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Exterior Folding Doors

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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

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.

Can you get an exterior door in any color?

If you are interested in getting an exterior door in anything other than the basic colors, this is possible. You can custom order an exterior door or have the one you get painted or stained.

What is the size of the average exterior door?

There are many different sizes of exterior doors. However, the average size of the exterior doors are 80 inches in height and 1 ¾ inch thick. The average width is 36 inches.

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.

Can you paint exterior doors?

Depending on the material that your front door is made from, it is possible to paint your front door. You may need to install many coats to get the paint to cover the prior color.

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.

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 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 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.

Is it difficult to install an exterior door?

It does take quite the effort and time to install an exterior door. If possible, it is best to have your exterior doors installed by a skilled professional.

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DO IT YOURSELF

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

person fixing a door frame

How To Replace Broken Door Frame

We have all encountered doors and door frames that have seen better days. However, age, prolonged exposure to moisture or forced entry can all cause serious damage to your door frame (also called the door jamb), which can cause your door to malfunction.

Repairing and replacing a broken or damaged door frame is a job that can range from a simple and quick fix to one that requires a bit more handiwork; it depends on how your door was damaged and how you would like to fix it.

Written byBrandi

exterior door installation

How To Hang An Exterior Door That Is Not Prehung

You probably know that pre-hung doors are usually more convenient than slab doors, provided you manage to find a style that suits your needs and your doorway has a standard size. Pre-hung doors come in limited styles, which is a serious downside.

However, if you would like to adapt your favorite vintage door-style to adequately fit your constricted alleyway or back entry, you will need to hang it by yourself. This involves setting the hinges, installing the jamb and setting the knob. In a couple of ways, hanging your own door can actually be quicker and easier compared to installing a pre-hung door.

Written byBrandi

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INTERESTING RESOURCES

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Solid Wood Exterior Doors

When you are starting to consider getting new doors for your home, the solid wood exterior doors would be great. There are some major benefits you get with these doors, that you might not get with just any door. It is important that any upgrade you are making to your home provide you with benefits or there isn’t a point in making that specific upgrade. You won’t need to worry about with these doors as they will provide great function, durability and style. Most doors provide you with some benefits, but the solid wood exterior doors give you a combination of benefits that any homeowner would love. read more

Heat and Cool Air Saving Capabilities

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Adding Beauty to Your Home

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Not Much Maintenance Needed

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exterior folding doors

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. . 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. read more

Maintenance

bifold exterior folding doors

Styles

exterior folding panoramic doors

Energy Efficiency

exterior folding door

front of house with a dutch custom entry door and two sconce lights

High Priced Exterior Doors

Your home’s exterior doors not only make a statement about your personal style and design aesthetic, but they also serve as a primary source of security. Buyers interested in purchasing high-priced exterior doors can quickly become overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available, particularly since their budget doesn’t significantly limit them. Understanding what products are available, you may find that the decision is easier. While certain materials tend to be less expensive, certain other design features, like the size of the doors or level of energy efficiency, can increase their cost, placing them squarely in the higher priced category. read more

Material Options

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Size Considerations

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Aesthetics

exterior door with a wooden screen door

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