Consider replacing your home's sliding glass patio doors for an updated look.
Patio doors separate the interior of your home from the exterior, and must allow traffic to pass through both areas easily. Most homes come equipped with patio doors made from sliding glass. These doors consist of two glass panels and a screen that glide along tracks when opened or closed. Although sliding glass doors function adequately as patio doors, they can look plain. Fortunately, several alternatives to sliding glass patio doors are available to divide the inside of your home from the patio in an unconventional way. Does this Spark an idea?
French Doors
Consider replacing sliding glass patio doors with French doors that open and close on hinges. These double doors add aesthetic value to a house while encouraging air flow when both doors are kept open. French doors are also customizable and can be made to fit any height or width of door opening. Typically, French doors provide above-average insulation due to their double-glazed glass. As a result, French doors prevent heat or air conditioning from escaping the home while at the same time keeping patio noise from drifting inside. Select French doors that contain restrictor hinges to minimize slamming. Although French doors can cost more than other styles, they create an elegant way of separating your home's interior from the patio outside.
Center Swing Patio Doors
These doors closely resemble French doors, but one door remains closed while the other swings open. Center swing patio doors are a good option for those who enjoy the aesthetics of French doors but cannot afford them. These doors also save wall space near the stationary door, allowing homeowners to treat it like a large window. Place a table, plant or seating arrangement by the fixed door to take advantage of the light. In addition, center swing patio doors can benefit homeowners who desire greater control over how much traffic moves between the house and patio. Many center swing patio door sets also come with a sliding screen that encourages air flow while keeping pests out, making these doors a suitable alternative to traditional sliding glass patio doors.
Accordion Doors
Also known as bifold or concertina doors, accordion doors contain glass panels that are connected with hinges. As with an accordion, each panel folds over the other when the doors are opened. Although accordion doors are commonly used for closets, they can provide the same ease of access when installed between the patio and house. Made from glass, accordion doors possess a flexible, vinyl seal that allows each panel to move smoothly. Because each panel folds over the other, accordion doors do not obstruct the adjacent areas. Furthermore, accordion doors stay in place once folded, decreasing the chance that someone might injure their fingers by a slamming door. An effective replacement for sliding glass patio doors, accordion doors provide easy, unobstructed access between your home's interior and patio.
Tags: patio doors, sliding glass, French doors, glass patio, glass patio doors, sliding glass patio, your home
