Patio Doors that Open a World of Possibility

As today's family tries to spend more time together, the setting for that quality time takes on an even more important role. From the kitchen to the family room to the backyard, homeowners want a comfortable, casual refuge where they can play with the kids, savor good meals and visit with friends.

Crowned by a half-round transom with unique grille treatments, these beautiful French doors by Marvin bring style to any home.
Photo courtesy of Marvin Windows and Doors

One popular way to create a refreshing haven is to draw the outside in with ample natural light, and views of the surrounding landscape. While beautiful arrangements of windows take advantage of outdoor views, patio doors can also offer stunning panoramas of the outside. Patio doors also provide access to a porch or deck-the home's most popular spot during the summer.

When choosing French doors or sliding glass doors for a home, a number of the same concerns apply as when picking out windows. Like windows, patio doors need to stand up to the stresses of snow, sun, wind and rain. To control your energy bills, patio doors need to block out the cold in the winter, the heat in the summer and the harmful, fading rays of the sun all year long.

These gorgeous French doors from Weather Shield add beauty and a sense of dimension to this compact living room.
Photo by Mark Englund/HomeStyles

To increase the energy efficiency of a patio door, many manufacturers offer units with two panes of glass, sometimes called insulating glass. The two panes trap air, which acts as an insulator, between them. Some dual-pane units have, between the panes, a colorless gas like argon, which insulates better than air. Patio doors with three panes of glass are also available from some manufacturers.

A buffer between the panes restricts the transfer of heat and cold between the inside and outside. How effectively the buffer insulates depends on its material, which can be wood, aluminum or a metal that holds argon.

For added efficiency, a low-emissivity-or low-e-coating can be applied to the glass. A low-e coating, which is applied directly in one or more layers, not only insulates, but also filters out damaging sunlight-particularly ultra-violet rays, which will fade furniture, drapes and carpeting over the years.

Pella Windows and Doors offers dual- and triple-pane patio doors with blinds, called SlimShades®, between the panes. While the blinds are protected from dust, pets, kids and other havoc-wreakers, they also cut winter heat loss by up to 52 percent, and summer heat gain by as much as 42 percent!

The natural wood trim and decorative grilles on these Pella French doors lend a heartwarming, nostalgic look to the arrangement.
Photo courtesy of Pella Windows and Doors

Another important factor to consider when choosing a patio door is the overall construction of the unit. When spending such a significant amount of money, you want a product that will stand the test of time. And in comparison to windows, patio doors need to perform like Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Kids bang through the door, going inside and out all day, all summer long. The family terrier has learned the endearing trick of scratching on the door to go outside-and get back in. And during weekend barbecues, traffic through the door never seems to stop.

Over the years, a poorly made patio door can warp, bow or run off its tracks. To prevent warping and bowing, Pella seals the edges of its doors.

According to Peachtree Doors and Windows, its three-point latching system secures a tight fit for the door and prevents warping in the long run.

Top-hung sliding glass doors run less risk of falling off the tracks.

How the corners of the unit are fastened is also a concern. The corners of well-made windows are fastened two or three times, with wooden dowels or joints, wood glue or metal fasteners.

A patio door's security features are another crucial element. Viewed in the past as an invitation to burglars, today's patio doors now include effective safety features.

An oversized half-round transom window crowns this Prado patio door by Peachtree, creating a stunning impression.
Photo courtesy of Peachtree Doors and Windows

Look for three-point locking systems with deadbolts at the head, sill and jamb of the door. Some sliding glass doors also include vertical bolts that prevent the door from being lifted off the tracks. For French doors that open to the outside, non-removable door hinges keep someone on the outside from removing the door.

Some manufacturers can also tell the consumer how much force its doors can withstand. Marvin Windows and Doors, for example, claims its Safe-T-Plus patio door resists up to 1,200 pounds of force.

Once you settle on the technicalities, have some fun. The style options for patio doors include French doors, sliding glass doors and sliding French doors.

You can add grilles for a traditional divided-light look, or transoms, sidelights or fixed doors to open up the space even more. Marvin manufactures a French door with an arched top, and a number of companies sell grilles that can be removed for easy cleaning.

The possibilities are endless and well worth the homework. Find the doors that fit your style and let the sun shine in.