How to buy patio doors

My new Pella patio doors were installed this week.

I selected Pella instead of Milgard because I didn’t need to order the doors. Lowe’s had them in stock.

I decided I wanted to get the windows in before the heavy rains started here in the Pacific Northwest.

I selected Pella because my contractor recommended that brand.

The Pella ThermaStar 25 series was rated low for wind resistance in Consumer Reports’ October 2007 issue. Hopefully, the Pella Corp. has improved its windows since those tests were completed.

This Pella series received better ratings from Consmer Reports in other areas: rain resistance, durability, and convenience.

Check your local library for a copy of the October 2007 issue of Consumer Reports for the article “Ratings: Replacement Windows.” Or see ConsumerReports.org to sign up for a subscription that allows you to view ratings. The cost is $26 a year.

I also considered Milgard windows because the contractors and sellers in this area report the firm, which is headquartered in Tacoma, Wash., about 30 miles from here, is good about promptly attending to problems.

However, when I checked the Better Business Bureau Website, half of the 10 companies across the country have unsatisfactory ratings. Apparently, some of the offices don’t answer inquiries about complaints filed with the bureau.

Here are five steps to consider in your selection of patio doors from the article “How to Buy Patio Doors” on eHow.

1. Decide how much you want to spend on a patio door. Buy the best door you can afford for years of trouble-free use.
2. Look at door styles and descriptions on the Internet and shop local home improvement and door stores to get ideas and prices.
3. Keep in mind the location of the door on your house. If it will be unprotected on the north or west sides of the house, you'll want to choose weather-resistant materials for the frame and tempered, insulated glass.
4. Choose framing materials for durability and ease of maintenance. You can get traditional aluminum sliders, or go with fiberglass, vinyl, treated wood, or wood-clad doors. Some wooden doors are painted in your choice of colors on the outside and you must paint or stain the inside to match your decor.
5. Pick the glass style according to the amount of sunlight you want transmitted to the inside of your house. It comes tinted to keep out UV rays or clear, or get doors with adjustable mini-blinds sealed between the panes of thermal glass. French doors usually have real or fake dividers for a paned effect.