Patio doors are a great way to add natural light, fresh air, and a sense of exploration to your home. However, it’s important to consider the aesthetics and mechanisms of these doors to maximize their benefits.
Look for features such as laminated glass built directly into the door construction, which provides critical delay time against forced entry and dampens outside noise. Also consider insulated glass for improved energy efficiency.
Sliding Doors
Bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor living with a sleek and stylish sliding door that’s easy to operate. Available in vinyl, wood-clad, and thermally-broken aluminum, this favored door style fits any aesthetic. And thanks to the strength of Renewal by Andersen’s Fibrex frame material, these doors are designed to outlast and outperform the harsh weather conditions in Southern Louisiana. They’re also among the most energy-efficient patio doors on the market thanks to a combination of features, including double internal/external weatherstripping, compression bulb seals, closed-cell foam gaskets, and a 1’’ thick insulated glass unit with warm-edge spacer system. Get a free estimate on these beautiful black patio doors today!
Bifold Doors
Unlike sliding doors, which stack to one side and block at least part of the opening when open, bifold patio doors fold back on themselves for a fully unobstructed view. These doors are ideal for homeowners and businesses that want to seamlessly transition their indoor and outdoor spaces for entertaining guests or serving customers.
They can be crafted from wood, aluminum, or uPVC to match the aesthetic of your home or business, providing an elegant look that will increase your property’s value. Compared to traditional swinging doors, they offer more natural light and a sense of continuity between rooms.
To prevent intruders from easily breaking into your home or business, choose doors with a durable frame, strong locking points, and robust hinges. Invest in multi-point locks with steel internal reinforcements, or opt for thermally broken aluminum frames that resist bending and prying. You can also add interior thumbturn locks for quick locking from inside. This will help to protect your property, employees, and customers from intruders and keep your premises secure.
French Doors
French doors create a gateway between the outdoors and the inside of your home. They are hinged on one side and swing open and closed like a window. Also known as double patio doors, these options are often used as an entry to a patio, balcony or deck. They are popular among homeowners who want a classic design scheme that allows for ample natural light.
To enhance your doors’ aesthetics, choose from a variety of hardware finishes and grille profiles. Traditional aesthetics benefit from brass or bronze hardware, while modern styles are complemented by sleek chrome finishes.
For enhanced security, opt for multipoint locking systems on the operating door panel and keyed locks on the inactive door panel. These locking systems engage multiple steel latches at the head, sill, and jamb for a robust barrier against forced entries. Similarly, consider a thermally broken frame with internal metal reinforcements that prevent the door from being bent or broken.
Laminated Glass
For the ultimate in patio door security, opt for frames with internal steel reinforcements that bolster the frame against prying and bending. These reinforcements can be added to a variety of metal framings, including vinyl and fiberglass, without altering the exterior appearance. These strong frames can prevent forced entry and withstand extreme force, such as a gunshot or explosion.
Laminated glass is created by bonding a PVB interlayer between two panes of glass under heat and pressure, producing compact glass that holds in place rather than shatters. It is more expensive than standard or tempered glass, but it is specially manufactured for bolstering security and preventing forced entry.
Moreover, laminate glass offers near-impenetrable filter against UV rays that cause fading in interior furniture and paint. This is a great choice for homes in sunny locations where air conditioning needs to be run often. Laminated glass can also help reduce noise pollution by blocking out disruptive sound waves.