Patio door types – pros and cons
If you are considering your options for new patio doors for your property you’ll be pleased to know that your options for great-looking, yet hard-wearing patio doors have never been so expansive. Not only can you choose from the very best sliding doors, French doors, and BiFold door designs but you are now also able to customize the colours and functionality of the materials at an unprecedented level of detail. To help you settle on the perfect patio door for you, let us help you with a handy guide to the main types of patio doors. We will quickly cover the main pros and cons for each type of door, meaning that you’ll have a good idea of the type of door that will complement your home. Number one: Sliding patio doors Sliding doors aren’t what they used to be, with new Aluminum and uPVC designs that are modular and use the sliding mechanism for a variety of effects. The classic design featuring two frames on tracks that can roll or slide past each other to create an opening remains popular because of the full-width size of the opening and the great views they can provide. They are a great feature for warm weather and very practical if you need to create disability access or to move large items into or out of your home. However, there are disadvantages, not least the time and hassle of sliding your doors every time you want to pop into or out of your home. Pros of Sliding patio doors You can easily vary the size of the open created by a sliding door. Your sliding doors can never slam shut Sliding doors let in a lot of light and ventilation. Enjoy an unobstructed view. Cons of Sliding patio doors Sliding doors simply aren’t suitable for a narrow opening. With sliding doors, one panel slides behind the other so you never completely expose the opening. Number two: BiFold patio doors You have probably seen or heard of these modern patio doors that have taken the UK by storm. It’s easy to see why, as they can span openings of any size and elegantly fold back concertina style! Lazy summer days can be enjoyed with your BiFold doors pushed right back, giving you full access to your garden for relaxation or entertaining. uPVC or Aluminium BiFold doors can also be designed with a static transit door that you can use to exit your home without opening up the entire door! Pros of BiFold patio doors A stylish design that can be adapted to almost any type of property. BiFold doors are available in a range of finishes. BiFold doors can open inward or outward. This door design lets plenty of light into your home. Cons of BiFold patio doors As your BiFold door panels fold flat perpendicular to their opening, be prepared to make space available to accommodate the stacked doors. BiFold door frames will break up your view when the doors are closed. Number three: French patio doors French doors are a classic patio door design that people have returned to over generations. It can be interpreted and finished in so many different ways, as these symmetrically balanced doors work just as well on a period property as they do on the balcony of a modern apartment block. Pros of French patio doors You have the option of opening one or both doors. .Attractive symmetrical opening. An excellent door design for high traffic areas of your home. You have the option of outward or inward opening of your doors. Cons of sliding patio doors French doors can slam shut in the wind. French doors are not suitable for very large openings. Get in touch with your local patio door experts to have your beautiful new doors installed! We are pleased to provide local homeowners with a 100% made-to-measure service, drawing from our market-leading inventory of patio doors. Getting started with us is as easy as calling our team to organise a no-obligation home visit within our local area where we can learn more about your plans and measure up for new doors if you would like us to.
The Benefits of UPVC Patio Doors for your home.
When it comes to enhancing the aesthetics, functionality, and energy efficiency of your home, UPVC patio doors are a choice worth considering. UPVC, or unplasticized polyvinyl chloride, has become a popular material in modern home design due to its durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. If you’re considering upgrading your patio doors, here are some compelling benefits of choosing UPVC. 1. Energy Efficiency One of the most significant advantages of UPVC patio doors is their energy efficiency. UPVC is an excellent insulator, which means it helps to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The material’s insulation properties help to reduce heat loss and minimize drafts, leading to lower energy bills. Most UPVC patio doors come with double or triple glazing, which enhances thermal insulation further by creating a barrier between the inside of your home and the outside environment. 2. Durability and Low Maintenance UPVC is known for its durability. Unlike wood, which can warp, rot, or require regular painting and varnishing, UPVC is resistant to moisture, rust, and fading. This makes UPVC patio doors incredibly low maintenance. A simple wipe down with soapy water is usually enough to keep them looking as good as new. Additionally, UPVC does not react to the changes in weather conditions, so your doors will maintain their shape and integrity over time, making them a long-lasting investment for your home. 3. Security Security is a top priority for any homeowner, and UPVC patio doors excel in this area. These doors are typically fitted with advanced locking mechanisms, including multi-point locks that secure the door at multiple points along the frame. This makes it much harder for intruders to gain entry, providing peace of mind. Additionally, the strength of the UPVC material itself adds an extra layer of protection. 4. Aesthetic Appeal UPVC patio doors are available in a variety of styles, colors, and finishes, allowing you to choose a design that complements your home’s existing décor. Whether you prefer the classic look of white frames or a more modern grey or wood-effect finish, UPVC doors can be customized to suit your tastes. Their sleek and stylish appearance can enhance the overall look of your home, adding to its curb appeal and potentially increasing its value. 5. Affordability Compared to other materials like aluminum or wood, UPVC is a more cost-effective option. It offers excellent value for money due to its combination of affordability, longevity, and low maintenance costs. This makes it an ideal choice for homeowners who want to upgrade their patio doors without breaking the bank. 6. Environmental Benefits UPVC is a recyclable material, which makes it an environmentally friendly choice. At the end of its life cycle, UPVC can be repurposed and reused, reducing the environmental impact. Additionally, the energy efficiency of UPVC doors contributes to a reduction in energy consumption, which is beneficial for the environment. 7. Noise Reduction If you live in a busy area or near a road, UPVC patio doors can help reduce noise pollution inside your home. The combination of UPVC frames with double or triple glazing creates an effective sound barrier, helping to create a more peaceful and tranquil living space. Conclusion UPVC patio doors are an excellent investment for any homeowner looking to improve the functionality, security, and appearance of their home. With their energy efficiency, low maintenance, and cost-effectiveness, they offer a range of benefits that can enhance your living experience while also contributing to the value of your property. Whether you’re building a new home or updating your existing one, UPVC patio doors are a choice that brings long-term benefits with minimal upkeep.
Choosing the right patio doors for your property
Patio doors of any design are a beautiful addition to your home. Not only do they provide easy access to your garden area, but they let the light in to fill your home. If you are set on getting new patio doors or upgrading your existing ones, you’ll find that your choices have expanded with the option of uPVC and aluminum patio doors or the more contemporary bifold door designs too. Hard to make up your mind on “which patio doors are best for me?” let us take away the guesswork with this helpful buying guide for choosing the best patio doors. As seasoned manufacturers of double glazed windows and doors, we have assisted thousands of clients in choosing patio doors that beautifully transform their homes. If you know you will be using your patio doors frequently… It could be children, the dog, or a shortcut for getting in and out of your property. For a high-traffic area like this, you do not want to be hauling a sliding door every time you enter or leave. We would recommend French doors in this situation as you just need to get in and out of the property quickly through a single door while retaining the option to throw both doors open and let the fresh air in where you are relaxing. A great modern alternative is a stunning set of BiFold doors which can be fitted with a traffic door that can be installed separately to the other panels so you can let yourself in and out without opening up the whole set of doors. If you will only be using your patio doors in Spring and Summer… This is certainly an opportunity to install some statement doors that allow maximum sunlight and fresh air into your home. BiFold doors or Sliding doors provide the best views of your garden and can be rolled back to give your living area a lovely alfresco feel. The full-width opening just cannot be matched and we find that they are flattering on so many styles of property. Perfect for entertaining! Also, if your property has an outstanding view, only BiFold or sliding patio doors can really do it justice. Sometimes property owners are concerned that an expanse of glass will lead to a lot of heat being lost from their home. Sliding doors can lose a lot of heat, but BiFolds with their panels have better thermal performance and can provide greater insulation from the British winter. If security is a priority for your home… We understand if you may be apprehensive about installing patio doors with expansive glazing and a single point at which it is secured. We take security seriously and are pleased to share that patio door locking has moved on from the days of those flimsy plastic switches. All our patio door designs feature contemporary materials and engineering that can withstand attempted forced entry, with multi-point locking and door bolts to literally anchor your patio doors when they are closed. If you are looking for a hassle-free, low-maintenance patio door… uPVC is used time and time again for patio doors because it is so easy to clean and take care of. A wipe down with a damp cloth or cleaning just like your regular windows is more than adequate. Both our aluminium and uPVC doors are highly durable and if you have timber doors in place right now, you will definitely have relief from the hard work of repeatedly sanding and staining your frames. If you are looking for patio doors that will be opening onto a balcony… If you have a balcony a statement patio door can add real character to your living space. Did you know that even our BiFold doors can be installed above ground levels? All our patio door designs are made to measure, meaning that we can survey your property for the feasibility design of your choice. Talk to us about fitting your property with made-to-measure, high-quality patio doors As your local double-glazed window and door experts, we have the expertise to assist you in selecting the perfect patio doors for your property. We have recently expanded our inventory with some amazing aluminum and uPVC BiFold door designs that we would be delighted to share with you. Learn more by calling or emailing our helpful team to arrange a home visit today.
