PART 1: ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND PATIO DOORS

Energy efficiency is affected by several factors in your home. For the most part, however, it has to do with keeping indoor temperatures as stable as possible. Stable temperatures mean being able to keep heating and cooling needs level, which prevents your HVAC system from working overtime and consuming too much energy. This is how an energy-efficient home generally saves on electricity.

HOW DOES A PATIO DOOR FIGURE IN ALL THIS?

Like any opening in your home, a patio door can allow air to seep into or escape out of your home. There’s no helping the amount of air leakage while the door is in use, but we can maximize its energy efficiency when closed, by: 1) creating an airtight seal that prevents as much air leakage as possible; and 2) by limiting the amount of heat from the sun that penetrates through the glass.

WHAT MAKES A PATIO DOOR ENERGY-EFFICIENT?

Think of a patio door as an oversized window. Like windows, patio doors harness energy efficiency through the sum of their parts – from the type of frame used to the kind of glass installed, each part of a patio door contributes to achieving energy efficiency. This is why it’s really important to pay attention to the kind of patio door you’re getting. Check for efficiency ratings, including U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient, and air leakage. The lower the numbers, the better the expected performance.

PART 1: ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND PATIO DOORS

A QUICK NOTE

Your patio door is just one opening that factors in on the overall energy efficiency of your home. To make the most out of an energy-efficient patio door, the rest of your home must be airtight as well. This means your windows and other doors must also sufficiently protect you from air leaks and unnecessary heat transfer, so you can enjoy real energy efficiency.

DID YOU KNOW?

Americans spend about $150 a month for electricity alone. An energy-efficient home can save you an average of $37.50 each month, or $450 a year.

PART 2: ADD HOME VALUE WITH A PATIO DOOR

Having a patio can add value to any home. By making sure that you select a patio door that fits in perfectly with the rest of your home can help bump up the value of your property, making it highly attractive if you’re looking to sell. But even when you’re not putting your house on the market, investing in an attractive and energy-efficient patio door is a great way to easily add value – whether monetary or simply aesthetic – to your property. It may be just a door, but even a humble door can be advantageous when done right.

HOW A PATIO DOOR WORKS TO ADD VALUE

Patio doors can harness natural light, thereby providing your home with non-artificial light and opening up the space you have created. The character that patio doors bring to the space can add to your home’s overall appeal. Because they connect indoor spaces with the outdoors, patio doors are expected to seamlessly facilitate day-to-day movement, often connecting areas in the home dedicated to lounging and relaxation.

If your entry door is expected to create a lasting first impression of your home (it is, after all, one of the first things visitors see), then your patio door should further reinforce the general vibe of your abode, adding a distinctive character to the particular space it occupies. Is it a sight to behold or does it stick out like a sore thumb? You certainly don’t want anything that is incongruent with your home design, so picking out the one that fits both your aesthetic and practical needs is essential.

PART 2: ADD HOME VALUE WITH A PATIO DOOR

GET THE BEST PATIO DOOR FOR BEST VALUE

Every patio door has the potential to be the best choice for you. It’s just a matter of determining how much space you have available, and how you intend to use your patio area. Take French doors, for instance. They’re definitely stunning, beautiful additions to every home, but will they suit your purposes and available space the best?

Say you’re low on space around the doorway. Traditional French doors – which swing out or swing in – may not be the ideal doors to use, because they’re bound to eat up additional space that you can ill-afford to spare. Consider, instead, sliding French doors. Note, however, that the sliding option may require more wall space and a bigger opening.

Aside from considering a different method of operation, note too that patio doors can come in an array of finishes, and may feature various accessories. Do take the time and make the effort to pick out designs that will complement your home best.

PART 3: MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR PATIO DOORS

Patio doors come in a range of prices, to meet whatever budget you might have. Regardless of how much you spent, though, you’re going to want to make the most out of your investment. To do so, choosing the right patio door is key.

WHAT TO CHOOSE

Consider the following when choosing a patio door:

STYLES

Patio doors come in a range of styles mainly differentiated by the way they operate. The most popular options are in-swing/out-swing French doors, sliding, and folding patio doors. Choose based on the amount of space available around your doorway. If you have more space leading into your patio, out-swing French doors will work just fine. More space leading into your house? Go with an in-swing. Sliding and folding doors are best when you have limited space considerations.

MATERIALS

You should choose a patio door material based on what matters to you the most. If you’re looking for strength and affordability, for instance, steel patio doors are worth considering. If you want something easy to maintain, wood clad, aluminum, vinyl and fiberglass patio doors will be right up your alley. If you’re keen on aesthetics, wood patio doors will feature some of the most beautiful finishes you’ll ever see. For optimum energy efficiency, go with fiberglass, vinyl, wood, and wood patio doors.

PART 3: MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR PATIO DOORS

SIZE

As a patio door connects indoor and outdoor spaces, you want the transition to be as seamless as possible. This is why wide patio doors make sense. The wider the doorway, the more convenient it makes things. How wide you can go will be affected by how much space is available to you so just opt for the widest door opening possible. Sliding doors are best for this purpose.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Contractors now have visualizers to help you imagine what your dream patio door would look like once installed. Mix and match styles with finishes and accessories to find out what your preferences are, and preview the patio door as it would look right in your home.

RENEWAL BY ANDERSENOF SACRAMENTO

11290 TRADE CENTER DRIVE SUITE BRANCHO CORDOVA, CA 95742 USA

(916) 389-2000

RBASACRAMENTO.COM