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A patio door is more than just another door. So here are a few tips on what to look for when making your patio door purchase. 
- Styling - Which fits best in your home: a swinger, slider or French? Consider design options, such as: grilles, transoms and decorative glass.
- Quality - Be sure your patio door is well-insulated and fits tightly into the frame. Be careful when choosing the exterior material: wood has a history of warping, rotting and splitting. Alternative materials such as aluminum, fiberglass, steel or vinyl may prove more durable against the elements.
- Security - Multi-point locking systems and reinforced strike plate areas are good security measures you should look for in a patio door. Also, check the integrity of the door itself: is it strong and durable?
- Performance - Look for strong weatherstripping and an adjustable threshold to ensure a tight seal when the door is closed. You want the panel to fit snugly within the frame to ensure minimal air infiltration. Patio doors that are energy efficient should feature the ENERGY STAR® label.
- Low Maintenance - You don't want to spend time maintaining your patio door; consider exterior cladding options for a clean, pre-finished exterior that's easy to care for.
- Warranties - Select a product backed by its manufacturer. Investigate the warranties offered to be sure they will meet your needs. Buy from an established company that you know is going to be around.
- Ease of Operation - Test the windows in the store and compare them to the competition. Double hung windows should be easy to tilt without struggling. Casements should crank fully open, easily and quietly.
Click to see the Patio Door Gallery.
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