Insights on Patio DoorsThere are basically two types that you find in most homes - either Sliding Glass Doors or French doors They both present problems depending on how the surrounding space is designed and used. The advantage to sliding glass doors is that they do not open into or out of the space so there isn't any issue with the door swing taking up space, they also provide a great view, lots of visibility of the outdoors and allow more light to come into the home. One of the major problems with these doors is that they may be heavy and hard to slide. My kids have jerked on the door handles so much that over time they just break off. And, I always break off my fingernails on them! The glass gets dirty quickly depending on your location and they may be so tall that you have to get a ladder out to reach the top and clean them completely. French doors open either in or out of the space - thus they take up space on the patio or in the house. They look nice in a traditional home because they look similar to a standard window and blend into the rest of the room's decor. They are also more easily decorated with window treatments that match the room. Window treatments on a sliding glass door used daily require either vertical blinds or a draw drape that can be easily moved to the side. Remember - The bigger the doors the more expensive the window treatments! The other option is no covering at all which allows easier daily traffic flow, but may not be practical for privacy purposes. I have a lot of trouble with opening and closing patio doors while carrying food and other things out to serve dinner on the patio. If it is hot and you have the air conditioning running you do not want the door to stand open very long or your power bills will be terrible. I just don't have enough hands and if I need to carry something with two hands, I have to go open the door first, then carry the item out, then go back again and close the door. If any one knows an inventor with mechanical and computer capabilities - why doesn't someone make a voice activated door opener/closer?? This would be great for sliding glass doors. Please use the Contact Us form if you know of anything like this! Take a look at any of these type patio doors in a home you are considering and plan how you will use them, how much, where are the doors positioned when they are open, and do they need to be covered for privacy?
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