The Best Advice When Choosing and Installing Patio Doors in Dallas, Texas

Are you considering replacing your exterior doors with patio doors? Do you need patio door replacement services? If yes, consider this advice below, to begin with.

You can also take advantage of Preview Constructions FREE educational phone consultations to learn more on window, door, and siding installations for your Dallas, TX home. CALL: 1-214-348-3836.

Main Factors to Consider When Choosing Patio Doors: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Choose a Patio Door Material that is Perfect for Your Home

Most patio doors are made up of wood, vinyl, aluminum, or fiberglass. Each of these materials is recommended for different reasons. You should be guided by the pros and cons of each patio door material in relation to your unique needs and budget.

For instance, wood lasts longer than vinyl but may need more maintenance. Wooden patio doors are also more costly than vinyl patio doors. However, they are more attractive. Aluminum is strong and lightweight but isn't as good in regards to insulation as other patio door materials.

If your home has high humidity levels, wooden patio doors aren’t the best material for obvious reasons. Instead, vinyl will work better since it doesn’t rot. Fiberglass is the least costly patio material. It is also durable and strong. However, it needs regular maintenance. 

You must consider the pros and cons of each material to choose the best patio door replacement for your home.

Step 2: Consider the Patio Door Security Level You Need

Several factors dictate patio door security. 

I. Glass pane thickness: The thicker the glass, the harder it will be for a burglar to break in. 

II. Glass quality: High-quality patio door glass is harder to cut through. In fact, if you select great quality patio door glass, it doesn’t need to be as thick as low-quality glass.

III. Locking mechanism: Some locks are more secure than others. For instance, deadbolt locks installed on both sides of a patio door are nearly impossible to open without breaking the door first.

 IV. Frame Sturdiness: Stronger frames will withstand force better.

Which Patio Door is the Most Secure?

After considering glass pane quality and thickness, door locking mechanism, and frame sturdiness, it also helps to consider the security of different types of patio doors. Generally, patio door security will be dictated by several factors, including the burglary rate in your area.

For instance, a single-pane window patio door may be perfectly secure in an area with low burglary rates i.e., a rural area. If you live in a town with high burglary rates, patio doors with double-pane windows and steel bars will be more secure.

The locking system also matters. For ultimate security, it’s advisable to have a secondary door locking device that prevents people from gaining entry to your home without a key.

Step 3: Consider the Suitability of Storm Windows on Your Patio Doors

Patio door replacement should also consider the suitability of storm windows that keep rainwater away. The windows are usually installed over patio doors. They can be bought separately or alongside patio doors. If you need storm windows because your patio door is exposed to weather elements, consider measuring your existing doors to ensure the storm windows fit perfectly.

Step 4: Consider Impact-Resistant Patio Doors

You should be worried about many other elements apart from the weather. For instance, your patio doors risk being damaged by falling trees, hail, rocks, etc. Impact-resistant patio doors have an added layer of protection from such damage. In many cases, they feature multiple layers of tempered glass. While impact-resistant patio doors will be more costly than typical patio doors, they are worth every penny if impact from hail, and falling trees is probable.

Patio Door Installation Tips

When seeking patio door replacement services, you should consider several factors. Here are important tips for the best patio door installation experience.

I. Work with Certified Contractors Only

If you plan to install an Andersen patio door, work with a certified Andersen contractor. Such contractors are best suited to take measurements and install patio doors right the first time.



Preview Construction is a certified Andersen Contractor. Co-owner Jason Huffenberger visits clients' homes, takes measurements, and preempts installation problems to ensure a smooth installation the first time!

II. Consider Location Specific Factors

Your environment dictates significant elements of installation. For instance, if your patio door sits in the way of rain and strong winds, you must consider the impact of such factors when installing your door.



What's more, if you reside in an area that is extremely hot, some patio door frames will work better than others. Vinyl patio doors may be popular for their many benefits ranging from scratch, to peeling, cracking, and fading resistance. However, they don't block heat very well.

If your home is near a road or airport, you also need to install patio doors with noise-blocking glass.

III. Select a Patio Door, Style, Hardware, and Finishing that Works

Patio doors come in many styles, hardware, and finishing. When it's time to install, you need to decide what works for your home. Popular patio door styles include traditional patio doors, which have a single glass pane and no frame. Wood-style patio doors have a wooden frame surrounded by glass. Other styles include glass block (or insulated glass unit – IGU) that features a solid glass panel inside a metal frame.

The door hardware you select (locks, latches, hinges, etc.) should match the door you select. 

The same applies to door finishing. Patio doors can be stained, painted, or sealed. Some people also choose to leave their doors unfinished. The choice is usually up to a homeowner. It's crucial to understand different options. For instance, latex paint is a two-coat system. Oil-based paint requires one coat for ultimate protection and aesthetic appeal.

Before installing a patio door, ensure the style, hardware, and finishing work with the rest of the home (interior and exterior). For instance, you can't install a patio door with vinyl siding if your home has brick siding.

If you work with true patio door installation experts like Preview Construction, you don't need to worry about location-specific factors or the right door style, hardware, and finishing. We can guide you in making the perfect choice before we begin installation.

How to Find a Professional Patio Door Installer Near You

Since you need a professional contractor to get your patio doors installed perfectly, how do you find one near you? What is the criteria for finding the best contractor near you?

Check credentials: Before you hire any contractor, ask for their credentials. Alternatively, you can check online.

Check online reviews: It also helps to see what other past customers think of them. Online reviews will help you in this regard. Reviews offer you a clue if the contractor is trustworthy, reliable, fair, professional, etc.

Certification by renowned brands: If you wish to install Andersen patio doors, consider working with an Andersen certified contractor as such contractors are trained and experienced in installing the doors in question. Poor installation can void your patio door warranty and cause other problems like damage, poor operation, and durability issues.

Local Presence: The best contractor is one who is readily available within your area. If you live in Dallas, consider Dallas, TX contractors.

Enquire about experience: Experience is crucial when choosing contractors. More experience is better. The experience should also match the job at hand.

Considerations When Working with a Contractor

Once you’ve found a suitable contractor to install your patio doors, there are other considerations to make. The most notable include;

I. Get a Written Contract

Good contractors offer written contracts with all the terms and details of a project. You should read the contract and understand everything before signing. If something is unclear, ask. Good contractors are happy to clarify any contractual questions.

II. Plan for Delays

Home improvement projects such as patio door replacement can come with unforeseen problems. Delays can also be caused if a homeowner doesn’t know they need a building permit. Check below for building permit office locations in our region.

III. Understand Pricing

It helps to understand pricing quotes precisely. For instance, patio door installation cost includes the cost of the door, labor, and materials. All materials are crucial to ensure the door is installed perfectly and the warranty isn't voided.

FAQs About Preview Construction’s Patio Doors Installation in Dallas, Texas