Patio doors can be one of the most attractive and functional features in any home. Aside from providing convenient access to your patio or garden, they also give unobstructed views of the outside and let in as much natural light as possible into interior spaces. Patio doors have been around for some time, but like many things in the home, they have undergone numerous improvements over the years, making them great investments than ever before.
What Does a Patio Door Do?
Patio doors are designed to either open out onto a patio or garden or into a room, connecting indoor and outdoor living spaces while providing ventilation. A carefully selected one can transform living spaces, proving to be a functional and addition, as it helps improve access ease and energy efficiency in the home, while the range of colors and styles available complement any architectural style.
Choosing Between Hinged or Gliding Patio Doors
Patio doors generally come in two types: hinged and gliding.
- Hinged Patio Doors. Also known as French patio doors, these patio doors swing on hinges to operate. They can swing in or out to open so they can be configured depending on what will be more suitable for a home. As they need clearance around the doorway to open, hinged patio doors are best for homes that have space to spare around entryways.
- Gliding Patio Doors. Also known as sliding patio doors, these patio doors are designed to glide horizontally along tracks, generally configured with one operable panel and the other stationary. Because they only require space the size of themselves, gliding patio doors are best for homes that have limited space around entryways available.
The hinged style generally applies to patio doors used in more traditional homes but both hinged and gliding patio doors can be used in both traditional- and modern-themed properties. What you choose should mostly be guided by what will look best in your property and how much space around doorways is available to you.
Advantages of Installing a Patio Door
A patio door essentially serves as a pathway between indoor and outdoor living spaces in a home. However, installing it also lends other benefits, like:
It can transform your home’s space. Patio doors can open up your place and give it a more inviting appeal. They can do this because they let in a lot of natural light, thanks to their numerous glass panels or lites. When natural light pours into a home, it brightens up indoor space, making it look bigger than it actually is.
It can make your home look more elegant. Patio doors imbue certain sophistication to a home because they feature a lot of glass. Whether you’re looking to create a focal point or simply improve overall interior appeal, patio doors get the job done.
It can help improve ventilation and maximize natural lighting. When fully opened, patio doors can let in as much air as possible and also aid in continuous airflow to eliminate stale hot air that has built up inside the home. Additionally, they let in lots of natural light whether the patio door is open or not, thanks to all that glass, supporting daylighting efforts to reduce dependence on artificial lighting during the day.
It can be customized to fit your desired style and appeal. Patio doors can be customized with different hardware options, finishes, designs, and sizes, giving homeowners the freedom to choose whatever patio door will fit their home and their liking.
It can help improve a home’s energy efficiency and comfort. New patio doors are manufactured and designed to effectively keep indoor heat in and outdoor heat out, minimizing air leakage to stabilize indoor temperature. With improved insulative properties, today’s patio doors help in maintaining indoor temperature, and consequently your comfort, while helping keep energy consumption down to help reduce monthly energy bills down the line. 
Patio doors have a lot to offer, right? If you’re sold on getting one, congratulations! You’re one step closer to improving form and function in your home. Just make sure to take the time to choose the right patio door so you make the most of your investment. There are numerous customization options so take advantage of those, coming up with a patio door that’s perfectly suited for your property. If you need more information about patio doors, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a reputable patio door expert in your area.
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Author Bio:
Eric Minkiewicz is the president of Renewal by Andersen of Eastern NY. When he’s not providing window and door replacement solutions to homeowners in the Capital Region and Hudson Valley, he likes to write to share his knowledge in the home improvement industry. For updates from Eric, check out the company blog!
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