uPVC patio doors

uPVC patio doors offer good solutions for new garden access doors in the home.  There is a massive choice in upvc patio doors from many different systems and brands.  Furthermore, DIY stores, as well as builders merchants, also sell uPVC doors and windows. We explain some of the best uPVC doors available and what to consider for the home.

Choosing uPVC patio doors for the home.

Also referred to as PVCu, there are several well-known systems.  For example, Anglian and Everest as well as Safestyle are the big players.  Better quality brands include Liniar, Rehau, Kommerling, Deceuninck and Residence9 we think probably make the best plastic windows.  As a result of so much choice is lots of price variation and quality.

First of all, there is no bad or substandard upvc patio door.  All the brands and products available in the UK meet current industry standards.  These include:

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Patio Doors
  • Specific standards for the quality of PVCu profiles.
  • Standards for any foils used for colour or texture.
  • The overall quality of handles and locking systems with associated security certification.
  • Kitemarks, British and European standards for manufacturing.
  • Certified security and weather performance.

Therefore most current PVCu products meet similar material specifications.  Expected standard specifications include safety glass in doors, a secure locking system and energy efficient doors.  Of course, PVCu is well-known for being virtually maintenance free too. You can also use PVCu doors to replace old doors or for new extensions and houses.

Consequently, choosing the right uPVC patio doors means looking at the different types and brands. Then there are specifications, features, aesthetics and design.  This is where quality differs.  Just like any other product, upvc patio doors come as mid-range or premium products.  The traditional buy-one-get-one-free offers usually indicate a lower cost and quality as a result. Do your research and ask questions.

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Benefits of upvc doors for patio areas.

Lower cost is the one big benefit in choosing PVCu for patio doors.  The other benefit is better thermal efficiency. While aluminium and other materials come with good energy ratings, uPVC doors as standard are better and using less costly glass units.

PVCu is also good for landlords renovating a rental property.  In addition to a big range of products on the market, comes low cost.  Builders merchants and trade counters offer doors at very good prices too.

Finally, traditional aesthetics is another good feature of PVCu doors.  In particular are some of the latest doors from Liniar and Residence 9. Their doors come in a beautiful timber look and flush casement design.  Therefore PVCu doors are hard to beat for a more traditional or timber-like appearance.

Types of uPVC patio doors.

Six different types of patio doors in upvc all provide solutions for external door sets leading out to the garden, patio area or terrace.  These include:

Composite Doors

upvc patio doors in a white colour fitted to a new extension

Composite doors are better known for front doors or side doors.  Solidor is one company offering fully glazed composite doors, ideal as patio door products. You get all the benefits of a quality PVCu white or coloured frame with a single or double door set in a combination of glass and timber core construction.

Composite French doors might provide an altogether different type of upvc patio door with a very distinctive look too.  (image courtesy of www.solidor.co.uk)

Timber look doors

upvc patio door in the style of real wood doors

The latest generation of timber look doors offers authentic looking PVCu with all the aesthetics of traditional wood windows.

On offer are mechanical joints, period hardware, flush sashes and a choice of wood effect finishes.  Some of the timber look doors such as Residence 9 are luxury products at a higher price.

However, you are rewarded with a fine door that looks exceptional and distinctive.

Flush casement doors

flush casement doors e1543143442429

Similar to timber look doors, flush casement doors offer similar aesthetics at a cheaper price.  Products from Rehau, Liniar, Eurocell are some examples of flush casement doors.

The benefit of this door style is matching PVCu timber look/ and flush casement windows. You also get a great choice of coloured or woodgrain foils to match. A great product for a traditional house such as a cottage.

PVCu bifolding doors.

alumina bifolding door

The PVCu bifolding door is substantially better than early generation bifolds.  Historically, PVCu bifolidng doors came with expansion and performance issues.

Although the design has ironed out any problems, PVCu bifold doors remain thicker than aluminium. Another consideration of PVCu bifolds is smaller door sizes as the material is weaker than aluminium.  However, for a cost-effective bifolding door, PVCu is hard to beat.

Sliding Patio Doors.

pvcu patio sliding doors

Sliding patio doors in PVCu are dependable, secure and robust.  Virtually every brand comes in a sliding door.  Quality products include Patiomaster, Kommerling, Rehau and Liniar.

The downside of PVCu is smaller door sizes and a limited number of tracks. As a result, multiple sliding panels are easier in aluminium.  However, for a two, three or four panel patio door at a good price, PVCu remains an excellent choice.

French Doors.

liniar patio doors

The simplest way to add access, security and style to the outside space.  French doors are flexible, secure and reliable.

Aluminium French doors allow bigger sizes where many PVCu French doors rely on sidelights and top panels.

However, for most standard openings they are ideal  French doors also integrate well with windows to create combination screens.

 

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Andrew DOBSONAndrew DOBSON
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Cathy GreenwoodCathy Greenwood
07:03 11 Sep 23
Update - A second email to nick for help on bifolds resulted in a detailed informative reply even on a Sunday ! This guy is so knowledgable and helpful .I approached Nick for an independent view on sliding doors v bifold and the different brand options . His reply was extremely detailed and prompt and allowed me to navigate this often confusing world in a much more informed way . Thanks so much Nick
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20:24 26 Jul 23
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guard Charlieguard Charlie
12:28 14 May 23
I emailed this company just on the off chance they could help me with new magnetic sliders for my patio door. They were not able to supply those but were so very helpful providing me with the name of a company who could. I am so very grateful at the great service. Dare say customers must be very happy. thank you so much.
Benjamin LewisBenjamin Lewis
10:06 04 May 23
Nick is very helpful indeed. Extremely knowledgeable on bifolds which was in relation to my query. Great website as well, some very useful articles. Particularly appreciated the article that lists all the major bifold options in order of their sightlines! Thank you!
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Giorgia SiriacoGiorgia Siriaco
16:25 21 Mar 23
After a lot of research to find doors that would meet our unusual size requirements and feeling increasingly uncertain about the best way to spend our small budget, I stumbled on the ATS website, and I'm so glad I did! I contacted ATS to request advice and Nick promptly replied with a wealth of information, providing us with options and relevant contact details. I only wish I'd found them sooner!
Carol NortonCarol Norton
10:01 17 Mar 23
I've been so confused about how to achieve the look I'm after, and going round in circles with various window/door companies, trying to get away from the huge chunks of plastic currently around my windows. I didn't expect an email to a company found through a Google search to really help - but I was desperate, so I tried. I'm SO glad I did. Finally I have clear explanations from ATS of where I've been going wrong, exactly what I'm looking for, and a list of local companies that might be able to provide it! The response has excelled my expectations and I feel as if I'm finally inching closer to a home with which I'll be happy and comfortable: thank you.
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It is rare that I write reviews, however after my very positive communication with Nick - enquiring about suitable slim sash aluminium windows for my project, I felt that a review was definitely warranted. I can reinforce the many positive reviews posted so far, Nick was very quick to respond, providing comprehensive detail, with excellent independent advice.In summary, great service, thank you Nick.
Chantal AuerbachChantal Auerbach
13:04 09 Mar 23
Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply was incredibly helpful informative and pleasant to deal with. He responded quickly to emails and was very knowledgeable. Highly recommend being in touch with Nick if you are considering new aluminium windows or doors.
Lee JonesLee Jones
20:21 22 Feb 23
I dropped Nick at Aluminium Trade Supply an email re high security slim sightline bi-folds and their alternatives and he responded that quickly (and so comprehensively) that I felt bad I’d not paid him for his time!Nick Sir your product knowledge is outstanding and you are providing a level of service that goes wayyyy above and beyond expectations. I’ll definitely make sure I mention Aluminium Trade Supply to anyone I encounter looking for a fenestration solution 🙏🏼
G JG J
15:13 13 Feb 23
We are looking to replace some old UPVC patios doors with aluminium ones. The ATS website is a great source of advice in an area where clear information is sorely lacking. Having used the website, I then followed this up with a number of specific questions relating to our search, and Nick came back very quickly with clear, detailed and very useful advice.I have been very impressed with both the website and with Nick's advice. My only regret is that I didn't come across ATS before replacing various windows in 2021 - I'm sure it would have saved me a lot of grief and money! Thanks again Nick.
Azza McCabeAzza McCabe
17:47 01 Feb 23
So impressed with this company.Responded to my query quickly andgave valuable advice. Nick was extremely helpful and we were able to move forward with our project.
Adri LoloçiAdri Loloçi
11:21 08 Jan 23
Nick was super fast to respond and provided some great recommendations. I would recommend this website to anyone looking to find bifold or sliding aluminium doors.
Stephen HoustonStephen Houston
16:16 03 Jan 23
Looking for aluminium crittall style internal door and external patio French doors. Noted good reviews and thought would ask for advice. Comprehensive reply with excellent independent advice and lists of fitters who could provide products and installation. Great service.
Inga GeachInga Geach
08:25 21 Dec 22
Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply has been extremely helpful with navigating the jungle that is aluminium glazing for our upcoming extension project. His advice was prompt, detailed and always impartial. Very grateful for your input, thanks Nick!
Amanda BurtonAmanda Burton
10:54 16 Dec 22
Brilliant website and an excellent service. Nick provided not only detailed advice and supplier contacts, but highlighted the considerations of various products so I could make an informed choice. Our Sunvista minimal sliders were fitted this week and I couldn't be happier, stunning. Thanks once again for your advice and recommendations, invaluable!
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11:45 13 Sep 22
Nick has been very helpful on signposting me to a number of partner organisations for steel/aluminium doors.
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17:26 31 Aug 22
My experience with this firm was exceptionally good and this is notalways the case as a female, dipping a toe into technical waters.I was spoken too with courtesy and at a level that helped me consolidate what was needed .On top of that I was given a list of companies and places where I could obtain the type of product I needed.I could not thank them enough and would certainly go there again and reccommend others do too.
Paul SalterPaul Salter
22:39 22 Aug 22
Contacting Aluminium Trade Supply is like contacting the Oracle direct. Advice is always comprehensive and balanced. On multiple occasions they have provided me with options that fully meet our objectives. Many thanks.
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