Patio Doors With Built In Blinds

Patio doors come in different types and materials and with lots of options. Built-in or internal blinds are a common topic of interest. This article answers common questions and provides information on patio doors with built-in blinds.

We are committed to answering your window and door questions one article at a time at Window Depot of Dallas. We aim to help you confidently buy new windows, front doors, and patio doors. With that said, let’s talk about shade options for patio doors.

This article covers the following topics:

  • Benefits of patio doors with internal blinds
  • Problems with blinds between the glass
  • Internal blind alternatives
  • Doors brands that offer built-in blinds
  • Do built-in door blinds improve efficiency?
  • Should you buy patio doors with built-in blinds?

Benefits of patio doors with internal blinds

Patio doors with built-in blinds offer the convenience of privacy and protection without compromising space or design. The sealed slats between panes provide an extra layer of protection from dirt, dust, damage, and fading – eliminating the need to regularly clean while assuring a smooth operation when opening/closing them. These models allow you to precisely control your desired light exposure while avoiding potential binding in traditional blinds.

Most importantly, you don’t have to worry about kids or pets running into or pulling on the blinds and damaging them.

 

Problems with blinds between the glass

The biggest drawback to internal blinds is that they’re nearly impossible to repair. Because the blinds are between a sealed individual glass unit (IGU), you can’t remove the blinds to repair them and put them back. Any problem will cause you to order a new piece of glass with a new blind. New door glass with blinds can cost upwards of $500 plus installation.

The other issue with patio doors with internal blinds is that the blinds are always visible. Currently, most slats sit at the top of the door and take up 3″ to 4″ inches of space, encroaching on your view. This only bothers some, but it is something to consider before buying a patio door with internal blinds.

Most patio door brands offer limited color options for their built-in blinds. If you want a window treatment to match your other openings, you’re better off working with a local window treatment company.

 

Internal blind alternatives

So you want privacy for your patio door but something other than built-in blinds. Your options are standard and straightforward.

  • Add-on enclosed blinds. These use the frame around your glass to house brackets that support the new blind attachment. Add-on blinds are a great way to mimic internal blinds for less money than you’d pay from a door manufacturer. You can buy these kits from your local home improvement store.
  • Curtains. Amazon has hundreds of add-on curtains that mount over your patio door glass. As a reminder, magnetic options will work on steel doors but not on wood or fiberglass options.
  • Patterned window film. If you want to add privacy to your patio door, obscure window film will provide a layer of comfort. An obscure coating will keep outsiders from seeing in, but they’ll still be able to see inside movements.

 

What doors do you sell that offer built-in blinds?

Our preferred door vendors, Alside and ProVia, offer sliding patio doors with internal blinds.

ProVia’s white internal blinds are available on Aeris™, Endure™, and Aspect™ sliding glass patio doors and select front door and sidelight styles with and without internal grids.

ProVia’s colored internal blinds are available on Aeris™ and Endure™ patio doors and on select entry doors with and without internal grids. Colored internal blinds are not available on sidelights.

Alside offers white mini blinds on their patio door series.

Do built-in blinds improve efficiency?

The best benefits of built-in patio door blinds are privacy and increased comfort. Along with an energy-efficient glass coating, the blinds will also block some thermal transfer. By keeping more UV rays out of your house, your home should stay cooler. It probably isn’t enough to impact your energy bills, but when you’re hanging out near the door, you’ll be glad you have the blinds.

For privacy, built-in shades are hard to beat. They typically cover more than 95% of the glass when in a closed position, so no one can see in. If these doors look into your kitchen or bedroom, it’s nice to not worry about privacy.

Should you buy a patio door with blinds between the glass?

From young families to busy professionals, homeowners across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex can reap many benefits from installing patio doors with built-in blinds. These cordless window coverings are especially beneficial for households with children and pets: cords pose an injury hazard, while traditional Venetian blinds require maintenance that many active lifestyles don’t have time for. Built-in blinds provide convenience and safety – ideal solutions for any home!

 

In closing

Patio doors with built-in blinds offer several advantages over traditional ones—they provide improved privacy, easy maintenance, and better energy efficiency. If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your doors while adding value to your home, this type of door may be just what you need. Not only will it look great, but it will also keep unwanted eyes out while helping save money on heating and cooling costs. So, if you’re in the market for a new patio door, consider one equipped with integrated blinds. Live in North Texas, call us at 214-399-9592 to schedule a free patio door estimate.

Cover image sourced from our door partner, ProVia.