Impact or Non-Impact
Patio DoorsAlso known as single french doors or swing doors.
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All Need to Know about
Patio Doors
Patio Doors are a must have in Florida. When you think Patio doors or swing doors, it helps to imaging the french door. This is because they are very similar products. The main difference between the french door and a patio or swing door is the amount of doors. A French door is typically 2 doors that open inward or outward, whereas the patio door term is most commonly used to describe one single piece of a french door.
Tyically, a patio door would be used in a cabana, or pool bathroom. This is because the doors are structural strong and create weather consicous protection. The impact glass door is used for high wind load areas to meet hurricane protection codes and keep your home safe.
It’s important to consider whether to buy impact or non-impact and vinyl or aluminum frames. Patio doors are only as good as the materials you choose.
Benefits & Features of
Patio Doors (Swing Doors)
Patio doors, also known as swing doors or single french doors, are among the top picks for homeowners due to their low maintenance, small size, and ease of operation. One of the major benefits of using patio doors versus sliding glass doors is that they take up less wall space in your home. Some people prefer them due to how much more affordable a patio door is versus a sliding glass door and some will argue they are safer and more reliable than a sliding glass door. Patio doors are also easier to repair as they age. They are an excellent choice for a cabana bathroom, or pool bathroom, to allow pool guests or backyard guests to easily access the restroom without tracking outside messes into your home.
These doors are versatile and there are many available combinations when it comes to style, trim, shape and finishing options.
Hover over the image above to view the functionality of a standard patio door.
Upgrading to the best
Impact Patio Door
Impact patio doors are built to withstand harsh environmental conditions. These may include high strong winds, hurricanes or the blazing high temperatures in South Florida. Window companies are familiar with the homeowners’ need for security and thus the production of impact patio door has provided incredible security features. An ideal impact patio door, impact swing door, should have the following qualities but not limited to; thick durable frames, high sill which prevents water intrusion, and PVB or SGP inner layers. It is key to remember that impact does not mean that the window can’t break, it just means that unlike non-impact doors that shatter glass all over, a patio impact door contains the glass inside of a laminate where little to no glass can shatter to the surrounding area causing injury. Patio impact doors in South Florida are ideal because when a nasty storm (maybe a tropical storm or depression) is on its way, you no longer need to stress about shutters. When considering replacement windows, impact patio doors are a great investment for many years to come.
Affordability & Customization
Non-Impact Patio Doors
Non-impact patio doors share some of the many options of the impact patio doors. They are engineered to meet the building code requirements where impact patio doors are not needed, however in impact areas, shutters are often required to meet code. Non-impact patio doors offer options for full protection from ultraviolet light, are low maintenance and have annealed glass coverings. The appearance and the affordability often attract homeowners to non-impact patio doors. They are engineered to meet or exceed demanding energy-saving requirements. The non-impact patio doors are also crafted with non-corrosive hardware like the impact patio doors. While non-impact patio doors are affordable, it is important to note that if you do not have shutters, the cost of replacement doors and shutters can often times be more expensive then the impact patio doors. For more information before making your decision, call our professionals at 772-781-2383.
More About Vinyl or Aluminum Frames
Vinyl Patio Doors
As the name suggests, vinyl patio doors are made of what is commonly known as vinyl or uPVC material. Vinyl patio doors offer good durability and stand up to the test of time. The maintenance of this type of window is very low and their cost in the market is averagely lower than that of aluminum patio doors. The vinyl frames have an approximate lifespan of about 50 years before they need be replaced. Vinyl patio doors also offer good thermal resistance and the frames often carry a lifetime warranty. Ask to read, review and be sure to understand how your warranty works when purchasing your new doors.
Aluminum Patio Doors
Modern aluminum patio door frames are generally separated by a thermal break which is a glass fiber that is reinforced with polyamide. This thermal insulation ensemble significantly increases thermal resistance while conserving structural strength. The durability of an aluminum patio door is above average with very low maintenance and upfront costs. In addition, an aluminum impact patio door is said to have the most resilience against the storms of South Florida. The drawback to purchasing aluminum over vinyl framed doors is that the aluminum patio doors offer limited warranties versus the lifetime limited warranty of the vinyl frames. It is highly recommended that homeowners read, review and understand the warranty on all the windows we offer at GBW Windows.
For Swing Doors
Optional Features Available
There are many features available to customize a patio door (swing door). Customize the glass tinting, configurations and shapes, contouring, sizes, frame colors for both inside and outside, glass finishes, and glass colors.
Supply & Installation Of Windows and Doors
General Information & Service Areas
772-781-2383
Frame Colors
Contouring & Grid Styles
Glass Colors
