It’s the time of year when your patio doors will be swinging or indeed sliding open! Patio doors are an excellent way to really let the light in and blend the synergy between your home and your garden. So, with that in mind, here at Bingley Windows and Glass we thought we’d give you the rundown on all of the options for patio doors that are available to you, and the pros and cons of each.
There are mainly three types of patio doors on the market. These are French Doors, Sliding Doors and Bi-Fold Doors. The main differences between the three are in design and opening options, but we’ll let their pros and cons speak for themselves.
French Patio Doors
French Doors are characterised by two glass panels that open outwards. They tend to be better suited to smaller openings and create an almost completely unobstructed access to the outside. An easier way to describe this might be to say, think of two uPVC single doors together.
| Pros | Cons |
| Aesthetically pleasing | May slam |
| Lots of natural light | Requires space to open or close |
| Connection to nature | Not as much outside let in as Sliding Patio Doors or Bi Folds |
| Durable | Rubber seals may warp if left exposed to sunlight and then cooler air |
| Tend to be the cheapest option | |
| Low maintenance |
Sliding Patio Doors
Sliding doors consist of two main panes of glass held in a uPVC or metal frame that can be slid sideways. The two panes of glass can each be slid into the middle, perfect for letting a gentle breeze in. Only one pane can be open at a time but allows a full panes worth of fresh air and sunlight to enter your home. Instead of swinging open, sliding patio doors slide along a seamless floor track. A huge benefit of this is that you do not lose space in or outside your home to open these doors, and they won’t slam unexpectedly.
| Pros | Cons |
| Aesthetically pleasing | Single panes of glass for sliding doors are more vulnerable to burglary |
| Lots of natural light | Single panes of glass for sliding doors are less heat resistant as there isn’t a second pane for argon gas. Double paned sliding doors are advised |
| Connection to nature | Possible sizing issues or the need for custom design options which can be more costly |
| Durable | May require additional security mechanisms or layers of glass such as tempered glass |
| Outside views | |
| Low maintenance | |
| Will not slam due to tread track it slides along | |
| Does not consume as much space as either of the other two types of patio doors |
Bi-Fold Patio Doors
Similarly to French Patio Doors, Bi-Fold Patio Doors can be opened up nearly all the way. A Bi-Fold Patio Doors are made from several panes of glass that can be unfolded and stacked together to keep out of the way.
| Pros | Cons |
| Aesthetically pleasing | Requires space to open or close |
| Lots of natural light | More costly than the other two patio door options |
| Connection to nature | Less privacy |
| Durable | More complex installation needs than the other two types of patio doors |
| Outside views | |
| Low maintenance | |
| Completely unobstructed access to the outside | |
| More outside light than the other two types of patio doors |
On top of all these choices with their pros and cons, is the style, colour and materials used for your new patio doors. You can additionally opt for securer glass such as tempered glass, or additional security mechanisms depending on the type of patio door you choose.
It can be a lot to know where to get started when it comes to choosing new patio doors. If you live in the areas of Keighley, Skipton, Silsden, Bingley or Ilkley and require assistance, we are here to help. Contact us today on 01535 958 183 or use our contact form here.