YOUR PATIO DOOR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED!
Our experts answer some of your questions on patio doors
Q I HAVE A TRADITIONAL TERRACED HOUSE. WHAT CAN I DO TO CREATE A MODERN, LIGHT-FILLED EXTENSION?
Bifold or sliding doors, when combined with rooflights, are perfect for creating an open-plan space filled with light in terraced houses. Even a modest rear and/or side return extension can completely transform a home by opening up the rooms to best maximise the space.
With bifold doors or sliding doors across the back of the property that can be opened up to extend the living space out onto a patio or into the garden, it is possible to create a contemporary entertaining space — even within the most traditional home.
Edward Stobart, Idsystems
Q SHOULD I CHOOSE DOUBLE OR TRIPLE GLAZING FOR SLIDING PATIO DOORS?
Whether or not you choose double or triple glazing for your sliding patio doors will come down to your budget, the type of house you are fitting them to and also your individual requirements. While triple glazing can increase the energy efficiency of sliding doors by up to 50%, it also costs more than double glazing. For those living in old houses with relatively low insulation levels and inferior airtightness, it often makes little sense to fit triple glazing.
On the other hand, if you are self-building and aiming to construct a highly energy-efficient home, with fantastically low heating bills or are reaching to achieve Passivhaus standards, then triple glazing will be well worth it.
Natasha Brinsmead, associate editor of HB&R
Q SHOULD I USE SEPARATE SUPPLIERS FOR WINDOWS AND DOORS OR COMBINE EVERYTHING IN ONE ORDER?
With glazing, it tends be far easier to deal with one supplier, whether you are opting for windows, bifold doors, sliding doors, rooflights, balustrades or even internal glass partitions. Dealing with one supplier and one set of installers makes your project management more straightforward and also helps to ensure that the products are consistent in design and appearance when they are installed.
Edward Stobart, Idsystems
Q I LIVE BY THE COAST — WILL THE SEA AIR AFFECT MY DOORS?
Yes it will — while aluminium doesn’t rust like iron or steel, the salt in the air can have an impact on the paint finish of your doors. If you live close to the sea or an estuary it is important to take into account the paint finish of the doors because salt residue can cause damage to a powder-coated paint finish on aluminium. At Idsystems we would always advise our customers to choose a pre-anodised marine finish for doors in this type of location.
Carl Farrow, Idsystems