Sliding patio doors are a space-saving way to open up a room. Hinged doors require objects to be well away from the door but sliding doors need no swing room at all. They open up a room with a great view of the outdoors and add light and beauty to your home.
Styles of Sliding Patio Doors
Sliding doors are also known as bypass patio doors. Generally there will be one side of the door that is fixed to the frame and another that slides on a track. The frames can be aluminum, wood, vinyl, or steel, depending on the manufacturer. The type you choose will depend largely on personal preference and budget considerations. The doors will have either a "right hand" or "left hand" operation. You will have to decide which is best for your situation.
The traditionally styled sliding doors generally have one large pane of safety glass on each side. These give an unobstructed view of the outside. They are sturdy and hold up well in heavy use.
Many companies now have doors that have blinds between the layers of glass so that you can keep out the afternoon sun with blinds that never have to be cleaned. The blinds are opened and shut by an exterior control.
Some sliding patio doors have grilles between the panes of glass to give a window pane look. This gives the door the style and feel of traditional French doors. The number of panes and the style of the grille can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so you should be able to find exactly what you want. When the blinds and grilles are encased within the window, cleaning is as easy as spraying on window cleaner and wiping it off. No dusting or vacuuming is required.
Glass Options
There are many different types of glass being used in patio doors.
- Tempered glass is very strong. It is the most commonly used glass because of its safety characteristics. Since it is strong and durable it does not break easily, however, when it does the pieces are tiny and without sharp edges. This reduces the likelihood that anyone would be hurt in the event the glass was broken.
- Laminated glass is the best glass for noise reduction. If you live in an area that is near traffic or other loud noises it can eliminate a large percentage of the noise. It also provides the highest degree of protection from ultraviolet rays, keeping out approximately 99 percent of them.
- Optional argon gas can be used between the panes of glass to improve thermal performance.
- Tinted glass provides additional shading and a unique look for your room. There are many shades that you can choose from, depending on the manufacturer.
- Textured patterns in the glass are great if you want the light and the look of patio doors but the view is less than desirable.
Patio Door Manufacturers
Each manufacturer offers something different. Look carefully at the warranty, the company policies and how long they have been in business. Make sure that the sliding patio doors you choose are exactly what you want and the best quality that you can afford.
Add Style and Value
Sliding glass doors are made much better than in the past. They are more weather-proof, safer and come with more options than ever before. You can purchase sliding screens to maximize the airflow through your home and choose stylish hardware options.A sliding patio door may be just what you need to bring the outdoors in. Whether you are building new or updating an existing structure a patio door can add value and style.
