A new patio door can change how your home looks, feels, and functions. It affects natural light, outdoor access, energy efficiency, and even furniture placement inside the room. For many homeowners, the biggest decision comes down to sliding patio doors vs. hinged patio doors.
At Jammer Doors, we are proud to offer a wide selection of ProVia patio doors for homes across southeast Pennsylvania and central New Jersey. Our technicians can help you choose the right patio door for your layout and budget. In this guide, we discuss the advantages of both types of patio doors.
Key Takeaways
- Sliding doors save floor space and work well in smaller spaces, while hinged doors provide a wider opening and a more traditional appearance.
- Both options offer energy-efficient glass and frames.
- Modern patio doors include strong security features and upgraded hardware.
- Jammer Doors offers professional installation of ProVia patio doors.
Sliding Patio Doors vs. Hinged: How Do They Compare?
Both door styles do the same job, but they solve different problems. Sliding doors move on a track, which keeps them out of your way. Hinged doors swing open like a standard entry door and can include one or two panels. The best fit depends on your space and how you plan to use your home.
Space, Layout, and Traffic Flow
A hinged door needs open floor space to swing, inside or outside, which can be a problem near furniture, grills, or tight decks. A sliding door only needs clearance along the track, so it works well in rooms where you have limited space.
- Sliding doors: These have no swing radius, making them ideal for small patios or rooms with furniture close to the doorway.
- Hinged doors: These have a wider clear opening when both panels are open. They are better for moving furniture or large items in and out.
- Panel options: Sliders typically come in two- or three-panel setups; hinged doors are available as single French doors, in-swing, or out-swing pairs.
- Accessibility: Sliding doors with low-profile sills are easier to navigate for people in wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers.
If you have a small room, you might want a slider. If you want a full, wide-open doorway for entertaining or moving items through, a double-hinged door may be a better choice.
Energy and Comfort
Modern patio doors have become more energy efficient than older models. Both sliding and hinged doors commonly offer:
- Low-E glass coatings
- Insulated glass units (IGUs)
- Argon gas fills
- Energy-efficient frame systems
How each type of door affects energy savings often comes down to how well they are installed and which glass you choose. However, hinged doors usually have tighter seals because of compression weatherstripping. Sliding doors rely on weather seals and precise alignment to minimize air infiltration. As the track starts to wear down, sliding doors can start to leak in outside air and affect the climate of your home.
Security
Patio doors are another way for people to enter your home, which means you want a secure one. Both styles now come with security features that used to be reserved for front doors:
- Multi-point locks: These are available on both sliders and hinged doors. They engage at multiple points along the frame for stronger resistance to forced entry.
- Keyed vs. privacy locks: Keyed options lock with a key from the outside, while privacy locks can be locked from the inside without a key.
Neither style is inherently less secure when it’s properly installed.
Style and Maintenance
Frame material affects both the look of your door and how much upkeep it needs over time.
- Vinyl frames resist moisture and never need painting, which makes them a great choice if you’re looking for a low-maintenance material.
- Fiberglass frames hold paint and won’t warp during extreme temperatures.
- Wood-look composite options give a traditional appearance with less upkeep than real wood.
At Jammer Doors, we offer a variety of finishes, colors, and materials to match your home’s architecture. When you reach out to us, our team will come to your home and look at your space. We’ll measure your opening and help you choose the best patio door for your home’s layout.
Why Choose Jammer Doors?
Jammer Doors has been family-owned and operated since 1920. Our goal is to match you with the right patio door for your home. We carry ProVia patio doors, which are known for their energy efficiency, durable construction, and beautiful finishes and styles. Our team can help you choose from ProVia’s sliding and hinged patio door lines, including:
When you choose your patio door, our licensed, insured, and trained technicians will install it for you. And our work is backed by labor and installation warranties as well as a satisfaction guarantee, so you know we’ll do the job right.
Find the Right Patio Doors Near You in Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Choosing the right type of patio door for your home doesn’t have to be complicated. At Jammer Doors, we make the process simple. Our team can help you compare options and review product features. Pick your door style, color, and finishes, and our team will install it for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation in southeast Pennsylvania or central New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Patio Doors
Are sliding patio doors less secure than hinged doors?
No. Modern sliding doors often include reinforced frames, upgraded locks, and security features that provide protection comparable to hinged doors.
Which patio door option is most energy efficient?
Both can offer excellent energy efficiency when they’re paired with quality glass and professional installation.
Can I replace a hinged patio door with a slider in the same opening?
In many cases, yes. However, there may be some structural considerations. The technicians at Jammer Doors can measure your opening and look at your existing door frame to help you find the best replacement option.
