Thinking about new doors for your home? You are not alone. Thousands of Irish homeowners are switching to patio doors every year, and the biggest question we hear at Thermoglaze is whether they actually keep the heat in.
Let us put it simply: yes, they do. Today’s patio doors are nothing like the draughty sliding doors from 20 years ago. With the right glass, frame, and installation, a good set of patio doors will keep your home warm in January and bright all summer long.
Why Should Irish Homeowners Care About Energy Efficiency?
We all know what Irish weather is like. Rain sideways, wind that rattles the letterbox, and winters that seem to drag on forever. If your doors are old or poorly fitted, heat pours out of your home and money pours out of your wallet.
New patio doors with proper insulation stop that heat from escaping. Your boiler does not have to run as often, and you will notice a real drop in your gas and electricity bills.
Here is the other good news. The SEAI grant for windows and doors can help cover part of the cost when you upgrade to energy rated products. So the timing could not be better.
What Actually Makes a Patio Door Energy Efficient?
Not all patio doors are created equal. Here is what separates a good one from a bad one:
Double or Triple Glazing
Two or three panes of glass with argon gas trapped between them. This gas is a poor conductor of heat, which means warmth stays inside your home instead of leaking through the glass. Triple glazing works best in homes that face north or catch a lot of wind.
Low E Glass
This is a special coating on the glass that bounces heat back into your room. You still get all the sunlight coming through, but the warmth does not escape. It is one of those upgrades you cannot see but you will definitely feel.
The Right Frame
Your glass can be top of the line, but if the frame is cheap, heat will find its way out. That is just how it works. .
Proper Seals
Rubber gaskets and weatherproof seals around the frame stop air and water from sneaking through. At Thermoglaze, we use seals that are built for Irish conditions, not imported from sunnier climates where rain is an afterthought.
What Do You Actually Gain from Energy Efficient Patio Doors?
Here is what our customers tell us after getting their new patio doors fitted:
- Heating bills drop. Less heat escaping means your boiler is not constantly firing up.
- BER rating goes up. If you are thinking of selling in the next few years, a better BER adds real value to your property.
- The house feels warmer. No more cold patches beside the back door in December.
- Rooms feel bigger and brighter. The large glass panels let in daylight from morning to evening.
- Less noise from outside. Double and triple glazing blocks a surprising amount of road and neighbourhood noise.
Make Them Your Own
Every house is different, and every homeowner has their own taste. That is why we let you customise almost every part of your patio doors:
- Colour and Finish: From classic white to anthracite grey, woodgrain effects, and more.
- Hardware: Choose handles, hinges and locks that suit your style.
- Sizes: We build to your exact measurements. No standard sizes, no gaps, no guesswork.
- Glass Type: Clear, frosted, or tinted depending on how much privacy you want.
If you are not set on patio doors just yet, have a look at French doors, bi-fold doors, or lift and slide doors to compare your options.
Installation Matters More Than You Think
You could buy the best patio door on the market, but if it is fitted badly, you will still get draughts and damp. We have seen it happen with doors installed by general builders who do not specialise in windows and doors.
At Thermoglaze, fitting doors is all we do. Our lads know how to get the alignment spot on, pack the frame properly, and seal everything so nothing gets through. And if anything ever needs attention down the line, we are a phone call away.
How Do Patio Doors Stack Up Against Other Doors?
- Patio Doors: Space saving, slide open and bring in plenty of light. Ideal for back gardens and patios.
- French Doors: Swing open from the centre, giving a traditional look. Great for period homes.
- Bi-Fold Doors: Fold back like a concertina to open up an entire wall. Ideal for extensions and open plan living.
- Composite Doors: Thick, solid, and tough. Better suited as a front door or back entrance.
For your front door, take a look at our composite doors or browse the hall doors range.
Come and See for Yourself
Pictures on a website are grand, but nothing beats seeing the real thing. Pop into one of our two Dublin showrooms and have a look:
- Northside: Unit F2, Swords Enterprise Park, Feltrim Rd, Drinan, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 WF72
- Southside: 68 Rathgar Avenue, Rathgar, Dublin 6, D06KN53
No appointment needed. Walk in, have a chat, and get a feel for the doors before you commit to anything.
Conclusion
If you have been putting off replacing your old patio doors, now is the time to do it. Modern patio doors keep heat in, cut your bills, brighten up your rooms, and add value to your property. With SEAI grants helping with the cost, there is no reason to wait.
Thermoglaze has been fitting windows and doors across Dublin for years, and we know what works in Irish homes. We will help you pick the right doors, build them to your specs, and install them properly so they last for decades.
Give us a ring on 01 912 0600, check out thermoglaze.ie for a free quote, or call into our Swords or Rathgar showroom. We would love to help.
FAQs
1. Are patio doors suitable for Ireland’s climate?
Absolutely. With double or triple glazing and proper seals, modern patio doors handle Irish rain, wind, and cold without any issues. Every door we fit at Thermoglaze is built for these conditions.
2. How much will I save on energy bills?
It depends on what you are replacing. If your current doors are single glazed or over 15 years old, you could see heat loss through your doors cut by up to 50%. That adds up to a decent saving over the course of a year.
3. Can I get an SEAI grant for patio doors?
Yes. Energy rated doors and windows qualify for SEAI grants. Give us a call and we will walk you through the application process and which products are eligible.
4. What is the difference between double and triple glazing?
Double glazing has two glass panes with gas between them. Triple glazing adds a third pane for even better insulation. Triple is worth the extra cost if your home is exposed to wind or faces north.
5. How many years will patio doors last?
A well made set of patio doors will last 20 to 30 years with basic care. Keep the tracks clean, lubricate the rollers once a year, and they will serve you well.
6. Can I choose the colour of my patio doors?
Yes. We offer a wide range of colours and finishes. White, black, grey, woodgrain, and custom RAL colours are all available. Pick what works with your house.
7. Are patio doors safe from break ins?
Yes. Our patio doors come with multi point locking systems and toughened glass. They are tested to resist forced entry and meet current security standards.
8. How long does it take to install patio doors?
Most jobs are done in a single day. We remove the old doors, fit the new ones, seal everything up, and leave the place tidy before we go.
9. Do patio doors need much upkeep?
Very little. Wipe the frames with soapy water now and then, clean the tracks, and oil the rollers once a year. That is about it.
10. How do I get a quote from Thermoglaze?
Call us on 01 912 0600, fill in the form at thermoglaze.ie/contact, or visit our Swords or Rathgar showroom. We will measure up, talk through your options, and give you a price with no obligation.