Patio Doors Swing into a New Era

Want to turn an ordinary doorway into an extraordinary entrance? Today's patio doors open up a world of possibilities to bring the beauty of the outdoors into your home. They can swing in, swing out, slide left or slide right. They can be enhanced by tinted, beveled, etched or frosted glass. They can be dressed up with divided lights or, for easier glass cleaning, removable wood grilles in patterns that let you achieve any look you desire. With transoms or sidelights, you can creatively construct a custom look all your own, whether you prefer a contemporary or traditional style.

Beauty, however, is not the only thing new in patio doors. Efficiency has advanced proportionately. "French-style doors were probably the first glass patio doors ever used," says Libby Johnston, company spokesperson for Andersen Windows, Inc. "However, from a technical standpoint, they were far from efficient." Plagued by wind and water infiltration and low security, exterior French doors have a long history of poor performance. Like the visual enhancements, the technical features of today's patio doors far surpass those of yesteryear.

If you're in the market for a patio door, you'll find scores of technological advancements and information to aid you in your search. Manufacturers today promise patio doors with ultra-secure locking systems, maintenance-free exteriors that are virtually impervious to weather, and superior energy efficiency. Many back these statements with guarantees that last as long as you own the doors. Since windows and doors can affect the amount of energy used in your home, it's important to be educated on the differences in the materials and products that each manufacturer offers.

Your research will uncover the use of wood that is treated to be warp-free, rot-free and resistant to insects. You'll discover that the glass in the door can be crafted to channel moisture and guard against ice-up, protect expensive furniture by blocking nearly 75 percent of the rays that cause fading, and reduce heating and cooling bills by as much as 24 percent.

Traditionally made of wood, doors are also available with exteriors of fiberglass, aluminum or steel. This means you can paint them any color you want, and they make an incredibly durable door in high-traffic, busy households. Marvin Windows & Doors' Integrity sliding patio door uses an innovative product formed of glass fibers combined with liquid polyester resin that does not warp, rot or bend, creating a nearly indestructible shield of protection against the outside elements. Seasonal expansion and contraction because of changes in temperature are also diminished, making the door stable and impenetrable to moisture. For smoother operation, the door is accompanied by a top-hung screen that eliminates glide interference when dirt and stones become stuck in the bottom glide rail.

In addition to their improvements in operation and performance, today's patio doors can better adapt to the location and size of the area of installation. Outswinging doors increase usable interior space when rooms are small; when a swinging door is impractical, a smooth, quiet sliding model fits the bill. To complement your patio door with extra sunlight or views, add a transom window. Circular, oval, elliptical, quarter-round or octagonal transoms can be grouped with your patio doors to form a spectacular window wall. A half-round configuration above an ordinary door adds height to a room, acts as a focal point, provides sunlight and adds overall beauty and value to your home. Design and technological advancements like these mean there are no longer excuses for leaving patio doors off your home's list of building materials. Consumer information is readily available from local distributors in your area. Chances are, whatever the style, size, shape or price range you're looking for, there's a patio door that's right for you.

---

Definitions:

Transom: A window or group of windows stacked directly on top of another window(s); they may be manufactured as a whole unit or separated from the unit(s) below them by a horizontal section of wall

Sidelight: A tall, narrow, fixed or operating window flanking a door or a larger window

Roundtop: A window in the shape of a half-circle

-Pamela Robertson

Sources: Marvin Windows & Doors; Pella Corporation; Peachtree Doors Inc.; Andersen Windows, Inc.