Exterior sliding glass doors are a great space-saving design that can suit a variety of home design schemes, and they’ve become more popular than ever before these days among homeowners all over! But you might not even know where to start if you’re thinking about adding one of these doors to your house; with so many options and levels of customization, how are you supposed to know which is best for your needs? Continue reading below to learn about four important things every homeowner should keep in mind if they’re thinking about installing one of these versatile and exciting doors!
1. Measure the Size of the Door & the Space You’re Working With
Adding an exterior patio door is no small task, and you’ll want to carefully consider the dimensions you’re working with—don’t guess or leave anything up to chance! Consider the height and width of the door you’re thinking about installing, and then note the dimensions of the wall in question; these doors come in many shapes and sizes, and you wouldn’t want to go too big or too small at the expense of your existing space. Sliding patio doors open horizontally, whereas French patio doors can be made to fully open but require more floor space. In any case, choose whichever door best meets your needs and budget, but make an informed and calculated decision!
2. Plan for a Rainy Day
Since patio doors are exposed to the outdoors, they’re vulnerable to rain, wind, snow, sleet, and anything else Mother Nature might throw their way. That said, ensure that once your door is installed, it’s weather-sealed and weather-proofed. Though the door itself will be made from glass, the surrounding material needs to be strong and resistant to leaks, drafts, damage from rainwater, and other problems that can’t be anticipated. Vinyl is a popular choice for this since it’s relatively resilient, affordable, and usually easy to maintain. Aluminum, fiberglass, and wood are other notable options.
3. Consider Your Energy-Efficiency
Keeping your energy bill as low as possible is often an unspoken (or sometimes frequently vocalized) goal for many homeowners, and doors and windows play a pretty significant role in energy efficiency. Since glass makes up the most prominent surface on an exterior sliding patio door, it’s in your best interest to pick a coating that helps to regulate temperate, especially if the room in question is a living area or space that frequently accommodates people. Also, keep the sun’s position in mind; a door facing east or west might be exposed to a lot of sunlight, which can noticeably warm a room.
4. Keep Things Secure
It’s true that at first glance, a glass patio door might not seem very secure—especially compared to something such as wrought iron or sturdy wood. That said, there are still things you can do to make things more secure and burglar-proof. Consider adding a locking mechanism if you haven’t already: auxiliary foot locks, multi-point locks, and exterior keyed locks are all popular, proven choices. You might also consider a door made from tempered glass; tempered glass doesn’t shatter wildly when it breaks, but instead breaks into small, circular fragments that are less likely to cause injury.
About Adooring Designs
The team at Adooring Designs has helped countless homeowners in Fort Worth and the surrounding area for over 15 years, offering a wide range of custom-made doors, windows, railings, and other beautiful, high-quality craftsmanship projects. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to set up a FREE in-home estimate to see how they can help you with your next undertaking, don’t hesitate to visit their website or give them a call today! Telephone: (817) 745-0522.