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Porches & Decks Design Dilemma

Bi-fold patio door - insects and rodents?

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

We're working on the design of a home and there is currently a discussion on a wide ~10ft opening from the home to the backyard. Suggestion is to put in a bifold door that opens all the way through to allow in-out flow, which does sound great.

I know such a setup is quite common these days, but has anyone had negative experiences due to insects and rodents getting in and heating/cooling getting out? Has it been a nuisance enough that it doesn't get enough use fully opened? We're in Santa Monica, CA and rodents around here are a constant problem.

Our other option is to have multiple panels of fixed glass to make it a 'glass wall' that does not open. There already is a separate access door to the side of the wall in question so the bifold is not critical for practical access/use.

As an aside, this decision also affects whether or not we have a deck/terrace leading to the backyard (the backyard is about 2 steps lower that the home's floor level). Specifically, there will be a terrace/deck if a bifold opens to it, but doesn't seem useful/necessary if we go with fixed glass instead.

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Comments (4)

Elaine Doremus Resumes Written
3 years ago
Get those doors with screens. Here is a youtube video to show how that would work. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_816VU6fAI
flygirl519
3 years ago
the bifold doors are beautiful. and not in 10000 years would I have them without screens. I think I may be overly rodent sensitive but I see them in my yard and have had one come in through an open door. Recovery was long term for me. Rodents are opportunistic and can fit through a hole the size of a dime. Have toast crumbs will travel.
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PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
3 years ago
IMo the screens really defeat the whole point of having the wall open. Why not just do a wall of windows with sliders to be able to go outside but control the bugs and rodents. I will say a mouse can get in whatever you do. I love the look but not where I live with all the bugs. We go however have lots of patio doors with screens .
V S
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks for all your comments; very helpful information about the screens.

I am also overly rodent sensitive as we just finished ridding ourselves of those that we found were living in our recently bought house. Before that ordeal, I wasn't thinking about the bi-folds much, but now I am definitely very cautious about it! Although I haven't seen them in the yard yet, it is apparently common in the neighborhood so its just a matter of time. Plus we haven't moved in yet (awaiting this renovation to complete).

Having gone through the options with screens, I am leaning towards concurring with Patricia that it takes away from the wall's openness. Which means, with my rodent sensitivity at this point, maybe a fully open-able wall is not right for us. Having fixed glass panels would still provide the visual openness we are looking for, most likely.

Thanks again for your time, all!

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