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Porches & Decks Windows Design Dilemma

recommendation for replacing exterior doors

3 years ago

We need to replace 2 sets of full-view French doors onto my back deck as well as a sliding glass door. Actually one of the sets of doors needs to really just be a window as it's never used as a door. The current ones are wood and approximately 23 years old! Should I go with vinyl? Any reason not to? Any brands recommended, or ones to stay away from? We would be in a mid-price range. My backyard is heavily wooded and private so I don't need inner blinds. Any advice is deeply appreciated!

Renee

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Comments (3)

calidesign
3 years ago
The fiberglass doors are good as they do not warp over time the way that wood does. Have a good door company come out to give you estimates and go over material options. The installation of the doors and window is just as important as the doors themselves.
Renee Hunter thanked calidesign
millworkman
3 years ago
Integrity by Marvin, either Essential or Elevate would be a good choice. If you tell us your region of the country we can recommend a quality vinyl product as many are regional. Stay away from the box stores in my opinion.
Renee Hunter thanked millworkman
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I should probably have followed up - appreciated the advice here. I was able to pull it out just as described and it turned out OK. My main problem turned out to be that the existing door, and wall in that area, was over 1" out of plumb from top to bottom - that part was a nightmare. But I was able to rip some brick molding and had to build a bit of an extension as well since the original jamb and storm and other bits ended up as a thicker wall. I was even able to keep the top drip edge (I still need to clean up the edge to look nicer). It also turned out the wall studs behind that white trim to the left of the door were rotted at the bottom from water pooling on that step and from chipmunks digging out underneath (no rot from normal weather hitting the door and sill from outside though due to the big overhangs). So I built a form and repoured to fill in the gaps and reform threshold - that part actually came out really well I think. The original was from 1960 and really hadn't rotted anywhere except for the pooling which I addressed, so I think this fix should at least survive me (50).
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PRO
China Windows & Doors Manufacturers Association
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
What material do you like? Both Vinyl and Aluminum is good choice. According to your door change frequency 23 years, I suggest you use Aluminum or Thermal Break Aluminum Lift and Slide Doors, which is better in sound proof and water & air tightness than traditional slide doors. China WDMA is a factory association which can provide you several level products to meet your different budgets. For example the best price Aluminum lift and slide door size 1800mm(W)*2010mm(H) with profile thickness 2.0mm, 6mm+12A+6mm Low E double tempered glass,German hardware only $650. The same specification and quality lift and sliding doors from China factory who has certification of NFRC or NAMI is only $815,still very cheap. For the Vinyl Doors,I have a quotation below, size 72*80, $425, still high cost performance.

Some exterior doors FYI below
Renee Hunter
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks all! I'm located in NC

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