Homeowners are increasingly considering upgrading their existing patio doors or installing them from the outset when building a new home. After all, the traditional single door with a small square window cutout in the middle has overstayed its welcome. Granted, it serves its purpose and looks nice—but today’s homeowners want something with character. They envision a patio door that not only functions well but also offers benefits such as durability, UV protection, and noise reduction, while enhancing the style, comfort, and natural flow of their home. Modern patio doors do more than just separate indoor and outdoor spaces. They serve as an inviting gateway from your home and outdoor living areas. Finding the right one can transform your home overnight.
The good news is that there are more options than ever when selecting the perfect patio door. From sleek sliding door options to French-style designs, and materials ranging from wood to aluminum and vinyl, you are bound to find the right fit. Your friends at Siding and More Construction Company will always be partial to vinyl, especially when it comes to having a well-protected and visually appealing home. However, here is a quick comparison guide for styles and materials to help you cut through the noise and make the right patio door decision for you and your home.
Selecting the Right Patio Door Style Is Crucial for Your Home and Family
There are many reasons why homeowners want to upgrade their patio door. For those who have been in their homes for 10, 15, or 20 years, perhaps they have realized the current style is outdated. Maybe there is a constant draft from outside wind, or the glass is constantly fogging up. It could also be that the door is old and hard to open, close, or slide shut. There may even be visible signs of damage, such as cracks and water leaks. For those building their dream home, it may be a matter of finding a style that complements the rest of the home. After all, you do not want a modern-looking home with an outdated or even basic patio door. It just screams, “I do not fit in this environment.”
Whatever your reason may be for shopping for patio doors, the bottom line is that the right patio door style can significantly enhance the look, feel, comfort, and energy efficiency of your home. Whether you want something sleek and modern, charming and classic, or wide open and dramatic, there’s a patio door style to match your vision.
Let us take a closer look at the most popular options and what makes each one stand out.
Sliding Patio Doors
A patio door that slides open and closed, as opposed to the traditional swing open- and closed-door concept, is perfect for homeowners who not only want a fresh look but also want to save space in rooms with limited swing clearance. Sliding patio doors have panels of sliding glass that operate on horizontal tracks along the ceiling and base of the door area. Perhaps the most striking features are the clean lines, modern appeal, and the expansive glass; you get significantly more natural light and a more expansive view of the backyard.
French Patio Doors
Installing French patio doors provides a similar look to a swing door, with the added benefit of being able to open both doors fully from the center. Obviously, this allows you a wide entry point in an area of the home that requires or can handle more space to swing open. French doors also feature more glass to enhance viewing capabilities, and they work well in almost any home, from traditional to rustic and everything in between.
Folding (Bi-Fold or Accordion) Patio Doors
If you are looking for a more seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, a folding patio door may be the answer. These styles open either as a bi-fold or accordion, offering the perfect aesthetic for homeowners who entertain frequently or simply appreciate the idea of opening an entire wall and seamlessly extending their indoor living spaces into the outdoor environment. You can usually find these in new construction home concepts.
Multi-Slide Patio Doors
If your home features a large patio, deck, or pool area, multi-slide patio door styles elevate sliding doors to the next level, as they can recess into the wall to provide a wider opening and seamless indoor-outdoor integration.
The Next Step Is Choosing the Right Patio Door Material
The good news is that the possibilities are endless when it comes to patio doors. Many homeowners, especially those building their dream home and having more flexibility with structural planning to maximize every detail, may work with their contractor of choice to customize an option that combines the best of all worlds. Additional styles you may find in high-end modern homes include pivot patio door options and single- or dual-swinging patio doors.
Once you have found what works best for you and your home, the next step is choosing the right material. Here are a few options to consider with your next patio door purchase:
Vinyl patio doors
This material is space-saving and an excellent solution for smaller rooms. Simonton sliding patio doors feature a screen, allowing you to enjoy the outside temperature and breeze without the annoyance of insects and other pests. Vinyl patio doors also present a wide selection of options to suit your home’s design needs. They are also renowned for their superior energy-saving properties. Compared to traditional materials like wood and aluminum, vinyl patio doors also offer exceptional durability. They are resistant to moisture, corrosion, and insect damage. They also do not require painting, staining, or refinishing, which reduces upkeep and extends the lifespan. Fewer repairs and replacements mean less material waste and lower costs.
Wood patio doors
Wood doors also feature design flexibility, can be stained or painted in any color, and offer the must-have, classically timeless and contemporary style that many older, more traditional homes require. Wood’s inherent thickness means it is also a natural insulator, making it an effective sound barrier against outside noise and incredibly energy-efficient year-round. Despite all these benefits, wood requires more maintenance (such as staining, painting, protecting against rot, warping, moisture, and insect damage) than other materials. Cost-wise, wood patio doors can be more expensive.
Aluminum patio doors
Many homeowners choose aluminum because it is both strong and lightweight and is traditionally known for its durability and low maintenance. Its thinness also means sleeker design options, such as slimmer frames and larger glass areas for modern homes. That said, some of the cons include less insulation in the long run and issues such as corrosion. Aluminum also cannot be easily painted or stained.
Fiberglass patio doors
Fiberglass patio doors are strong like aluminum and energy-efficient like vinyl. They also resist warping, rotting, and swelling, making them ideal for extreme climates. Fiberglass can mimic the appearance of real wood but with far less maintenance. That said, fiberglass is also more challenging to install, which adds to its increased cost compared to other materials. From a longevity standpoint, fiberglass patio doors can leak and are more susceptible to ultraviolet ray damage that leads to fading and warping.
Siding and More Wants To Be Your Patio Door Installer
Regardless of the options you choose for your next patio door project, you need the right installer to ensure everything goes smoothly. Siding and More Construction Company specializes in the sales and installation of vinyl patio doors, and for good reasons. It is one of the leading materials in the world and promises to live up to expectations for many years to come.
Investing in high-quality vinyl patio doors for your Dallas home provides a durable, low-maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing exterior. For the best results, opt for UV-resistant options, ensuring your home stays protected and beautiful for decades. At Siding and More, we offer a wide range of vinyl patio door, window, and house siding options tailored to withstand the Texas climate. With nearly 40 years of experience in the Dallas area, Siding and More Construction Company is one of the best vinyl siding contractors around.
Our experts are ready to help you choose the perfect materials for your home, ensuring its durability and curb appeal. Contact us today for a consultation and to discover how we can enhance your home’s exterior. To get started, call 972-636-3513 or contact us for a free estimate with the form below.
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Siding and More Construction Company serves the North Texas area including these cities in the Greater Dallas metroplex and more: Addison, Allen, Arlington, Canton, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Dallas, Desoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Forney, Garland, Greenville, Lancaster, McKinney, Mesquite, Plano, Richardson, Rockwall, Rowlett, Irving, Terrell, Royse City and nearby areas.
