Are All New Jersey & New York Replacement Patio Doors the Same?
Are All New Jersey & New York Replacement Patio Doors the Same?
Replacing patio doors on your New Jersey or New York home can dramatically transform your entrance from the back- or side-yard. While replacement patio doors are significantly different from traditional entry doors, there are a few similarities. For example, most patio doors are constructed with one or more large glass panels and a surrounding frame. The glass and frame materials you choose can increase or decrease insulating qualities of the overall unit.
Not all replacement patio doors are created equal. Here are a few tips from Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey & New York Metro to help you evaluate different home improvement product values.
Larger glass surface areas equals lower insulating properties.Just as the best performing windows in your home are not as energy-efficient as your solid walls, neither are doors with a large expanse of glass. This means high quality weather-stripping, gas between the panes and superior insulating frame material are necessary if you want to control heat loss. Whether your patio door choices slide or swing, you’ll want to ask your Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey and New York Metro agent about ENERGY STAR labeled glass options and National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) scores.
Configurations offer flexibility – It is possible to combine several glass panels to customize a sliding patio door. Three panels, where the center panel is stationary, allow you to open both the left and right panels for entrance or egress. A single movable panel and one stationary panel would give you options for sliding from the left or the right. Other options include side-hinged French styled doors and center-hinged patio doors. If you have unique architectural features or furniture placement requirements that could influence your replacement patio door design, consult with a professional window and door specialist before making final decisions.
Selecting the best framing material for your home – There are many framing materials available today, and most offer some advantages and disadvantages over other types. For example, steel doors provide heightened security where aluminum is lightweight and resists mildew and rot. Wood frames are structurally sound at installation time, but may rot over time and fiberglass frames are suitable for decorative glass, but are typically more expensive than other frame materials.We recommend Fibrex composite material which has all of the positive qualities of wood — it’s strong, durable, customizable and resist warping and shrinking, but it also never develops rot or mildew and, it never needs resurfacing like wood doors. Plus, our patented composite material has fantastic insulating properties, so the energy efficiency-rating of the patio door unit increases, even if you have a large glass viewing area.
Custom features add beauty, functionality and privacy – Because replacement patio doors are custom-built for every home, you can choose the features and elements that best suit your lifestyle. You can add grilles to sliding doors and French-styled, hinged doors, or leave them off. If you choose to order grilles, there are options that include permanently affixed exterior grilles and between-the-glass options that are easier to clean than removable interiors. Interior accessories are paintable and stainable, so you have more color and texture options.
Decorative glass comes in four distinct patterns, should you choose to increase privacy with glazing choices that obscure the view, without totally blocking out natural light. You can also decide whether you want standard insect screens or the TruScene version (available at a nominal cost) that prevent even those tiny, no-see-ums from coming indoors during moderate weather when you want the doors open for a bit of fresh air.
Locks, guards and hardware – While hardware and hinges aren’t typically the first consideration when you’re designing custom-built replacement patio doors, it is important to consider these components. Most people don’t notice the door locks and hinges when they enter a room, but if you choose the wrong colors or textures, they can stick out like a sore thumb. We offer options that will melt into the overall aesthetic in your decorating scheme, or complement your design theme with contrasting tones and shapes. You decide.
Replacement Patio Doors Are Not All the Same: Ask a Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey & New York Metro Patio Door Specialist for More Information
Not all replacement patio doors are the same. You need a superior frame material to design an energy-efficient door unit. And, the colors, accessories and finishes you choose will dramatically influence your indoor, and possibly outdoor, decorating scheme. Need more information about Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey & New York Metro replacement patio doors? Simply fill in the short form on this page or give us a call at (866) 609-5033 and ask for an appointment for an in-home consultation.
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