A Patio Door Can Liven Up Your Backyard

A patio door is a door specifically designed to open onto a patio, backyard or deck. This door, which is usually made out of glass (or partial glass) is comprised of stiles, rails and glass sections to allow for easy outside viewing. These types of doors can be constructed from any material, such as aluminum, wood, steel and even vinyl.

What are the advantages of using a patio door? Advantages related to the type of material used can vary accordingly. However, in general, this type of construction offers several advantages to standard backdoors.

• These doors are glazed in order to expand the view outside.
• Glass allows for more sunlight to enter into the home, which produces more natural lighting, and hence, reduces electricity costs.
• Modern patio doors (as opposed to older models) minimize heat loss, leakage while improving security.
• The construction of these doors is energy efficient.
• Sliding patio doors allow you to maximize views outside.

When choosing patio doors, you will have a choice of swinging or sliding doors. Swinging doors can be weather-stripped in ways superior to a sliding door. However, the panels for swinging patio doors can be narrow and obstructive. Sliding patio doors are much more space efficient. The downside is that the larger the glass, the more you have to be concerned about heat loss and heat gain.

A patio door is available in a variety of materials, such as metal frame doors, fiberglass and UPVC patio doors. Traditionally, wood requires heavy maintenance, while steel tends to be maintenance free but less luxurious and less efficient in terms of energy usage. This may be just what you need to liven up the patio area.