A Guide to Patio Folding Doors
What are Exterior Folding Patio Doors?
Choosing a door to connect your indoor and outdoor spaces is important, because this is the way to increase your living area. When your interior flows seamlessly to the exterior, you add entertainment space, and when you choose a glass door, you also bring in natural light. Patio folding doors are a wonderful option, adding style and practicality as well. Full-length glass doors, these doors are made of panels that fold back onto themselves, somewhat like an accordion, and slide smoothly on a track. You can simply have double folding patio doors, or you can install folding doors that open an entire wall to the outside, greatly improving your home’s function and appeal.
Benefits of Installing These Folding, Sliding Doors
If you have had sliding glass doors in the past, you know that they do not truly open the space. There is always half of the doorway still blocked, even when they are open as far as they will go. With folding patio doors, this is not the case. Instead of half a doorway, you have the option of a wide open space, as though the wall has simply vanished. Aside from the obvious appeal of this seamless indoor/outdoor transition, patio folding doors have additional benefits, as well.
- Folding patio doors can be customized to fit your space. Because they come in a wide variety of styles, finishes, and materials, it’s easy to find doors that complement your home’s aesthetic. They can work beautifully in a modern home, with sleek metal frames, or can have wooden frames, for a more traditional appearance.
- The space-saving design of folding doors is perfect for smaller spaces. French doors need a large space to swing in or out, and sliding doors only open half of their glass area. Folding doors tuck away, so you can make the most of your patio space.
- Opening your folding doors lets in a beautiful breeze. If you want to let fresh air circulate throughout your home, having folding doors is a wonderful way to accomplish this. Especially during warmer seasons, this can help keep your home comfortable without raising your utility bills.
- The energy efficiency of modern folding doors may surprise you. Designed with insulated frames and energy-efficient glass, good-quality folding patio doors can help reduce energy costs, keep your home comfortable, and reduce your carbon footprint.
- Modern folding doors are secure. You won’t have to worry about security, because today’s folding patio doors are made of durable materials and sturdy locking systems to keep your home safe.
Material Options & Design Customization: Aluminum, Vinyl, or Wooden Folding Patio Doors?
The materials and design you choose for your home depend largely on your aesthetic sensibilities. If your home has a modern feel, folding doors with sleek, minimalistic frames and uninterrupted expanses of glass will enhance the look with a sense of airy openness. If the vibe of your home is more traditional or classic, there are a wide variety of wood-grain textures and classic colors to give your home a cozy feeling while embracing modern innovation and flooding the space with natural light. You have a wide range of design options to customize your doors, and you can choose from several different types of material.
- Wooden folding doors have a beautiful, warm, natural authenticity, for timeless appeal.
- Aluminum and metal folding doors work well for modern and industrial designs, and they are very sturdy.
- Vinyl or composite doors are an affordable, practical option that can still meet your aesthetic expectations. Available in many different finishes, textures, and colors, these materials allow for cost-effective customization.
Choosing the Right Folding Door for Your Home: Single or Double Folding Patio Doors?
Aside from choosing the materials to match your home’s design, you will need to determine which folding doors are best for your home, as different homes require different configurations of folding patio doors. A single folding door has two panels, but some folding door configurations can have eight or more panels, to create a very wide opening. There can be one folding door, or doors on both sides of the doorway, some folding to the left and some to the right. When folding doors have more than two panels that fold, they are sometimes called concertina doors. This type of door is perfect for creating a wide opening, blending indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Folding patio doors are complex and require professional installation. The measurements must be extremely accurate, and the doors installed correctly, in order to provide security and keep out the elements. Once installed, folding doors must be regularly cleaned and lubricated, in order to keep them operating smoothly on their tracks. Doing this is easy, though. Just close the door, and clean the visible track with a vacuum, on both the interior and exterior, and follow up by wiping it with a soft cloth and mild household cleaner. If the track is particularly dirty, it can also be cleaned with steel wool. Inspect your door’s hardware and track, lubricating it with silicon based lubricant as needed.
Call J&M Windows & Glass for Folding Doors, Interior or Exterior, and Much More
When you are looking for folding doors for your patio or you need any other types of doors or windows, we can help. For over 40 years, J&M Windows & Glass has been providing quality, reliable services, at reasonable prices, to our customers in San Jose, California. We offer a wide range of glass and mirror services, including new and replacement windows and installation, shower doors and shower door installation, mirrors, skylights, and patio doors. When you work with J&M Windows and Glass, you can expect to work with a friendly, knowledgeable team, providing the highest level of customer service as well as the top products from leading brands. Contact us through our website for more information or to set up a consultation, or visit our showroom to learn more about our products and services.