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Exterior Folding Doors

A Buyer’s Guide to Exterior Folding Doors

The exterior doors in your home do more than just separate your interior from the outside world; they also make a statement and can even change how you live day-to-day. Exterior folding doors are often used between primary interior living spaces, such as family and living rooms, and outdoor locations, like a patio or yard. Typically, the doors feature large panes of glass, allowing a substantial of natural light to enter your home, and even as a way to support an indoor / outdoor lifestyle.

Exterior folding doors can feature frames constructed from a variety of materials, including, but not limited to:

Aluminum
Wood
Vinyl

Each option brings with it various benefits and drawbacks, and can come in at different price points. However, attractive and functional options can be found in almost any material, so you don’t necessarily have to sacrifice style regardless of what you choose.

exterior folding doors

bifold exterior folding doors

Maintenance

The amount of maintenance that is required to keep your exterior folding doors in ideal shape is primarily dictated by the frame material used. Aluminum is one of the least labor intensive, when it comes to maintaining its look and general integrity, as it doesn’t require any painting or sealing, making them ideal if you don’t want a lot of upkeep. Vinyl is not considered high maintenance but will start to show signs of age with time.

The material is prone to yellowing and can warp, particularly when exposed to the elements. Wood external folding doors have significantly higher maintenance requirements, as the wood must be painted or sealed regularly to ensure it stands the test of time. Additionally, they can be prone to warping when exposed to extreme temperatures or higher moisture levels. But, if you truly prefer the look of wood, nothing quite replicates the real thing.

exterior folding panoramic doors

Styles

Exterior folding doors can be found in a range of styles, making them appropriate for nearly any home. Many of the frames are quite simple, so much of the perceived style is based on the material used, allowing them to blend with multiple types of architecture including contemporary, Craftsman, Victorian, ranch, or rustic. Additionally, since the glass is generally clear, it also is appropriate for almost any era home.

When choosing the right exterior folding door style is a primary concern, examine some of the other features of your home or refer to architectural norms. The focus should be on selecting exterior folding doors that are respectful of your home’s overall design, allowing you to create a cohesive look.

exterior folding door

Energy Efficiency

Since exterior folding doors feature a substantial amount of glass, some heat transfer should be expected. However, you can mitigate any loss or gain by selecting doors with the right features. Most of the options will feature standard glazing, though upgrades, like double or triple glazing and UV coatings, may be available that help improve energy efficiency.

Additionally, the frame material can play a large role in how much heat transfer you experience, with wood providing the best thermal insulation in most cases. However, other features, like door seals, are also factors, as spaces between the door panels or the door and floor, walls, or ceiling can allow outside air to enter your home and vice versa. Choosing an energy efficient door is worth the investment, as it will save you money on your utility bills over the long-term, so don’t ignore this factor when making a purchase.

Questions And Answers

Can exterior doors open outwards?

Most entry doors open inward and there is a good reason for this. You don't want the hinge pins exposed on the outside for burglars to be able to easily remove your door. That being said, some doors do open outward it is just not recommended.

How do you frame an exterior door?

This will depend on whether you are making a new opening or using an existing one. This is a project that can be a do-it-yourself project but you should have some home repair knowledge. If you aren't familiar with repair work you can contract someone to do it for you.

What is the Brickmold on an exterior door?

Brickmold can be used on your door or on a casing for a window. It is used for homes and business that have an exterior that is brick. The molding is placed around the window or door and then the brick buts up against the Brickmold providing a finished look.

How do you tell if an exterior door is left or right hand swing?

This process is actually a pretty simple one. Go up to your door and then see which hand is near the knob. If the knob is by your left hand then the door had a left-hand swing. If your right hand is near the knob it is a right-hand swing.

How do you determine the swing of an exterior door?

When your back is against the door’s jamb, your right-hand will be near the knob if it is a right-swing door. Your left-hand will be near the knob if it is a left-swing door.

Can I change the swing of an exterior door?

You will take the hinges off the door. Then, take the latch plate out. Measure hinge mortises height. Mark new hinge mortises height on other side of your door. Put hinges on new hinge mortises. Reattach the door and faceplate.

Can exterior doors swing out?

In all standards, yes, an exterior door could swing out. However, they aren’t made that way because it would be considered a safety issue for your home or business, since the hinges would be exposed.

What is a right hand exterior door?

There are left and right hand exterior doors. The right hand exterior door just means that if your back was facing the door jamb and your right hand was near the doorknob, that would be right-swing or right-hand.

What is a right hand entry exterior door?

A right-hand entry exterior door can be easily explained. Face your back to the door jamb. Is your right-hand near your doorknob? If so, you have a right-hand entry exterior door.

How much is the average exterior door?

The average price of an exterior door can range widely. They can be as low as $150 and as expensive as $2500. The price varies based on different styles, durability, brand and more.

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DO IT YOURSELF

How to Build a Shed Door

How To Build A Shed Door

If you’re building a shed, you’re probably going to want some shed doors. Of course, you can have an open shed if you’d like, but most sheds are used for purposes that require doors, even if it’s only to keep out water and weather. Single shed doors are certainly an option, but if you’d like the ability and convenience of having more space to move anything in and out of your shed, consider building double shed doors. If you want to store large items in your shed, double doors are a must. However, the best choice for you is the one you make.

Written bySandy

roll of weatherstripping for an exterior door

How To Put New Weather Stripping On A Door

The seal or weather stripping around a door has various functions. It helps seal out noise, rain, drafts, and insects. However, with time the weather stripping can crack and rot, and prevents your door from completely sealing shut,

which not only looks unattractive but is inefficient because the drafty air can significantly increase your cooling and heating costs. You can easily install new weather stripping on your door which can cut down your energy bills in the long term. Follow these steps, and the job will be a breeze.

Written byAmanda

A beautiful large shed in the backyard of a house

How To Build A Shed Door Out Of Plywood

Creating a shed door out of plywood involves more than just cutting a piece to size. Without additional support, plywood can buckle and bend, causing it to warp and quickly become useless.

However, that doesn’t mean the process is difficult. All it takes is a bit of extra lumber and some basic tools, and you’ll have a sturdy plywood shed door that will last you for years to come.

Written byJerry

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INTERESTING RESOURCES

classic exterior french patio door with clear glass uv rated panels

Exterior French Patio Doors

Many homeowners enjoy their patio most of the year and consider it an important part of their home. Many door styles are available to serve as an entry and exit point to the patio. You can find a single hinged swinging door, or a sliding glass patio door, and several other but one of the most popular styles is the exterior French patio doors style. This option is selected because it seems to bring the outside in and gives a large entryway when both sides are open. Additionally, the French patio doors bring a sense of elegance which other doors are just not able to achieve and give a feeling of luxury that elevates the value of your home while adding to its coziness. Plus, there’s a plethora of colors, materials, and door styles that help you achieve the exact look that you are after. Furthermore, an array of hardware options is available to customize the door to your exact specifications. The framing of these doors can be made from many different materials such as aluminum, steel, wood, vinyl, or fiberglass. Featuring a full-length glass insert around a stylish frame enclosure, the French patio door lets the sunshine indoors, adding comfort and relaxation to any day. read more

Security

exterior french patio door in solid wood

Energy-Efficiency

french patio doors with columns on both sides and a transom

Costs

side of a house with french patio doors open

double exterior wood door with custom glass inserts

Exterior Wood Doors

Are you in the market for new exterior wood doors? There are so many options that are available for you to choose from, you are certain to find the perfect door for you. However, there are some things that you need to consider when making your purchase. One of the most important things to remember is that your exterior door is a focal point of your home. The entry door to your home is the first thing that people see when arriving at your house. You want to make sure that it provides your guest with a nice warm welcome into your home. The door will say a great deal about your personality and it will also say a lot of the interior of your home. As your guests come to the front of your home, the fact that you have a beautiful wood front door will help them recognize you have a nice home even before they make it inside. If you’re thinking about selling, this is an impression that must not ever be overlooked. Of course, even it you aren’t selling, you’ll want to keep the neighborhood looking great and you have some part in doing that with a new door when needed. read more

Style

close up of wood grain on a door

Solid Core

exterior wood door with a bench to the right

Size

wood exterior door with sidelites and planters on both sides

Top Image

Exterior Doors With Windows

When you shop for exterior doors with windows, you may be surprised to find several options available. Not only can you find glass integrated into the door, but some may even open and shut like a traditional window. Plus, the windows can vary in size, giving you control over how much of your interior is visible from the outside. Additionally, you can find options with additional windows, such as sidelites and transoms, that allow even more light to shine into your entryway. . Each of those options can support a window, so you can choose the one that allows you to achieve your ideal look while respecting your budget. read more

Door Material

Window Options

Sidelites and Transoms

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