What You Need to Know When Replacing Patio Doors

When it comes time to add or replace a patio door in your home, trying to go through the entire process on your own is no small feat. You wouldn't think a simple patio door could cause so much trouble, but it can spring a headache on you before you even start. That's why we gathered all the information you need to know about the patio door replacement process from start to finish and compiled it neatly for you here.

Starting the Patio Door Replacement Process
Whether you are looking to boost your home’s value, make your home more energy-efficient or want to make your house feel like home – investing in a new or replacement patio door comes with many decisions. It helps to smoothly navigate these decisions if you know ahead of time what your main goal with this process is. Get that determined first, and you'll be ready to start.

Patio Door Terminology
While most of these terms are self-explanatory and may not seem important, knowing the specific terminology will help you and our experts find the perfect patio door for your home. 

• Door slab - the actual door
• Door unit - includes the door and the frame
• Swinging doors - swing open on a hinge
• Gliding/sliding doors - slide open side to side on a track
• In-swing doors - open into the house
• Out-swing doors - open away from the house
• Right-hanging doors - hinges are on the right side of the door frame
• Left-hanging doors - hinges are on the left side of the door frame
• Side-by-side doors (French doors) - two swinging doors

 
 Selecting Your Replacement Windows
As you begin shopping for your new or replacement patio door, here are some questions to consider. They help keep the selection process simple and stress-free by narrowing down the right options for you right away.

• Do you have pets or children? 
• What is the type of view from your patio door you are looking for?
• Where is your home located: in the country or city?
• What style is your home: modern, contemporary, traditional? 

 
The material type is also essential an important factor as it plays a significant role in the maintenance, durability and efficiency of the door. Pella offers patio doors in three kinds of material. 
 
Wood: Wood windows tend to be low-maintenance and durable. Besides exceptional energy efficiency, Pella’s wood products provide the most design options to ensure your home looks exactly the way you intend.

Fiberglass: Pella’s Patented Fiberglass windows and doors resist warping, dents and rot. With the ability to withstand extreme weather and damaging UV rays, fiberglass is our most popular material preference in Northern Arizona. The maintenance and upkeep on fiberglass doors are minimal, while performance is reliable year-round. 
 
Vinyl: Pella’s unique vinyl formula is tried and tested to withstand the effects of weathering. The unique Pella-specific design lends strength and durability that prevents sagging, warping, buckling, and bowing. Vinyl doors from Pella are energy-efficient, easy to care for, and low-maintenance.  
 
Our Window & Door Shopping Made Simple has more information on each of these options and can help you find the right material type.  
 
Patio Door Configuration
The layout of space inside and outside your home will affect which type of door you choose. Do you want a wide opening, or do you have limited wall space? To learn more about which configuration (sliding, French or bi-fold doors) fits your lifestyle best read this blog post here. 
 
Installation Methods
The installation method you choose to go with is vital in how long your patio door will last. You can read more in-depth about the different installation techniques the industry uses and why our installation process is different here. 
 
 Understanding Your Patio Door Warranty
If you would like to learn more about your patio door's warranty, please read here. 
 
Now that you've got a good handle on the basics – it’s time to go shopping! We do in-home consultations, or you can stop by our showroom to browse Pella’s available options. Let’s find the perfect patio door replacement for your home.