Understanding Your Goals
There are various reasons to commission a patio door installation or replacement – and the good thing is that you can gain all these advantages all at the same time; you don’t need to give up on one to enjoy another. With the right materials, your patio doors can be geared for:
- Energy efficiency. Patio door frames are available in energy efficient fiberglass, vinyl, or clad-wood options. Similarly, their glazing can be designed to limit unwanted heat transfer. When choosing energy efficient patio door materials, consider:
- U-factor. U-factor measures the rate of heat that passes through the door material. The lower the U-factor, the lower the amount of heat transfer.
- R-value. R-value, on the other hand, measures a material’s ability to insulate. Some people in the industry consider it the inverse of U-factor.
- Low-e glass. Low emissivity glazing features coatings that are designed to mimic your home’s internal temperature. When it’s sunny and you have the AC on, for instance, low e-glass will keep out additional heat.
- Aesthetics. Most patio doors are either swinging or sliding, and each of these types suits some architectural types better than others. For instance, swinging doors are best for rooms with more expansive floor spaces.
Hiring a Professional
Your door remodeler or professional must also be chosen carefully if you want to make the most of your project. Consider these tips:
- Verify their qualifications. Some states require their home improvement professionals to be licensed, while others may only require them to be registered. You can check the Contractor’s License Reference Site to view a potential remodeler’s qualifications.
- Ask for a written proposal. A proposal includes everything integral to the remodeling process – from the start and end dates to preferred payment methods. Make sure you agree to everything stipulated in your door professional’s proposal before you sign on the dotted line.
When you have managed all that, what should you expect next? We’ll find out in part two of this blog series.
