If you’re looking to buy new patio doors, you probably have some questions. You want to make sure you’re buying the right doors for your home and your budget.

In this article, we’re sharing our answers to the top 10 questions about patio doors that we’re asked by homeowners buying new patio doors in the Cary, NC area.

1. What affects the cost of a patio door?

Not surprisingly, this is one of the most common questions about patio doors that we are asked in our Cary, NC showroom.

Four main factors can affect the cost of a new patio door:

Size: Generally, larger doors tend to cost more because they require more material to make and more labor to install.

Glass: Glass is the main factor in the cost of a patio door.The more glass a door includes, and the more ornate the glass, the more expensive a door will be, generally speaking.

Low-E and other energy efficient glass options will also cost more than less energy efficient glass. But, keep in mind that you may wind up spending more if you go with low energy options. That’s because, over time, you will spend more on doors that have poor energy efficiency. You can read this article for more guidance about buying energy efficient doors.

Security features: Security is an important feature of exterior door. The standard lock on most patio doors is a double bore lock. This has two holes; one for a handle set, and one for a deadbolt. If you want additional security, at a slightly higher price, you can invest in a multipoint lock system.

2. Should I get hinged or sliding/gliding patio?

When considering adding or replacing a patio door, this is one of the first decisions you’ll need to make. You should know that sliding and gliding are interchangeable terms for the same type of door.

A hinged door may be a single door that swings in or out.

Or, it may refer to a double hinged door, like a French door.

Alternatively, you may choose a sliding door, which operates on a track. This is at minimum a double door, but you may also have additional panels added.

However, you may also choose a stack and slide option, where multiple sliding doors can stack into each other to create a large door opening.

There are a few key factors in deciding which option is right for you. As a rule, sliding doors can be made larger. If your vision includes ample indoor/outdoor living space, then this may be the option that best meets your needs.

Sliding doors can also offer a bit more flexibility because they don’t require clearance. Alternatively, if you opt for a hinged door, then you’ll need to be certain that you have adequate clearance on both sides of the door to allow it to open without bumping into furniture.

3. If I choose a double door, will both doors operate?

If you do opt for a double door, then you’ll need to also decide whether you want both doors to be operable, or if you want one to remain stationary.  A stationary door is one that cannot ever be opened. It may be better thought of as a window that mirrors the look of your operable door.

Whether you choose a hinged or sliding door, if you have more that one door, you’ll need to make this decision.

In our humble estimation, we can’t think of a compelling reason to choose a stationary door.

Keep in mind that you can choose to have a passive door in addition to your door that operates. A passive door is affixed to the astragal (the hardware between two doors that seals the gap between them when they are closed). But, a passive door can be opened by unlatching a lock, usually at the top of the door.

Given the practicality of having the option to open both doors (such as if you’re moving large furniture or appliances), we usually recommend that people choose an operable or passive door over a stationary door.

Note that none of these options changes the cost of the door.

4. Can you replace a sliding door with a hinge door, and visa versa? What about replacing a window with a patio door?

If you have the clearance space to allow for a hinged door, it is very easy to exchange a sliding door with a hinged door. The reverse is also true; it is not difficult to swap out a hinged door for a sliding door.

Replacing a window with either type of door usually means making a larger rough opening than what is currently there. Unless your window went down to the floor, this will require opening the sheet rock and adjusting the framing of the studs and plates around where the door will go.

Thus, we would say that it is certainly possible to turn a window into a door, but that it may cost more than just replacing a door with a door due to the increased labor requirement.

5. Is a steel door the strongest patio door?

Many of our customers believe that a steel door is the strongest option there is when it comes to patio doors.

But maybe Superman should have called himself the ‘Man of Fiberglass’, because Fiberglass is actually the most durable option you have for patio doors.

Because of how easily it is dinged and marred, we actually see that steel is the least durable option for a patio door.

6. What color sill/threshold should I get?

This is one of the questions about patio doors that no one thinks about until we call their attention to it.

Typically, customers want the sill, or the piece of the door that you step on when you cross the threshold, to match their handle set and hinges, if applicable. Thus, its important that you know what color sill you want when order your new patio door.

7. Do patio doors have tempered glass?

Yes!

The International Residential Code (IRC) for One- and Two-Family Dwellings is a comprehensive code that compiles all building requirements for residential homes into one convenient code. IRC sets certain building codes that specify where tempered glass should be installed in a home to prevent injury or death.

According to the IRC, “all glass panels in fixed, sliding, swinging, operable, or bifold doors should have tempered glass or laminated glass installed.”

This means that the glass elements of all patio doors, regardless of whether they operate, must be tempered.

So, you don’t need to worry about family members or pets injuring themselves if they accidentally run or fall into the glass by accident. Rest assured that the glass of your patio door will be tempered to prevent serious injury.

8. Do patio doors come in standard sizes?

There are a few ‘standard’ patio door widths for double doors, and these are 60″ or 72″ (5 or 6 feet across, respectively).

However, it’s important to know that, because of the high degree of customization available with patio doors, it’s very likely that the door you order may be different size than the door you’re replacing.

That’s why it’s important to work with an installation team you trust, to ensure that you approve of how they plan to address this difference in size with moulding or siding.

9. How can I protect my privacy through my new patio door?

Patio doors are great for enjoying the view of your yard and letting natural light fill your home. But, patio doors with lots of glass may prevent a challenge when you want some privacy. Luckily, you have an array of options when it comes to getting the privacy you want from your new patio doors.

You can choose from a variety of obscured glass options to prevent others from being able to see into your home. However, this also means that you won’t have a clear view through the door or doors either.

If you want to be able to see out clearly, your best bet might be window coverings or blinds. We’re especially partial to blinds between the glass for patio doors. This option allows you to have a full light door when you want one, but to lower the blinds and create privacy whenever you like. It’s an additional bonus that kids and pets can’t damage the internal blinds.

10. What’s the maintenance like on patio doors?

Patio doors are generally low maintenance, but there are some important things you should do to keep them operating well.

If you have a sliding patio door, you should ensure that the tracks stay clean and clear of debris. Though, if you have an Andersen patio door, you won’t have to worry about this. Their sliding tracks are engineered and raised to prevent debris buildup, which is a definite plus for busy homeowners who want fewer maintenance hassles.

On the other hand, if you have a hinged door, ensure that the hinges stay fixed with periodic tightening.

With any exterior door, you’ll want to monitor the weatherstripping and ensure that you replace it if it shows signs of excess wear (usually every 3-5 years).

And of course, you’ll want to be sure to clean the glass regularly, so that you can really enjoy that spectacular view!

Summary

You want to work with pros you can trust to answer all your questions about patio doors.

Let us know when you start looking to update your patio doors.

Fill out the form below so that we can measure your space and talk about your options. We can’t wait to help you find the patio doors you’ll love!