Because a lot of homeowners in Winnipeg decide to do most windows in their house at the same time, it is normal that they look for patio doors at the same time they are shopping for new windows.

In many ways a patio door is built, and functions just like vinyl windows do. It is common for patio doors today to include all the additional features that come with your new windows and match similar levels of energy performance when compared to your new windows.

A sliding glass door is usually considered a single unit consisting of two-panel sections, one being fixed and one being operable. However, there are options for three and four-panel patio doors on the market today. Usually, patio doors can accommodate any standard or custom-sized openings up to 12 feet in width. Every patio door should come standard with a sliding screen door.

sliding_patio_door
Sliding patio door uses all the same energy efficiency features as you new vinyl windows.

How efficient are Winnipeg patio doors?

Unlike entry doors that are made of steel and wood, patio doors are made from the same materials as your windows: mainly glass and vinyl. The insulated glass unit in both a window and patio door is the part that accounts for most of the efficiency and prevents warm air from escaping your home. Because patio doors have a greater glass surface area, they offer comparable levels of energy efficiency.

Just like the windows you buy, patio doors should also adhere to an Energy Star rating. Energy Star outlines performance criteria for fenestration products based on climate requirements in different zones. In order to be efficient in Winnipeg, all windows must have a minimum ER rating of 29. This ensures your windows and patio doors will keep your home warm and comfortable during the cold Manitoba winter.

For a full list of Energy Star rated windows and doors check out this Natural Resources Canada website.

You can compare different window types between Winnipeg manufacturers here:
Casement Windows In Winnipeg
Awning Windows in Winnipeg
Slider Windows in Winnipeg

Standard sizes for patio doors in Winnipeg

Patio doors generally come in several standard sizes, based on the width of the opening. If you are replacing an old patio door with a new one your opening is probably ready to accommodate a standard 5 or 6-foot wide door. If you are looking to create or enlarge an opening from an existing window, the job often requires walls to be cut, which can add significantly to the cost of your replacement. In the interest of the client’s budget and completing the work efficiently, most window companies in Winnipeg will recommend that the patio door you get is the same size as your existing ones.

Width (inches)Height (inches)
59 1/279 1/2
58 1/279 1/2
59 1/281 1/2
59 1/295 1/2
71 1/279 1/2
71 1/281 1/2
71 1/295 1/2
70 1/279 1/2
95 1/279 1/2
95 1/281 1/2
95 1/295 1/2

Patio doors and home security

Traditionally, patio doors had one big disadvantage: they didn’t offer much in terms of security. Of course, with a glass door you not only run the risk of a quick break-in, but a potential can also see whether anyone is at home or even the room they’re going to target. Old patio doors were also easy to pop off the track.

As the window industry in North America began adapting and advancing the vinyl technology, a lot of smart features got invented and put in place into patio doors as well.

Today, any patio door can come with one or several of these additional security features:

A patio door with security kick lock
A kick lock allows you to lock your door in a closed and open position.
patio_door_security_bar
A security bar is one of the best ways to keep intruders out.
It is possible to get a patio door with a key lock
It is possible to get a patio door with a key lock.

Although a key lock is one of the more popular choices for patio door security, it isn’t always offered a standard feature. If you are getting a patio door with your window order, be sure to clarify exactly what features it comes with.

Patio Doors vs. Garden Doors

A big debate when it comes to replacing the door at the back of your house is whether you should get patio doors and or garden french doors.

The argument for garden doors is that they are more efficient and secure compared to sliding doors. While the materials they are made out of definitely give them an edge, that doesn’t mean patio doors don’t meet efficiency requirements for coldest zones in our country. As we mentioned above, security is also something that patio doors have caught up on. A modern patio door is nearly impossible to open without breaking the glass.

A big advantage patio doors have over garden doors, is that they can be left fully or partially open. Because garden doors function like a regular door, there is no screen preventing the insects from entering when the door is open. Patio doors come standard with a screen. Much like a safety latch in a slider window, a kick lock in the patio door allows you to naturally ventilate the room, while keeping the door locked in a partially opened position.

How much do patio doors cost in Winnipeg?

Standard size patio doors range in cost between 1500-2000$ based on the features and additional upgrades you might want to consider. This rough price also factors in the cost of installation.

As we mentioned, expanding the opening to accommodate a bigger size door, can add significantly to the cost of your replacement. It is also possible to manufacture custom sized patio door, but again the price becomes much higher. Even if you are considering a cut-out or expanding a window into a patio door, in the interest of saving some money, consider getting a standard size patio door.

Check out these window replacement articles:
Full Frame or Retrofit: Window Installation in Winnipeg
Window Prices in Winnipeg
Best Window Companies in Winnipeg

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