Guide: What to Consider When Buying Patio Doors
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Patio doors are a significant investment that impacts the aesthetics, security, energy efficiency, and functionality of your home. Choosing the right one requires careful consideration of various factors, including material, design, security, insulation, and cost.
What Are the Different Types of Patio Doors?
There are several styles of patio doors to choose from, each with its own advantages:
- Sliding Doors – These doors glide along a track and are ideal for saving space. They provide a wide, unobstructed view of the outdoors and allow plenty of natural light. Available in uPVC and aluminium.
- French Doors – A classic choice, these doors swing open and create an elegant entrance. They are available in both open in and open out configurations, to make our doors the perfect fit for your home. Available in uPVC and aluminium.
- Bifold Doors – Consist of multiple panels that fold neatly to one side, providing a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. Available in aluminium only.
- Slide and Stack Doors (Quick-Glide) – A perfect combination of sliding patio doors and bifolds with independently moving panels. Available in aluminium only.
How Do I Choose a Door Style?
Choosing the perfect door style for your home can be a difficult task, with plenty of style, material, and functionality options to choose from. It’s a good idea to take a look at your available space, as different styles of doors can vastly change how you use your space. For example, bifold doors operate in a concertina style, meaning the door panels require plenty of room to move and fold. Our new Quick-Glide door system has panels that slide and fold independently, creating a versatile opening without taking up too much space.
What Is the Most Durable Material for a Patio Door?
Durability is a crucial factor in selecting a patio door. Here are some of the most common materials and their benefits. Each material has its benefits. We manufacture both uPVC and aluminium patio doors, so you can make a choice that suits both your style and price range.
- uPVC – Affordable, low maintenance, and resistant to moisture and warping. uPVC is ideal for both modern and traditional homes with a range of finishes and styles available.
- Aluminium – Extremely durable, resistant to rust, and offers a sleek, modern appearance. Aluminium adds a modern touch to any property, with sleek frames and a refined range of colours.
- Wood – An elegant choice, though it requires regular maintenance to prevent rot and warping. With woodgrain foils on uPVC, we can replicate the authentic timber look while maintaining modern performance standards.
What Type of Patio Door Is Most Secure?
When searching for new patio doors for your home, one of the key questions you’ll likely ask yourself is, “Are patio doors secure?” Keeping your home safe and secure is a top priority, and choosing the right patio doors plays a crucial role in achieving that peace of mind. At Quickslide, we prioritise security in every aspect of our doors, incorporating advanced features designed to protect your property. From high-quality locking mechanisms to durable materials and innovative security enhancements, our patio doors are built to offer both style and protection. Explore some of the key features that contribute to the overall security of our patio doors:
- Multi-point locking systems – These provide multiple locking points along the frame for increased security.
- Laminated or toughened glass – Harder to break than standard glass, reducing the risk of break-ins.
- 3-star cylinders – These cylinders offer exceptional protection against common break-in methods such as snapping, drilling, and picking.
Are Patio Doors Easier to Break Into?
Patio doors can be perceived as a weak point in home security, but modern designs have significantly improved their strength and safety features. Our high-quality patio doors are manufactured with toughened glass, making them much harder to break.
The security of our patio doors is further assured by multi point lock mechanisms on the main opening panels. We also offer a PAS 24 security upgrade package to meet the substantial standards set out by building regulations.
What Is the Best Patio Door for Insulation?
Energy efficiency is key to maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy costs. Lots of homeowners are looking for the most efficient patio door for their property. The best patio door features for insulation include:
- Double or triple-glazed doors – These provide excellent thermal efficiency and reduce heat loss.
- Low-E glass – Coated to reflect heat, keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
- Weatherstripping and brush seals – Prevent drafts and improve overall insulation.
What Is the Most Maintenance-Free Patio Door?
For homeowners who prefer minimal upkeep, the best choices are materials that offer durability and require little maintenance over time. Here are the top options:
uPVC – A highly popular choice due to its low-maintenance nature. uPVC frames require only occasional cleaning with soapy water to keep them looking fresh. Unlike timber or steel, they’re unlikely to rot or rust, making them an excellent long-term investment.
Aluminium – Known for its sleek, modern appearance, aluminium is incredibly durable and resistant to corrosion. It does not warp or expand with temperature changes and typically features a long-lasting powder-coated finish that requires little more than a simple wipe-down to maintain its look.
On the other hand, timber frames, while offering a classic and natural aesthetic, demand more upkeep. They often need repainting or re-staining as they age, and if not properly maintained, they can be vulnerable to rot, swelling, and warping over time. For those who appreciate the appearance of timber but want lower maintenance, choose uPVC with a woodgrain finish.
How Much Should I Pay for a Patio Door?
The cost of patio doors varies depending on the type, material, and additional features.
As each project is different and every property has different dimensions, it’s difficult to give an exact figure without knowing your specifications and requirements. Our competitive prices are aligned to the specifications of your property and the design that you choose. We have an online design tool so that you can play around with some styles and request a quote.
What Is the Life Expectancy of a Patio Door?
The lifespan of a patio door depends on the material and maintenance:
- uPVC – 20-30 years
- Aluminium – 30-40 years
- Wood – 15-25 years (with proper maintenance)
Regular cleaning, lubrication of moving parts, and timely repairs can help extend the life of your patio door.
What Type of Door Is Best for a Patio?
The best type of patio door depends on your specific needs:
- For small spaces – Sliding doors are ideal as they do not require extra room to open.
- For traditional aesthetics – French doors provide a classic look and feel.
- For large openings – Bi-fold doors allow for maximum opening space.
Our new Quick-Glide door system is the ideal choice for almost any space. With your choice between two and up to five panels, this innovative system can be manufactured to meet your requirements.
By considering factors such as security, insulation, durability, maintenance, and budget, you can choose the perfect patio door for your home. Whether you opt for a practical sliding door or a luxurious bi-fold system, investing in a high-quality patio door is an easy way to enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of your living space.
You May Also Be Interested In:
- uPVC Sliding Patio Door Installation Guide
- When To Replace Patio Doors?
- French Doors, Bifolding Doors, or Sliding Patio Doors – Which to Choose When?
- How To Fit A Bifolding Door – A Step by Step Guide
- Bifold Doors vs. Slide and Stack Doors: Which Is Right for You?
Their knowledge and expertise have been honed by working closely with the rest of Quickslide’s extensive team of professional manufacturers, letting them learn the ins and outs from direct sources. Their B2B experience is further enhanced by Quickslide’s long list of trade partners, offering additional insight into the manufacturing and installation process of sash windows, bifolds, flush windows, patio doors, and more.
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Please note, our news articles are relevant and accurate at the time of release, but as technical developments dictate, and times goes by the information in this article may no longer be applicable. If you have questions, please contact us using our online contact form or call us on 03332 412 240.