Picking Patio Doors for Your Home

Your home largely relies on its windows and doors to provide both form and function-based characteristics to it. And if you really think about it, your patio doors are an interesting combination of both.

Deciding what type of patio doors your home needs requires a bit more understanding. These factors include the physical material they are made of (aside from the glass) and the mechanics behind how they operate.

The Window Depot of Tampa Bay, Florida, has a trusting, long-term client base in one of the country's more humid, diverse climates. Because of this, their team of professional technicians has pulled together some research behind selecting the best patio doors for your home.

Mechanical Style Differences

Before diving into the physical material your patio doors can be made from, exploring the two mechanical styles of patio doors is a must. A patio door can either slide or swing, and while it might seem to be a relatively simple difference, your living space decides what is best ultimately.

Sliding Doors - Physically, sliding patio doors can operate in two different ways. One is where a door stays stationary while the other slides open, and another is where you have four large patio doors, two of which slide apart from one another. Sliding doors are a more space-conscious option.

Swinging Doors - Swinging doors are built on hinges, allowing you to open them like a traditional door. When having this mechanical style installed, you must consider the positioning of furniture, plants, and other household decor. 

Building Material of Patio Doors

To answer what is most likely your initial question: Yes, patio doors are primarily made of glass, especially here in Florida. However, discussed below is the frame construction. Several materials may work for your home, but if you are a Florida resident, the following two are best suited for its climate.

Fiberglass - Not only is this material low maintenance, but it is also virtually indestructible against Mother Nature, especially the humidity found in Florida. However, do bear in mind that these characteristics, plus the customization available to you, can make this a pricey option.

Vinyl - A more affordable yet comparable option to fiberglass, vinyl is also built to last in nearly all areas of the country. There are minimal setbacks to vinyl, other than it being higher maintenance than fiberglass in some ways, though it boasts equal energy cost savings and versatility in design options.

Your Source for Patio Doors in Florida!

Are you installing new or replacement patio doors on your Florida home? The Window Depot is here to help! Our licensed, certified, and professional team always puts the customer first, offering a selection of the newest patio door styles for the Tampa Bay area.

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