How to save money and improve my home.

A Simple Guide on Sliding Patio Doors

A sliding patio door is a door that has one part fixed and another half that slides to open over the fixed one. It is a great way to get natural lighting into your home while giving you easy access to the pool area, back yard, deck, or porch. When picking your sliding patio doors, there will be many options from which to consider. The size of the wall area and the amount of natural light you want in your home will determine which size is the best fit for you. The width will vary depending on whether you have a two or three-panel configuration.

The Cost of Installing a Sliding Patio Door

The cost of patio doors depends on various factors. For instance, it will depend on the size of the door, the materials used, and the cost of labour. In the UK, this comes to about £1600 to £3000. It may be slightly lower or higher than that depending on various other factors.

Measuring for a Sliding Patio Door

If you are planning to get a new patio door, the most important aspect is to get the measurements right. The standard patio door is 6 feet 8 inches tall and 6 to 12 feet in width. To get the measurements right, you have to remove the wood trim. Take the height measurement by using one top corner to the bottom corner, and the same corner to the corner to get the width. For width, take measures at three different heights and submit these figures. Ensure that you take the measurements from inside for better accuracy.

Materials

There are various materials used to make patio doors. One of the cheapest options for the frames is vinyl. However, it is also easy to install. However, it can warp in the summer heat and forms a poor air seal. Wood is a great material since it has excellent insulation. Besides that, the appearance is attractive, and it is known to have a long life if maintained well. However, it is not cheap. Fiberglass is another option, which comes in many styles and design options. The best part about it is that it can be stained or painted. However, it is not durable and will crack with time.
A good material to use is steel. Maintenance is easy and it will last for years. However, in case it is dented, fixing the dent can be a challenge. Besides that, it is susceptible to rust with time, especially if you live close to the ocean.

Always Hire a Pro

When installing a patio door, do not attempt to do a DIY installation. It is important to get the pros involved to ensure that everything goes according to plan. If you do it at home, you might leave major air leaks, which could increase the cost of your energy consumption. Besides that, it might not fit perfectly, causing it to be bent out of shape and giving a hard time to close.

Summary

In general, sliding patio doors are a great option for any home. However, you also need to think of getting the right locks. There are advanced locks, which can help to improve the security of your home.