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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.

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