operation of your patio doors. It’s a good idea to vacuum and give the tracks a deep clean every few weeks. Aluminum tracks don’t require any oil and are very low-maintenance, but a bit of periodic lubrication can help keep the rollers from getting stuck in place.