Patio doors and windows are primary components in building projects; the selection process is usually a balance of form and function. When it comes to patio doors and windows there are as many requirements, desires, needs and styles as there are people.  That’s why we offer you the full range of products and options available on the market, plus expert friendly service to help you make the decisions of form and function. So, please bring your plans and ideas in, we’re always ready to help.

Wood

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Patio Doors & Windows
 

Aluminum  

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Clad: The Outside is aluminum or vinyl or fiberglass and the Inside is wood:

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Vinyl  

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Fiberglass  

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Steel

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Glass:
The type of glass that is used in patio doors and windows is another significant component for consideration when balancing form and function.  The glass industry has been innovating at a rapid pace for the last 10 to 15 years.  Glass products are now much more than a simple, single layer of glass.  The glass industries innovations have synergized to catapult glass products into the world of “high tech.” 

Perhaps the two greatest innovations in relation to energy efficiency are that of insulated glass, also called dual pane glass, among other things, and that of low-emissivity glass coatings, also called low-e glass.    

Windows can swing in or swing out: casement; move up and down: double hung (top & bottom move) or single hung (bottom only moves); slide side to side: slider; hinge on the top and swing out: awning; hinge on the bottom and swing in: hopper; both tilt in and swing in: tilt turn and of course windows can be stationary.  In addition we offer garden windows, also referred to greenhouse windows: which have a glass top and are usually used over the kitchen sink; bay windows: which typically have a flat wood top that you can put roofing material on for example and are used almost anywhere in a home and many times are much, much larger than a garden or greenhouse window.

The selection process usually starts with deciding what type of installation method is appropriate for your project: new construction, retro-fit or replacement?

Next, what materials or combination of materials will your patio doors and windows be made out of; wood, vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, steel or clad – a combination of wood on the inside and aluminum, vinyl or fiberglass on the outside?

The materials that make up your patio doors and windows serve a variety of purposes from beauty and strength, to energy efficiency, protection and durability.  Some have higher maintenance requirements and some need very little maintenance, all of them help express your personal style and the style of your home.

In deciding what patio door to choose, it’s important to give some thought toward evaluating the level of exposure it will have to the sun and/or rain (or any water).  The reason is that some doors are designed and built to hold up very well to exposure and some are not.  If a door is “*well protected” then a wood door is a great option to consider.  If a door is “*not well protected” and is exposed to a “*considerable” amount of sun and/or rain (or any water) then it is advantageous to consider one of the following options: fiberglass, steel, vinyl, aluminum or a product clad in aluminum, fiberglass or vinyl with a wood interior.  Most manufacturers will not warranty a wood door if it does not meet their “*protection requirements.”  In addition to maintaining the manufacturer’s warranty, the “right door in the right opening” will help ensure that your door will operate and look beautiful for years to come.  *As with many products, proper installation, painting and maintenance play a large role as well but starting with the right product is essential.  (* please see manufacturer’s warranties for details)

What is the function of each patio door and window and what form will they take?

We still use single pane glass (single glazing) often, when it’s necessary, desired or required for certain jobs and restoration projects.

There are a vast number of options when it comes to glass for purposes such as safety, beautification, style, energy efficiency, sound control and privacy.

We can help make your project run smoothly whether it’s custom, restoration or quite standardized.

We’ve successfully completed many restoration projects in which the design, style and construction of the new windows and patio doors replicated the originals to very exacting standards.  We can virtually match any style, size, shape and detail from any era.  We can also help you create and bring to life the unique designs that you, your architect and designer have been working so hard to put together.    

Most of our manufacturers are taking every opportunity to become as “green” as they can as quickly and intelligently as they can.  Many are members of The Green Building Certificate Institute and have staff members that are LEED credentialed professionals.

Please call or come in to the shop and let our friendly staff help you negotiate the ever growing and ever changing world of patio doors and windows.  In our showroom you’ll be able to see and touch many of the varieties of products and product options that are available to you.  If you’re not able to make it in or you’d like to do some research from home, please take advantage of the links we’ve provided to some of our manufacturer’s.  If you’d like some help navigating any of the sites please feel free to call.

Patio Doors:
Function i.e.: access to the master bedroom balcony; a grand centerpiece from the family room that opens 100 percent to your backyard entertainment area; a simple, functional door to access the back yard . . .
Form i.e.: swing out double French door; exterior bi-fold; sliding patio door . . .

Many people use the term French door and patio door interchangeably; these doors can swing in, swing out, slide, or fold. We also offer a series of patio doors that essentially opens up your whole wall to the outside entertainment area, yard, pool area . . .

The three primary types of patio door that open up the whole wall are referred to as: 1) Exterior multi-slide - where multiple door panels slide and stack to one side or both sides. 2) Exterior pocket slider - where the sliding door panels slide and stack into a pocket in the wall and disappear. 3) Exterior bi-fold doors -  where multiple door panels fold to one side or both sides.