Patio and Sliding Doors for Any Budget
Last Updated: Mar 10, 2025Today's patio doors have wide-open views and the light that homeowners expect. For homeowners looking at high-performance options, the manufacturers that received the top J.D. Power rankings offer patio and sliding doors with style whether you want to save or make an investment.
If your patio project is under construction or about to begin, it is time to take a closer look at patio doors. They are an essential element that adds natural light, efficiency, and beauty to your living space.
Table of Contents
- What is a Patio Door?
- What Types of Patio Doors Are Available?
- Are Patio Doors Less Efficient Than Other Doors?
- What Makes a Patio Door More Efficient?
- Do ENERGY STAR Patio Doors Save You Money?
- What Are the Benefits of Patio Doors?
- How Long Do Patio Doors Last?
- What Is the Average Cost to Install a Patio Door?
- What Are The Best Brands of Patio Doors?
- A Closer Look at The Top Companies
- Options for Historical and Sustainable Spaces
- Looking Ahead and Protecting Your Investment
What is a Patio Door?
A patio or sliding door is a door with a large glass window opening in a structure providing door access from a room to the outdoors. A traditional sliding glass door is generally a single unit consisting of two-panel sections to slide open. Another modern design, a wall-sized glass pocket door, has movable panels that slide into wall pockets, disappearing for a 'completely open' indoor-outdoor room experience.
From a historical perspective, a patio or sliding glass door first appeared as an element of pre-war style architecture in Europe and North America. The earliest example is the sliding Shōji panel door originating from Japanese architecture.
What Types of Patio Doors Are Available?
With the selection of swinging, sliding, bi-fold, and French patio doors currently available, homeowners have the flexibility to create a custom design for a reasonable investment. A plan that complements their style and further defines an outdoor living space. The type of patio door selected depends on the home's design and the owner's lifestyle. For example: is the door opening to an extensive outdoor living space that flows from an interior living space? Is the door for a tiny balcony? Or is it part of a giant wall of windows?
Are Patio Doors Less Efficient Than Other Doors?
Previously, patio and sliding doors were heavier; they had a reputation for being less energy-efficient and getting misaligned or stuck in their tracks. Today's patio and sliding doors generally offer slimmer designs, resolving misalignment problems that caused sticking. Due to lighter materials and design improvements, they typically provide a larger viewing area as well.
What Makes a Patio Door More Efficient?
The anatomy of an energy-efficient door includes:
- Improved Core Materials: Fiberglass or steel with a polyurethane foam core and wood are among the most energy-efficient door materials in today's market.
- Multiple Glass Panes: Double or triple-paned insulating glass can reduce heat flow and block harmful UV rays.
- Tighter Fit and Improved Weather Stripping: New door frames may include a magnetic strip to create a tighter seal that reduces air leakage around the edges.
Do ENERGY STAR Patio Doors Save You Money?
Depending on the project scope, homeowners can save energy and money by updating their homes with ENERGY STAR patio doors. Before starting the search, review this recent list built by ENERGY STAR and its partners, including the most efficient sliding doors. The list includes Associated Materials, Great Lakes Window, Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork, Pella, Ply Gem Windows, Thermo-Tech Windows and Doors, and Winchester Industries.
Are you ready to save money? Here are two ways to reduce your energy bills: work with local utilities that offer financial incentives and claim Federal tax credits when purchasing ENERGY STAR-certified patio doors. Check out the Rise Rebate Finder for options in your region!
What Are the Benefits of Patio Doors?
Beyond the energy-saving potential, adding patio doors can transform your home and lifestyle. These benefits allow you to enjoy more natural light, make the most of the garden, improve flow within your home, and in many cases, extend your living space.
How Long Do Patio Doors Last?
With consistent cleaning, care, and little maintenance, a sliding patio door can last approximately 30 years. Cleaning sliding doors can extend their life as dirt and grime can clog the track. This dirt makes patio doors hard to open and can reduce the lifespan if the track or seal becomes damaged.
What Are The Best Brands of Patio Doors?
The J.D. Power patio doors study spotlights customer satisfaction based on performance in several factors. The study's rankings include Renewal by Andersen in the manufacturer segment capturing a score of 891, closely followed by Infinity from Marvin (879) and Champion (878). Looking at the retail segment, Renewal by Andersen also ranks highest with a score of 890. Window World landed second place with a score of 883.
Looking Ahead and Protecting Your Investment
Once you have installed your new patio or sliding door, how do you protect your investment? Here are simple steps to follow:
Fix Cosmetic Damage
Quick repairs of deep scrapes, worn-out paint, or scratch marks can mitigate more significant issues before they begin.
Address Drafts and Heat transfer
- Reduce pest infestation and keep your home comfortable by ensuring your patio door fits snugly in its frame.
- Check the weather stripping on your doors each year and replace them as needed. Although weather stripping keeps drafts from coming in, they will wear down over time.
- If the door shows signs of warping, repair it or work with a professional to solve issues quickly.
Eliminate Water Intrusion
Similar to windows, the seal around your patio door can wear out over time. If you notice water dripping near your doorway, puddles of water, or a large amount of moisture around the door, reach out to a reputable door contractor to determine your options.
Kelly Isley
Kelly Isley is a writer, author of four books and ASJA member. She has also been renovating homes for 12+ years, is an engineer, pilot, football fan, and lover of ice cream.
