Cover Glass USA Blog | Frameless Glass Doors

Patio Door Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Patio Doors

Written by Matt Cohen | May 13, 2021 4:00:00 PM

Choosing the right patio doors can either make or break the design and layout of your home. When selecting the right patio doors for your home, it’s crucial to consider your style preferences, the architecture of your home, and your budget. 

 

Glass patio doors have become a popular option in modern homes and commercial properties because of their unique ability to introduce more functionality, style, light, and flexibility to any space. Installing frameless glass patio doors can create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces and enhanced aesthetic appeal. Whether you are considering installing a new patio door or replacing your current sliding door, there are a few things to consider when choosing the best patio doors for your property. 

Types of patio doors 

The first step to buying a patio door is choosing what type of door you want to install. There are traditionally two types of patio doors: hinged and sliding. Both types of patio doors provide different benefits to your home. You’ll want to consider the space available near your patio door to determine which type is right for you. Here’s a quick overview of the types of patio doors

 

Hinged and French Patio Doors

Hinged doors, also known as French patio doors, are a classic patio door option. These doors consist of one or more panels and open by swinging in or out. When selecting your hinged patio door, you can choose from two operable doors, one operable door with one fixed door, or a single operable door for a simplified look. French doors come with their fair share of cons, so it’s important to research your options to see if they’re a good fit for your home. 

Sliding Patio Doors

Homeowners love sliding patio doors for their ease of use, customizable style, and affordability. Since sliding doors don’t swing, you gain more usable space in your room, allowing for furniture to be placed near the door. 

 

Glass doors are becoming an increasingly popular choice for homeowners looking to increase their curb appeal and functionality. Sliding glass doors offer ample natural light, customizable openings, and seamless transitions from indoor to outdoor spaces. Glass doors can either be top-hung or bottom-hung based on your preference and security needs. 

Multi-Slide Patio Doors

Choosing a multi-slide patio door allows homeowners to create expansive panoramic views and an elegant transition from indoor to outdoor spaces. Multi-slide patio doors are an excellent choice for homes with a large deck or patio, as they help create a larger open space. CoverGlass frameless sliding glass systems allow you to design your ideal view by mixing and matching panel configurations that move in different ways, with stacking options available for maximum airflow.

Five things to consider when choosing glass patio doors

 

Security & placement 

As a homeowner, you’ll want to consider the placement of your patio door for security purposes. For example, hinged patio doors typically come with a deadbolt and may make a great option if your patio is near a busy street. Traditional sliding doors can easily pop out of place or shatter when they aren’t adequately protected, creating a very real security threat. For this reason, sliding glass doors with strong lock and alarm systems are imperative for maintaining the security of your home. While these features offer an added layer of protection, the most essential part is to make sure the doors are installed by a professional. 

 

Frameless sliding glass patio doors have a different locking mechanism and may be a better option for a backyard view. Our systems also include a deadbolt that locks both at the top and the bottom of the first panel to the inside of our glazing channel. This allows for a seamless look while maintaining safety. Alternatively, if you prefer “essential entry access” from the outside or a lock for every panel, Cover Glass offers flexible security options. For added security, CoverGlass specially engineered top-hung frameless sliding glass doors cannot be pried or lifted out of alignment, protecting against forced entry and high wind speeds. 

 

Performance & durability

When choosing a patio door, it’s important to know that your investment will endure over time, even in high-traffic areas. Choosing high-quality, durable glass is essential to increasing the longevity of sliding doors. Your system has to be able to withstand the weather and heavy usage, so you’ll want to work with a professional to choose the best sliding glass doors for your property.  

 

Aside from using high-performance glass, you’ll also want to consider which track system is best for your home when installing frameless glass doors. Traditional bottom-hung systems consist of two rollers at the bottom of the door running on a track, with two guides at the top running in a guide channel to keep the door stable and steady in all weather conditions. Because all the door’s weight is concentrated on the two bottom wheels, it requires a considerable amount of force to move, putting the tracks under pressure over time.

 

Cover Glass USA’s top-hung frameless sliding glass door systems provide consistent and optimized performance & durability. Our specially designed top track supports the weight of the panels, while the bottom track only guides the door taking no weight whatsoever. This helps maintain the functionality and fluidity of your sliding glass doors over time. Our glass door system is 5X stronger than regular glass, tested to withstand over 222 mph of wind, so you can rest assured in knowing your home will be protected from the elements at all times. 

 

 

Energy efficiency

While sliding glass doors may seem like a significant investment upfront, they’re actually one of the most cost-efficient options for your residential or commercial property. Installing sliding glass doors can help reduce energy bills and even protect the environment. Because frameless glass lets in more natural light, property owners can rely on sunlight rather than electricity during the daytime to conserve energy

 

Cover Glass energy-efficient patio door systems enhance the efficiency of properties with Low-E technology. Instead of using traditional clear glazing, Cover Glass systems use a spectrally selective coating to reduce the risk of air leakages and maintain consistent temperatures within homes. 

 

Aesthetics

Floor-to-ceiling glass has become a massively popular design trend for high-end homes across the country. This opulent design style allows for unobscured views, abundant natural light, and a futuristic feel that is sure to impress guests. 

 

CoverGlass frameless glass doors take up 1 inch per panel when stacked, creating sleek efficiency whether they’re opened or closed. Because Cover Glass USA systems are mounted directly onto the ceiling, the tracks can be easily concealed, leaving no visible sign of the mounting hardware. This creates a clean aesthetic that fits seamlessly into modern-style homes.

Cost

Cost is always an important factor in home renovations, and homeowners want to get the best possible return on their investment. The cost of a new glass patio door depends on many factors, including the doors’ size, shape, and material. Specific features such as folding doors and the complexity of the installation can also impact the cost. 

 

Here at CoverGlass USA, every job is custom, and we offer free quotes for all of our potential clients so that you can effectively budget for your glass patio doors. 

 

Schedule a Professional Consultation 

Once you’ve selected your patio doors, you’ll likely need professional help to get them installed properly. Many glass patio door manufacturers have expert contractors who are certified to install the specific brand of doors. Here at Cover Glass USA, our professionals are experts at installing frameless glass door systems that are both functional and aesthetically appealing. 

 

For the safety and comfort of our customers, we’re happy to offer virtual consultations and the CoverGlass USA Visualizer app to help you see how your new sliding glass doors will look in your current home layout. 

 

Get the Best Patio Doors For Your Home 

Frameless sliding glass patio doors are a simple yet impactful way to redefine your living experience. Cover Glass USA is an investment in your home’s appeal and overall value, thanks to premium Finnish engineering built into one innovative, intuitive solution. Held in high regard by world-class architects, homebuilders, and real-estate developers -- Cover Glass USA is a status statement of quality craftsmanship and dazzling beauty. 


Give us a call at (866) 233-1862, or request an online consultation to connect with our glass door and window experts to guide you through the best sliding glass door choice for you.