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Hello,
I am having an estimate done next week for replacing my sliding glass patio doors with Garden doors.
Has anyone had these put in? What kind of advice can you give, please.
I would love to have them swing out on to the deck. Once I asked about that at another door place and they said it can't be done. That they would have to swing open into my dining room.
I want the kind with the white square grilles inside the wndow. I also saw some on the internet with the top of the window panes rounded which I think I would like..but does it cut out too much light?
Starzz, don't quite know what you mean by "garden doors". Double 'French' doors ? Of course they can swing outwards, the store probably didn't have any. Only question would be does the local Building Code allow it ? Another thread mentioned the need for door swings to coincide with the ability to reach a light switch and not to open into a hallway, very good points. It might be wise to get bids from more than one contractor. With a suitable header already in for the slider changing doors shouldn't be a big deal for a competent contractor. The new doors sound like they will be much nicer than a slider.
Yes Balvenie..I mean double french doors to my deck.
I don't know of any building code just to replace doors here in Ontario.
My neighbours had their old plain ones replaced with the window grilles in the slider style several years ago..but I have always wanted the kind that swing open. I remember Loretta Young coming through french doors at the beginning of her show..LOL..shows my age...
I understand that the code here is that ALL doors to the outside must swing INTO the house. Apparently this evolves from a safety perspective - it is orders of magnitude easier to push a door closed against an intruder that to try to pull it closed against them.
You can order outswing doors, but also consider the exposure to elements once the door is outside. The hinges are exposed on the outside of the door and can rust. The interior of the door will also be subjected to the weather. The door has much more protection from weather when it swings in.
Dave
Thanks Dave,
It makes sense to me now about not having them swing outwards.
I had an estimate done..and they said you can't have the doors swinging out into snow and ice (I'm only dreaming of the nice weather..LOL)and also that in their experience, they also leak.
Company #1 also tried to persuade me to buy sliders..not garden type..they said they have had problems with the garden type sticking if there is even a tiny shift in the house structure. Their estimate for sliders with white grilles was $1525.00 installed. I thought that was on the high side.
So..today, company #2 is coming to give an estimate. I have narrowed things down to French doors with one side stationary and the other door swinging into the house.
Hi Starzz,
I did that type of door in my addition, one side stationary. I bought it at HD for around $950. The brand was Atrium, wood interior and white aluminum clad on the outside. Here are a couple pics. Will fit in a slider opening.
Dave
That price is hard to tell if it is high or low.
If I was doing your job, I would give you installing price & let you go buy the doors. They can be any price, depending on quality, material, finish, & other variables. I saw a door on display for near $3000.00.
A double door where both open are hard to seal against the cold. We put 2 in a house a few years ago. They let a lot of cold air in, & when the wind is from that direction, wow!
They just aren't made to fit tight.
I would not like a door swinging out, as the hinges are outside & entry to your house could be gained by simply pulling the pins.
Bernie
In place of a leaky slider last year I put in a pre-hung 'store door' and filled the remaining gap with a window (and doggie door). The framing was quite simple, the door was only a couple hundred bucks as was the window and the result is very satisfactory.
HI again,
Thanks for showing me your doors and that I can have what I really want.
Company #2 came today..and didn't have any qualms about putting in a garden door just like I wanted. One side stationary with a sliding screen to use when the other side is open swinging into the house.
He will put a brass leaver handle on the inside with a handle and key lock on the outside. They will be white inside and out.. with grilles.
Installed they will cost 1800.00 with the tax. (we have a GST tax of 7% here in Canada) They will match my big bay window I have in the living room. So I signed on the dotted line.. . I am so happy!!
Glad you got your door. Price sounds decent.
One thing about building, you can do anything you want, sometimes it's just a little harder.
Enjoy!
Bernie
