on August 06, 2016 at 8:00 AM, updated "Because the patio door is a focal point for indoor/outdoor living, potential buyers will be drawn to it." Maybe we shouldn't call them "patio" doors anymore. Today's modern patio doors open not only to small outdoor living spaces such as concrete slabs, bricks, pavers and flagstones, but pretty courtyards, multi-tiered decks, romantic balconies and outdoor kitchens to die for. "Customers are looking for ways to connect their outdoor living area with the inside of their homes," said Jon Phelps, spokesman for Andersen Windows. "This is pushing patio doors beyond their traditional definition to much larger openings. This new evolution of the patio door can span 45 feet or more and reach heights up to 16 feet. It's truly opening up an entire wall of your home to the outside. "Andersen provides a full complement of patio doors from standard sizes all the way to the extreme 'Big Door' category. As we went bigger with our doors, we kept that same level of energy efficiency, durability and ease of use that you have come to expect from Andersen," Phelps added.
Large expanses of glass allow more natural light into a home and help us connect with nature in a relaxing, soothing way without unwelcome intrusions of stinging insects and noise. (Screen options are better than ever.) Energy efficiency and security are of utmost importance, of course. But with doors of any size, most people (including homebuyers) see appearance first. Window and door manufacturer JELD-WEN describes three basic types of patio doors: Sliding/gliding - two or more individual panels at least one of which slides back and forth on hidden rollers; can be combined with fixed panels to create broad expanses of glass; panels slide parallel to wall so there is no interference with furniture, etc. swinging/hinged -- two kinds: the first kind are center hung, hinged on either side of a central mullion and open like butterfly wings; the second kind (French doors), are hinged at the side jambs so door panels meet when closed and a clear area results when open.
folding -think of an accordion with each section (from two to eight) sliding on an overhead track and folding away; can open from the right, left or center. Folding patio doors are getting the most ohhhs and ahhhs this year from homeowners, even if they aren't always selecting the style for their new or replacement patio doors. These doors just look extravagant and add a special class to a home's appearance. Patio doors are available in vinyl, wood, fiberglass, steel, aluminum and clad-wood (metal on wood). The choice depends on budget, house style and how rough a family is on a patio door. "Unlike windows, patio doors are operated almost every day and provide an all important link to your outdoor activities," said Phelps. "Because of this heavy traffic, it's crucial that a homeowner do his or her homework and look beyond price to performance, warranty and the strength of the company standing behind the product. Andersen patio doors are not always the cheapest, but you can be confident that our product will perform and provide piece of mind."
A patio door is not as inexpensive as a gallon or two of wall paint when a homeowner is thinking of ways to improve a house going on the market. But if you have ever seen the faces of potential buyers who are being shown a house when the real estate agent has to tug, pull, twist and break into a sweat trying to open and close the patio doors, you'll agree a new door may be on the fix-it list. Phelps also believes "without a doubt" that an attractive, well-functioning door can contribute to the re-sale of a house. "Because the patio door is a focal point for indoor/outdoor living, potential buyers will be drawn to it. Make sure the door you are putting in elevates the outdoor living experience. It needs to perform well, look great and operate flawlessly. Combine those criteria with a recognized brand name and you have a strong case when it comes time to sell," he said. Check out these patio door ideas: * JELD-WEN's Siteline wood and clad-wood patio doors meet 2016 ENERGY STAR 6 requirements.
Siteline doors (and windows) come standard with pine AuraLast wood that offers a lifetime limited warranty against wood decay and termite damage. The doors also offer standard Lo-E3-366 glass, that blocks infrared rays and Neat Glass, which uses sun's UV rays to loosen dirt from the glass, helping rainwater clean the surface. * This past March, Anderson Corp. introduced its VeriLock technology to its 400 Series, the company's most popular line of doors and windows. (Previously it had been available only on a few other company series.) Not only can the smart home technology tell a homeowner if a door is open, but if it is locked. The technology can also be retrofitted for homeowners who already have the 400 series products. * "Our new door, INOVO Patio Door by Simonton, is designed to minimize operating force by making it easier to open and close," said Ryan Brown, Simonton Product Manager, adding that vinyl doors are very cost effective and easy to maintain. "The monorail track system for the door allows for this, and will not accumulate dirt and water like traditional patio doors will do in the sill at the bottom.
JD Hostetter and Associates is here to help you navigate the maze of options that are available from the many fine manufacturers showcased below. The Andersen® brand is the most recognized and most used brand in the window and patio door industry. You might want to check out Andersen’s 100 series as an alternative to traditional vinyl windows. They are made with Fibrex® material that behaves more like wood, and typically has a thinner profile, allowing for more glass surface area than vinyl. Each Marvin window project is made to order, one at a time to your specifications. Tired of cleaning mini blinds? Encompass by Pella solves that problem with blinds-between-the glass. The blinds are not only protected from dust, but from damage as well. They are permanently sealed between insulated energy-efficient glass. Make your life easier and more energy efficient by making the switch to Pella. One of the reasons JD Hostetter and Associates recommends American Window is because the American Windows manufacturing plant is located right here in our home state of Indiana.
American Window maintains only a 5 day lead time for their manufactured vinyl windows without sacrificing quality or affordability. For homeowners that are looking for high-end looks and style, but at a price point that doesn’t break the budget, JELD-WEN just could be the right choice for your window replacement project. JELD-WEN’s new wood and clad-wood window and patio doors product Siteline® is treated with JELD-WEN’s proprietary AuraLast® providing water-based wood protection process that delivers virtually 100 percent surface-to-core protection. American Windows-an Indiana Company Marvin Windows and Doors claims 40 U.S. Patents Anderson® Windows is the most used and recognized in the Industry. JELD-WEN Has Affordable yet Stylish Windows and Doors Marvin Windows has many customization options. One of Marvin Windows strengths is the fact that they have 40 U.S. patents to their name. They have proprietary designs that might appeal to your needs over other manufacturers.