Patio doors continue to be an aesthetic, eye-catching feature for home buyers.  Not only do they require no interior space to open and close, but their glass allows more natural light into a home.  They make a perfect addition to any living space and work to bring the outdoors inside.  Durable, secure, and design-friendly, patio doors are in.

Types of Patio Doors

Essentially, there are two main types of patio doors: Sliding and French.  Sliding glass patio doors tend to operate with one fixed door while the other slides. French doors, on the other hand, are hinged doors that swing open and closed.

Sliding Glass Patio Doors

Sliding glass patio doors are known for their sleek design and ease of operation.  One of the best things about them is their glass panels, which are both easy to clean and allow in a lot of natural light.  This can save a homeowner time on upkeep and maintenance while also lowering energy bills.  The more natural light enters a home, the less a home needs to rely on electricity for lighting.

Sliding patio doors add a sense of modern design and aesthetic appeal.  Their multi-point locking systems and heavy frames also make them a great choice for security and protection,  ensuring contemporary design doesn’t need to come with reduced functionality. In addition to a multi-point locking system for security, SoftLite’s Kingsroyal Glide sliding glass door features foam-filled frames, rails, and stiles for improved energy efficiency; metal reinforcement within all vertical sash stiles for extra strength and durability; triple-fin weatherstripping to minimize drafts, dust, pollen, and mold from entering the home; and heavy-duty ball-bearing rollers for reliable, smooth operation.

French Patio Doors

French patio doors are hinged, and come in a wide variety of styles and designs.  They can also come with more than two doors, meaning you can stack them next to one another in order to fit the opening of your patio.  Much like Sliding patio doors, French doors tend to feature large glass panels to let sunlight in.  They may come with divided lines or internal blinds, and typically open with handles that match the trim.

French doors may also come with a second storm door on the outside, to provide increased insulation and protection against weather.  French doors come with a sturdy, dead-bolt locking system, ensuring home security as well.

Patio Door Materials

Ultimately, patio doors can come in just as many materials as front entry doors.  At SoftLite, you can match your patio door with the most energy-efficient and durable windows on the market.

Vinyl Patio Doors

Vinyl is a strong, energy-efficient material.  It matches up well against severe weather changes, and won’t fade or warp, making it one of the best material options.  Vinyl patio doors are incredibly customizable, easy to paint, and can come with custom wood finishes to match the design of your home.  Softlite’s Kingsroyal Glide sliding glass doors are made of vinyl and are available in a wide variety of interior and wood grain colors as well as an unlimited number of exterior colors to complement a home’s color scheme.

Fiberglass Patio Doors

Fiberglass is lightweight and weather resistant.  Fiberglass absorbs heat and electricity, minimizing the amount of hot air that enters the home.  This helps protect a home against uncomfortable temperatures, as these doors can ultimately reduce heat conduction as well. Fiberglass doors are easy to maintain and clean, and provide a sleek, contemporary compliment to any type of patio door.

Steel Patio Doors

Steel patio doors are strong and durable.  They provide decent security and are much easier to maintain than wood.  They won’t bow or warp when exposed to extreme heat or cold, and provide good insulation as well.  This can ultimately help maintain internal temperatures for a home, keeping energy bills low in the summer.

Product Spotlight:

SoftLite’s Panorama Sliding Glass door is the perfect blend of aesthetics and functionality.  It comes complete with a comfort grip handle, superior locking system, Ultra-Smart weatherstripping, and Solar Low-E laminated glass.  This sliding glass door is 100% Virgin Vinyl, ensuring energy efficiency and durability as well. In addition, the large, beautiful glass panels in these doors passed impact testing with flying colors and is a perfect patio door for coastal regions.

A Trusted Patio Door Dealership

Whether you’re looking to improve your existing patio doors, or replace them entirely, SoftLite Windows and Doors offer a variety of products guaranteed to exceed industry standards. For over 80 years, homeowners have relied on SoftLite’s ability to manufacture the most reliable, durable, and high-performing products on the market.  We utilize Low-E glass, ensure industry-leading insulation, and offer a multitude of ENERGY STAR-qualified window styles. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of installing our stylish, aesthetic, and efficient patio doors, contact a dealer near you.