Frequently Asked Questions About Patio Doors

A beautiful, new patio door can do wonders for your home’s aesthetic, but it can also allow you the freedom to use your home to the full. At Fairview Home Improvement we offer high-quality patio doors and our team can help you to find the best style and color for your home. 

If you’re already looking to install a patio enclosure or patio cover for your Cleveland home, then another natural project would be a new patio door to make the most use of your new space. Check out our answers to frequently asked patio cover and enclosure questions if you’re looking for a protected space to pair with your new patio doors, and feel free to get in touch with us if we left anything unanswered here!

What are common patio door options?

Hinged, sliding, and French patio doors are what’s most commonly available for homeowners. These traditional patio door options all have their ideal applications. For instance, French patio doors are best used in a space where there is ample room around the doors, allowing you to fully open both doors and take advantage of outdoor sights, sounds, and refreshing breezes. French patio doors can open either into the home or onto the patio and allow for maximum visibility of kids and pets playing in the yard.

Sliding patio doors are one-dimensional and space-saving by nature, since only one panel moves while the other stays in place. For homeowners with limited space around their patio door, a sliding door could be the best option, allowing for furnishings kept close to the door or storage options for shoes, coats, bags and more.

Center-hinged patio doors are a sort of hybrid between the two above options. They have the modern aesthetic appeal of French doors, but only one panel swings open, like a sliding door. They bridge the gap between wide open spaces and space-saving needs.

How much does patio door replacement cost?

As with any Cleveland home improvement project, costs will vary based on countless factors. Door type, size, style, and customizations play a large role in overall cost. Local labor rates, whether your door frame is also in need of replacement, and if you opt to include a screen door or specialty locking mechanisms in your purchase and installation will also contribute to the price of patio door replacement. If your old door will need to be disposed of, there is typically a fee for installers to carry it away. All in all, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,550 to $6,250, depending on what’s involved. The average cost for patio door installation stands at around $2,500.

How long does it take to install a patio door?

In an ideal situation, with a simple tear out and replace job, experienced Cleveland home improvement specialists can have your new door installed in just a few hours. However, if there are repairs and adjustments needed before the installation, or if weather conditions do not cooperate, the timeline can extend a bit. Regardless, a team of experienced professional installers, like the folks at Fairview Home Improvement, will always respect your time and property and make every effort to finish a job in a timely manner, to your satisfaction and convenience. The old door removed, frame checked for soundness, door assembled and installed, before leaving our installers will ensure that the door functions properly, that everything is square and plumb, and that it looks better than when they arrived.

What are the benefits of installing new patio doors?

Besides allowing you more and better use of your living spaces, how else can a new patio door benefit you and your family? For one, newer doors are outfitted with coatings, specialty insulation, waterproofing and more features to ensure boosted energy efficiency. That, in turn, leads to reduced energy bills and exterior noise, and more comfortable living spaces. Reduced draftiness also means that less allergens and dust get into your home. New patio doors also typically require very little maintenance, while also enhancing your home’s curb appeal.

Can a new patio door affect property value?

Any improvement you make to your home can have a direct impact on your home’s resale value, and new patio doors are no different. Updated patio doors bring a more modern look to your home, but, as discussed, they also offer practical upgrades, like increased energy efficiency. A large patio door can bring in more natural light, which always makes a space feel more inviting–an obvious boon for homesellers. Using space efficiently, like by installing a patio door, can help buyers to visualize themselves living in your home, another way that new patio doors can boost sales appeal. Bottom line, though, new additions are one less thing that a buyer needs to spend their money on post closing, so new patio doors will always be a hit and could even help your home stand out in your local market or lead to a faster sale while still offering a good ROI. One more important reason that patio doors contribute to increased sales value is by making your property more accessible for a wider range of buyers, regardless of circumstance or family composition, and it’s an addition that doesn’t require more maintenance from an already busy family.

How can I maintain my patio door?

For the most part, new patio doors don’t really require too much maintenance. Basic, common sense things like keeping the track clean, using a little household oil or silicone-based product to grease the rollers, regular glass cleaning and a couple seasonal wipedowns is all that’s necessary to keep your patio doors looking as good as new for years to come. Annual inspections of weatherstripping, handles, locks, seals and gaskets are also a good idea, just to ensure that everything is in good working order, especially if your patio door is regularly exposed to harsh weather. The patio doors we offer are built to withstand Mother Nature’s worst, but it’s always worth a check to ensure that your patio doors are performing as they should.

What is the most energy efficient patio door?

Most modern patio doors are designed with energy efficiency in mind. This includes specialty features like Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass coatings, multiple panes of glass, and insulating gas, like argon, to prevent or slow down heat conduction. Doors are available with different energy ratings, depending on what your preferences are, and all the manufacturers we deal with offer a range of energy-conscious options in patio doors.

Are vinyl patio doors durable?

Yes, they are. The vinyl used to craft the patio doors we install is specially made to be resistant to weathering, fading, warping, sagging and bowing. The color you select will look vibrant for years to come, and some models are equipped with specialty features that work to funnel water away from the door, thus preventing damage from water infiltration. Unique locking options allowing for improved safety, and high-quality, insulated glass panels ensure reliable functioning.

How long do patio doors last?

High-quality patio doors typically last anywhere from 20 to 30 years with proper maintenance. As always, factors like initial quality of the doors and installation, along with regular maintenance can have a big impact on how long they last. Local climate and environmental factors also play a part, but regardless, a good quality door that sees seasonal care should last for decades. Type of glass and other materials, as well as frequency of use can also affect overall lifespan. If you’re noticing that your patio doors aren’t functioning properly, or you’re experiencing drafts, warping, condensation, mold and mildew, difficulty locking or compromised seals and gaskets, it could be time for a replacement.

What are good patio door brands?

There are many brands on the market, but the Cleveland home improvement specialists at Fairview work exclusively with Alside®, Polaris® and ProVia®, both when recommending and installing patio doors. They are crafted using durable vinyl, fiberglass, or steel, offer a wide range of customization options, and include practical security and efficiency features.

Your Local Cleveland Home Improvement Professionals

You could be tempted to DIY your new patio door install, but trust us, it’s not worth it! The risks of improper installation loom large when anyone other than a Cleveland home improvement professional handles the job. Our trained and experienced team will ensure that your new patio doors function perfectly and look great, now and in the future. 

If you’re looking to improve your home’s curb appeal, or open up your indoor living space into the great outdoors of your backyard, you couldn’t do better than working with Fairview Home Improvement staff to choose the perfect patio doors from Alside®, Polaris®, or ProVia®. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our selection of patio doors and get started on your next home improvement project.