A new set of patio doors can improve your home in many ways, from opening up your home to your outdoor living spaces to improving your home’s energy efficiency. We understand that not everyone is well-versed about patio doors, so in today’s post, we answer frequently asked questions about them.
How Many Kinds of Patio Doors Are There?
There are two patio door styles: hinged doors and sliding doors. Hinged doors, also known as French doors, feature two sashes that meet in the middle when closed. Sliding doors feature sashes that slide along frames at the bottom of the frame. Some variations of either style include single-sash hinged doors and accordion-style sliding doors. Combined with different materials, grilles and hardware, you can have virtually any type of patio door that fits your home style.
What Are the Advantages of Hinged Patio Doors?
Hinged patio doors are typically seen in traditional home styles and usually feature Colonial grid-style grilles. When opened, hinged patio doors create a very wide opening that creates an open and inviting look. They can also work as a service door when moving large furniture. It’s important to note that hinged door sashes need room to swing open, which means you’ll have to plan your furniture placement around it.
What Are the Advantages of Sliding Patio Doors?
Sliding patio doors are associated with contemporary home styles because of their typically clean and sleek design. This patio door style offers two key advantages. First, they save you space as the sashes slide within its tracks, giving you more flexibility with your floor plan. Second is that they allow much bigger patio door sashes because the bottom of the frames carry the weight of the sashes.
Can I Replace My Existing Hinged Patio Door With a Sliding Patio Door (or Vice-Versa)?
The short answer is: yes. However, you must consider the differences between the two styles. For example, switching from hinged to sliding doors would mean reducing the usable door area; going the other way would mean making major changes to your furniture placement.
Roof Masters is your leading provider of siding and door installation services. Give us a call at (301) 230-7663. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Rockville, MD, and the surrounding communities.
