Homeowners are relying on windows and doors to blur the line between indoor and outdoor living, transforming their patios into extended living rooms.

Homeowners are relying on windows and doors to blur the line between indoor and outdoor living, transforming their patios into extended living rooms. Greater options for patio doors and moving glass wall systems provide homeowners with a variety of choices.

1) Sliding Patio Doors

Sliding patio doors are a great option for the replacement market because they can accommodate rooms with pre-existing tight-fitting door openings and limited floor plan space. Balconies and sunrooms often fall under this category. Sliding French doors have an aesthetic appeal for a timeless, classic look. With an easy to use SmartTouch® Bolt, sliding patio doors are secured into the top frame with the flip of a lever. Plus, there is an added benefit of keeping the door secure in a vented position.

2) In-Swing/Out-Swing Patio Doors

A desire to enhance the amount of light, space and beauty, leads many homeowners to consider adding in-swing/out-swing exterior doors. Assess the amount of space available on the interior and exterior side or the door opening to determine the best operating style. In-swing doors are the most common and the hinges are located on the inside of the home, not visible to the outside. Operable sidelites feature secure multi-point locking with thumb-turn operation and narrow framing for optimal ventilation and lighting. Fixed sidelites are also available with sight lines that are horizontally equal to the door and fixed panels.

3) Pocket Glass Walls

Pocket glass walls can transform an interior room into an open-air retreat. When fully open, the glass panels slide into the wall pocket and completely disappear from view. When fully closed, the large panels frame the scenic views of a home, which is an attractive benefit to homeowners. Stainless steel rollers make the large panels easy to operate, even with extreme panel weights. Consider thermally broken aluminum with a full weather-stripped structural interlock system for improved energy efficiency.

4) Stacking Glass Walls

Stacking glass walls open up by sliding large glass panels on top of each other, flooding the room with natural light and fresh air. When the glass doors are open, the patio becomes an extension of the living room space. With the popularity of using wood in design schemes for indoor/outdoor living areas, an aluminum clad wood option with a solid wood interior would blend seamlessly and embrace the natural surroundings.

5) Bi-Fold Glass Walls

Bi-fold glass walls operate with each panel folding on top of the adjacent panel to open. Designed to smoothly stack and fold against side walls, it creates huge openings from corner to corner. Convenient swing doors can be added to allow everyday access. Upgrade options include a flush sill for a smooth transition from inside to the outdoors.

Once the style of door is selected, consider additional elements homeowners find appealing, such as retractable screens that rolls into a pocket and virtually disappears when not in use, or glass glazing which reduces the need for long, heavy drapes.