Patio Doors

Patio doors are more than just a way to go from the house to the backyard. They are a vital part of a home’s security system. Patio doors are also a subsidiary element of a house’s heating and cooling systems. Of course, they are also a decorative portion of the home’s architecture and, quite often, they are overlooked. A homeowner may be concerned with the design of the patio and the design of the rooms inside the house. Obviously the furniture inside and outside the home is of interest to its owner. How many times though are the patio doors a big part of a homeowner’s discussion with anyone? They should be though because they protect the home, contribute to its bills (or save on them) and they add to (or subtract from) a home’s value. Patio doors are important.

What then makes good patio doors?

First, good patio doors protect the inhabitants. They protect the inhabitants from intruders and they protect the inhabitants from themselves. Patio doors come in three basic styles: Standard doors of glass or half wood and half glass; double sliding glass doors; double French glass doors. For safety from break-ins, standard glass patio doors should have the same security as front entry doors; i.e., a locking knob and a dead bolt. The security of double sliding glass patio doors and French double doors is more difficult. Sliding patio doors should have rods which are placed in the glide path of the opening door. Double French patio doors can be equipped with removable security bars which prevent the door from being opened from the outside.

Even more important than locks and bars though is the strength of the glass in the doors. A family is in more danger from accidentally breaking the glass in a patio door than from a burglar coming in through the patio door. For this reason strongly consider patio doors made of tempered glass. Tempered glass is stronger than ordinary glass. If it does shatter, tempered glass is engineered to break into small pieces with blunt edges.

Second, good patio doors are energy efficient. Heat lost through patio doors in winter and air conditioning lost through patio doors in summer can substantially increase a home’s utility bills. Double paned glass patio doors and patio doors that are coated to reflect the sun greatly enhance energy efficiency.

Third, good patio doors add to the beauty of their surroundings and reflect the taste of their owners. Even sliding glass patio doors come in a vast number of options now. They have wooden jambs that mimic standard doors and come with a variety of glass styles. The glass can also be coated not only to increase energy savings but to protect the furnishings inside the house from deterioration due to sunlight. Noise diminishing patio doors are also available. French patio doors can open wide to 180 degrees giving complete access to the patio. They can also be equipped with decorative wood and stained glass inserts. Depending upon the materials from which they are constructed, many glass patio doors can now either be painted or come in a variety of baked on paint finishes.

So, don’t be a homeowner who overlooks his/her patio doors. They protect the home, insulate the home and decorate the home. Patio doors deserve their owners’ attention.