If you’re living in a home built in the last century that still has its original patio door, you may have experienced some frustration with its operation. Over time, older patio doors become difficult to open and close, or they may come off their track easily. We’ve seen some San Diego homeowners who have simply stopped using their patio doors altogether because they just don’t want to have to deal with difficult-to-operate sliding doors.
BM Windows is here to tell you that sliding patio doors have come a long way! A quality patio door will now last you a lifetime, with only a minimal amount of care and maintenance. The key is to purchase a quality product with excellent construction, made from good materials. The vinyl patio doors we sell at BM Windows definitely fit into this category. They operate on a one-piece stainless steel track. The frames are made from energy-efficient, high-quality vinyl and have fusion-welded corners for added strength. Even the screens that come with the patio doors we sell are durable and made to last.
Patio Door Options for San Diego Homes
Many homes in San Diego were built with two-panel sliding doors, where one glass panel is stationary (fixed) and one panel is operable. You’ll often find these types of doors leading out to a patio or balcony. At our San Diego replacement window and door company, we find ourselves replacing older two-panel sliding doors with newer ones all the time, but this isn’t your only option.
If you have a large span of wall leading out to your patio or balcony, you could opt for a three- or even four-panel sliding door. There are a few things to consider with each option.
If you decide to go with a standard two-panel sliding door, you need to decide which panel you want to be the operable one. Consider things like the typical flow of traffic in and out of your home, as well as the ideal placement of your indoor and outdoor furniture. Or maybe you want the operable door to be the one that is closest to your outdoor grill.
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With a three-panel sliding door, you also have the option of choosing which panel is the operable one. It can be the right, left, or middle panel. With four-panel sliders, it is typically the two center panels that are operable.
If you are trying to decide between a three-panel door and a four-panel door, here are a couple of things to consider. With three-panel doors, you can only have an opening the width of one panel, whereas with four-panel doors, you can have an opening that is twice the size. If you like a ton of fresh air or a large open space for moving in and out of your house, a four-panel door is the way to go. However, if you appreciate a less obstructed view of the outdoors, a three-panel door may be the best option for you, since three-panel doors have one less post to block your view. You could fill the same space with three large glass door panels, or four smaller panels. It’s really up to you and your personal preference. If you need help deciding, one of our knowledgeable and helpful team members can assist you.
Energy Efficiency Concerns with Large Sliding Glass Doors
If you’re someone who is concerned about the energy efficiency of your home and have been hesitant to install large glass patio doors because of this, you should know that today’s sliding patio doors are extremely energy efficient. All of the patio doors we sell exceed ENERGY STAR standards, and you can upgrade them to make them even more energy efficient. For example, Anlin, our preferred manufacturer of patio doors, offers a special high-performance glass called SunShield. It provides maximum solar protection against extreme temperatures and blocks 98% of UV rays. This is a great option for homes in the inland areas of San Diego County that see hot temperatures in the summer months.
Proper Installation of Patio Doors Is Key
We would be remiss if we didn’t point out the importance of professional installation when it comes to sliding patio doors. When you purchase a new patio door—of whatever size—you want it to be installed by people who are experienced. At BM Windows, we only used highly trained and experienced patio door installers. We never subcontract out this job, like other companies sometimes do.
Improper installation can result in patio doors that leak when it rains (or when you hose off your patio), and in patio doors that are not as energy efficient as they could be. Don’t make the mistake of spending good money on high-quality patio doors, only to have them installed by unqualified individuals. If you want to see the energy savings and have your doors perform as they should for many years to come, make sure they are installed by professionals!
Contact BM Windows for a Quote on Patio Doors in San Diego
At BM Windows, we’ve been selling and installing high-quality, energy-efficient patio doors in San Diego for many years. We are experienced, professional, and can answer any questions you have about the various products on the market. Contact us today to schedule your free, in-home consultation.