If you want to transform your outdoor area into a spectacular highlight of the home, sliding glass patio doors can be the right solution. You can add a touch of luxury and comfort to your home by equipping the access to the terrace with the appropriate folding doors, sliding doors or a canopy with sliding glass patio doors. And conversely, bringing the outside into the living area using moving patio doors can lead to a healthier and happier lifestyle. Not to mention the charm of glazing, which can transform a room into the favorite place of a home. Additionally, sliding glass patio doors can improve access to natural light, ventilation, and views. These are just some of the key benefits of operable patio doors, which also allow for entertaining and a better connection with nature without compromising the comfort of the home.
In this guide, we'll walk you through some of the things you should consider when choosing the right patio doors for your home. We highlight all the factors that you need to consider before purchasing this product. We will also discuss the different materials for the corresponding climate.
Proper selection of sliding glass doors for patio
From sliding doors to folding doors, large operable patio glazing systems can make a real difference to the ambience and style. Here we focus onthree popular variantswhen it comes to sliding glass doors for patios. An evolution of the simple sliding door are the patio doors with stacking technology. These consist of bi-directional sliding panels that stack behind a single fixed disc. To give your outdoor space a minimalist look, you can opt for this option.
Sliding glass patio doors with the so-called Pocket Kit system provide uninterrupted door opening provided there is enough wall space to create a custom cavity. The sliding doors slide and stack completely invisibly into the wall.
Folding doors, also known as double-folding doors or accordion doors, are becoming increasingly popular and make the difference between inside and outside particularly visually impressive. Multiple glass panels are attached to accordion-like hinges and can be easily stored on one or both sides. This option provides an almost complete opening that is larger than the sliding glass patio doors described above. Additionally, folding doors are a little smaller than pocket doors.
Interior design
First, you should note that placing heavy furniture near patio doors should be avoided. The decision between a folding, stacking or pocket kit system does not just depend on aesthetics. The use, traffic flow and room layout also play an important role when it comes to size, placement and opening direction. So, when installing a system with glass doors, you should first determine its intended use. In this regard, you may ask yourself whether you will use these types of doors to create flexible living spaces or for better visibility. You can also have oneadditional glazed doorfor everyday use as an alternative to opening the entire system. The expected traffic flow can dictate the best opening direction, regardless of whether it will be left, right or middle.
In terms of room design, you also need to think about how you will set up the space you want and how this may affect the patio doors. Anyone interested in folding gates or folding sliding gates must decide whether the folding panels that stack at 90 degrees are best suited for entrance or exit depending on the environment and performance requirements. Also, avoid placing heavy furnishings around the sliding glass patio doors. To stack doors, the panels must be stored on the same side where the least amount of furniture is. However, with pocket doors, setup is less of an issue.
Choose the right size and technology
A transition with sliding glass patio doors provides additional weather protection. For best results, homeowners should consider custom options. Most sliding glass patio doors are custom-made. As a customer, you must inquire about the possible widths and heights from the provider. Typically from 2 to 12 panels are available with a maximum size of up to 4 meters.
Door threshold for patio doors
Weatherproof door thresholds are best suited for patio doors used as unprotected external doors. The right door threshold can improve operation and comfort by protecting your home from foreign objects, unwanted critters, water or storms. Ideally, all patio doors would have an overhang. Otherwise, a weatherproof door sill specified to protect against rain and wind is highly recommended.
A recessed door threshold offers flawless operation. For a fully protected patio cover or interior glazing, this type of door threshold is often used. This means you can guarantee smooth transitions from inside to outside and vice versa.
The right glazing
Energy efficiency is also a key element in well-made sliding glass patio doors. The type of glass you choose is extremely important for safety and energy saving depending on where your home is located. Double-glazed tempered glass is the standard option for energy-saving variants. However, single panes of glass may also be a reasonable option for indoor applications or in certain tropical environments. In areas with extreme cold or heat, triple pane sliding glass patio doors are the ideal option. You should choose impact-resistant glass in areas with strong winds or hurricane zones.
Door fittings and door trim
You can adapt the door fittings and door trim to the existing decor. When it comes to long-term functionality and aesthetics, these details shouldn't be overlooked. For example, there are door handles on the market that...with regard to longevitytested and available in a range of contemporary styles and custom designs. These can be optimally combined with the available door fittings.
One of the most important pieces of hardware for bifold doors is the structural support that is placed horizontally across the opening. To a large extent, folding technology involves hanging so that the weight is supported from above. Folding doors allow for effortless gliding, or in other words – a long service life because the arrangement remains clean and dirt-free. In contrast, tilt windows are easier to install but require much more force to operate and can accumulate dirt and damage.
Protect sliding glass doors for patio
The appropriate screen for French doors can provide reasonable insect protection while also ensuring privacy. Fly screens are often a bit expensive, but the investment is worth it, especially in areas that are prone to insects. Extendable and retractable window grilles are the preferred choice for assembling sliding glass patio doors. In addition to insect protection, they also offer privacy and are an energy-efficient solution.
Material selection
Aluminium
As mentioned above, the choice of materials depends on the location and climate. For simplicity's sake, let's look at the industry-leading materials. Aluminum frames are an industry favorite due to their durability and slim proportions. Furthermore, aluminum has low-maintenance properties that are ideal for outdoor applications in temperate zones. However, in areas with extreme weather, aluminum is better suited for secondary door openings such as decking or interiors. For better thermal performance, aluminum sliding glass patio doors provide an excellent fit for extreme weather conditions. The thermally controlled system can even be designed to withstand hurricanes. The thermal insulation composite system has a non-electrically conductive thermal barrier to minimize the transfer of heat and cold to the residential building. This material also allows for a “split finish color” option for the exterior and interior, thereby providing maximum design options.
Combination of wood and aluminum
To decorate the room with warm tones, you can opt for an extruded aluminum facade for extra durability and weather resistance, while wood in the interior provides a beautiful look. The hybrid construction is designed for large door openings that require exterior door panels.
Modern door panel
Contemporary door trim offers the best of all worlds these days. You can choose from several variants: natural wooden interior finishes, a robust aluminum facade with square or shaped profile to suit any architectural style and thermal efficiency to meet higher requirements. Wood is also a timeless classic, as well as a good option for sliding glass patio doors. The natural material is energy efficient but requires more maintenance and care than aluminum, especially outdoors.
Unique Applications of Sliding Glass Patio Doors
You can use patio doors for more than just a glass wall. They also offer many possibilities for other creative uses, such as a bar counter that bridges the space between the kitchen and the entertainment area. Another variant would be the combination of windows and doors, as can be seen in the suggestion above. This composition connects the folding doors to the folding windows without the need for a protective post. Thanks to sliding glass patio doors, you can enjoy the ultimate uninterrupted view in your home as you won't need a retaining wall or corner posts.
