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In the heat of the summer months, patio doors offer a fantastic way to bring in a refreshing breeze and create a cool and comfortable living space. According to a report by Allied Market Research, the popularity of double glazed patio doors has been steadily increasing in recent years due to their aesthetic appeal. But how does their increased popularity affect the heat of our homes?
To help you make the most of your patio doors and beat the heat, we’ve taken a look at the benefits they provide and offered some tips to enhance their cooling effects.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing patio doors or planning to purchase new ones, you could improve much more than just your décor. Read on to discover how they can help to control the temperature in your home too.
How can I keep my house cool in hot weather in the UK?
Here in the UK, hot spells are few and far between. Not many of us invest in air conditioning so when we experience hot weather, we really feel the heat in our homes.
The best line of defense is to try to avoid our homes getting too warm in the first place. Simple tips like keeping your curtains drawn and your doors and windows closed at the hottest times of the day can help immensely. But can your patio doors really help to keep your home cooler?
Does double glazing keep a room cool?
Double glazing is designed to stop heat transfer, so it can help to keep a room cool in summer as well as keep in warm during the winter.
With its innovative design, double glazing acts as a thermal barrier, preventing heat transfer from the outside to the inside of your home. This means that even when the sun is blazing, you can enjoy a refreshingly cool room without the need for air conditioning.
The secret lies in the two panes of glass with a layer of insulating gas in between, effectively reducing heat penetration. By investing in double glazing, you not only create a tranquil retreat from the summer heat but also save on energy costs.
So, double glazed patio doors can significantly reduce heat transfer during the summer months, resulting in lower cooling costs. According to a study conducted by the Efficient Windows Collaborative, double glazed windows can reduce energy consumption for cooling by up to 15% compared to single-pane windows.
The National Fenestration Rating Council also agrees that double glazed patio doors provide improved insulation, which can help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature during hot summer days. The insulating properties of double glazing help reduce heat gain from outside and keep the indoor space cooler.
However, intense sunshine that’s directly shining through your patio doors could still heat up your home, even with effective double glazing. The best way to combat this is to restrict the sunlight coming in.
How do you block the sun on patio doors?
Our top recommendation is to install custom-made window dressings like blinds, shades, or curtains. These versatile options not only allow you to control the amount of sunlight entering your home but also add a touch of elegance to your patio doors.
The Pros and Cons of Patio Doors in Hot Weather
As you can see, patio doors can offer advantages and disadvantages when the weather heats up. Here are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Energy Efficiency: Patio doors with high-quality insulation and weatherstripping are very energy efficient. Their thermal performance can help maintain a cool indoor environment, reducing the need to use extra energy to cool your home using fans or air conditioning.
- Natural Ventilation: Sliding or hinged patio doors can be opened to allow refreshing breezes to flow through your home, promoting natural ventilation.
- Seamless Transition: Patio doors provide a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of your patio while staying protected from the hot weather.
- Abundance of Natural Light: Patio doors typically feature large glass panels, allowing plenty of natural light to enter your home. This not only brightens up the space but also creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Cons:
- Heat Transfer: Glass panels in patio doors can potentially allow heat to transfer indoors, making your home warmer in hot weather. However, modern advancements in glass technology, such as Low-E coatings, can significantly reduce heat transfer.
- Glare and Fading: Direct sunlight can cause glare and fading of furniture, flooring, and other interior elements. It’s advisable to consider UV-protective coatings or window treatments to minimize these effects. The International Window Film Association explains that Low-E glass can also protect furniture, flooring, and other indoor items from fading or damage caused by sun exposure.
How to Maximise the Cooling Effects of Patio Doors in the UK
Whilst new patio doors can make quite a difference in themselves, the choices you make and the way you use them matter too. Here are some tips for keeping your home as cool as possible:
1. Opt for Energy-Efficient Glazing
Choose patio doors with energy-efficient glazing, such as low-emissivity (Low-E) glass or double-glazed panels. These advanced glazing options prevent heat from penetrating indoors, helping to keep your space cool and comfortable while reducing energy consumption.
2. Choose a Low U-Value
The lower the U-value of the door, the more energy efficient it is. Selecting a lower u-value means that you’ll get a door that has been tested and proven to be effective at minimising heat transfer. You’ll know it’s good at keeping the heat out during the summer, and keeping it in during the winter.
3. Install Curtains, Blinds or Screens
Consider installing curtains, blinds or screens on your patio doors. You can close them off when the sun is at its peak, reducing the heat created as the sun shines on the glass. A covering will also allow you to keep the doors open for fresh air circulation without letting the direct sunlight inside.
4. Try Window Films or Tints
It is possible to apply window films or tints to your patio doors. These films help block harmful UV rays, reduce heat gain, and minimize glare. They can significantly improve the cooling effects of your patio doors while protecting your furniture from sun damage.
5. Optimise Ventilation
Keep doors firmly closed at the hottest times of day, and only open them when the air outside is cooler than the air inside your home. This will usually be early in the morning or later in the evening. Doors with large glass panels that can be fully or partially opened to allow maximum airflow are ideal to help control ventilation. Sliding, French and Bifold doors are all excellent choices.
6. Consider Patio Door Orientation
When possible, it can really pay off to consider the orientation of your patio doors. South-facing doors tend to receive more direct sunlight and heat. If you’re building or carrying out large renovations, position your patio doors facing a shaded area or choose a location that receives a cool breeze, such as near some trees.
7. Install Exterior Shading Devices
Install exterior shading devices, such as awnings or blinds, to block direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. These additions will help keep your patio area and indoor space cool.
8. Use Light-Coloured or Reflective Door Frames
Opt for patio doors with light-coloured or reflective frames. Dark-colored frames tend to absorb more heat, which can transfer indoors. Lighter or reflective frames help minimize heat absorption and maintain a cooler indoor environment.
9. Add a Fan
Place a portable fan strategically near your patio doors to enhance air circulation, and use this at those cooler times of day when you open the doors. The fans will help distribute the cool air entering through the doors throughout the room, ensuring a comfortable and refreshing environment.
So, Will Patio Doors Help Me Beat The Heat?
Yes there’s plenty of evidence to suggest that modern patio doors can help to keep your home cooler, and make the warmer months more enjoyable too! How much of a difference you feel will all depend on what you currently have installed, but moving from old to new patio doors is likely to help your home feel more comfortable.
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