Looking for project inspiration, before and afters, FAQs, and expert advice? You've come to the right place! Explore the blog to learn more about our folding, sliding, and swing door systems.
Doors are the gateway to your home, literally and figuratively. That’s why choosing and understanding which large glass door systems you need can truly create the perfect indoor-outdoor lifestyle you desire. Now finding patio doors for your home can seem like an easy and simple task, but when you start looking at the different options available, it can be overwhelming. Here is a simple break down to help guide you to your perfect patio door.
There are four popular styles: Bi-Folds, Multi-slides, French Doors, and Lift and Slides.
Bi-folds
The most popular large glass door system is the Bi-fold. Bi-fold doors can eliminate entire walls in your home and bur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. Bi-folds offer a unique design in which door panels fold up accordion-style on one or both sides of the opening, connecting each space. With almost unlimited folding door configurations available, you can find the perfect Bi-fold door for your space.
Multi-Slides
Multi-slide glass doors are another great option if you are looking to expand your living space to the outdoors. The Multi-slide operates like any sliding glass door: the panels slide open smoothly and stack at either side of the opening. If you want the door panels to completely disappear, pocketing Multi-slides are an option. A pocketing Multi-slide system will stack neatly inside the wall and leave behind a wide-open space. Keep in mind that pocketing doors require a wider jamb, and space inside the wall to stack all sliding door panels.
French Swings
If you love the idea of updating your patio door but lack the space for a larger glass door system, then French Doors are a tasteful alternative. French doors are the essence of class and elegance with a classic European design. French Doors can swing-in or swing-out, so you are guaranteed to find the proper door that will compliment your space. Installing French doors in your home is one of the best ways to create a light-filled, indoor-outdoor living space.
Lift and Slides
No, you don’t have to actually lift the door in order to slide it (although that would be impressive to show off to your guests). The Lift and Slide has a small lever that needs to be turned and with a slight nudge, the doors will smoothly roll away. Like the Multi-slide, the Lift and Slide has a guided track for the doors to slide and stack open. Lift and slides also have pocketing or non-pocketing options, depending on your design needs.
Now that you have a better explanation of the most popular large glass door system styles, you can begin to do more research about the doors you are interested in and talk to your architect or contractor for guidance. You may also visit your local door and window dealer to learn more about product features and view displays. Click here to find an AG millworks certified door and window dealer near you.
Maintaining an energy efficient home should be a priority to all homeowners despite legal requirements. An energy efficient home will help reduce your carbon footprint and can also save you money in the long run. When planning a new home build or remodel project, it is important to consider the energy efficiency of your new doors and windows.
If you are including a large folding glass door in your home design, you might be wondering if the door system will be energy efficient and meet new energy requirements. The good news is, choosing the right folding glass door for your space doesn’t mean you have to give up on energy efficiency—the large folding glass doors you want to use to create an indoor-outdoor living space can be energy efficient and meet California’s Title 24 requirements, all while creating a large opening to the outdoors.
Not ALL Large Folding Glass Doors are Energy Efficient
When selecting a large folding glass door for your project, you need to pay special attention to the product specifications. Be sure to only choose a folding glass door manufacturer who can guarantee a Title 24 Prescriptive Compliant door system with low energy ratings. To meet California’s Title 24 requirements for 2020, your large folding glass door will need a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient of .23 and a U-Factor of .30. Though energy ratings can be confusing, your window and door dealer will be able to answer any questions you have and help you choose an energy efficient folding glass door for your remodel project.
Benefits of an Energy Efficient Folding Glass Door
Sticking to an energy efficient folding glass door is in your best interest. If your door system has excellent energy ratings, it can keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter and save you money on cooling and heating bills. An indoor-outdoor living space created by large folding glass doors that are energy efficient can increase the value of your home as it is a highly desirable feature among homebuyers today.
Have you recently discovered a leak under the sink that has gone unnoticed for too long, resulting in damage to the surrounding cabinetry and dry wall? Or maybe you recently became aware of another complication that has ruined your flooring or warped your patio doors. Owning a home is hard work, and it comes with the responsibility of maintaining the house and yard and fixing or replacing things that break. When unforeseen events like leaks occur, you might feel overwhelmed and frustrated that you have to partially re-do your bathroom or kitchen, however you can turn this into a good thing—this is a great opportunity to expand the remodel and create the space you’ve always dreamed of.
Treat Your Space to New Flooring
If updated flooring has been on your list for a long time, this might be the best time to do it. Go to your local flooring shop or home building store to look at flooring types and materials and get a price estimate. If new flooring is within your budget, don’t waste any more time—order the flooring you love and get the job done!
Revive Your Kitchen Cabinets or Bathroom Vanity
If there was damage in your kitchen, consider tackling your kitchen cabinets during this remodel. You can revive your cabinets by painting or resurfacing them and updating the hardware. If you want to splurge, consider installing brand new cabinets and countertops!
Replace the French Doors Leading to Your Outdoor Space
Since you’ll already be remodeling and making a mess, now is the perfect time to create the indoor-outdoor lifestyle you’ve always wanted. Replace your French door or sliding door and create a large opening to your outdoor space using accordion glass doors. To learn more about using accordion glass doors to create an indoor-outdoor room, contact our patio door experts.
Give the Room a Fresh Coat of Paint
Updating a room can be as simple as adding a fresh coat of paint in a new color. Look to Houzz.com for inspiration on paint colors, and choose a warm, soothing color for your space! You might also consider fun wallpaper instead of paint, or updating the crown molding while you’re at it.
Update the Light Fixtures
Another easy and affordable upgrade is replacing your light fixtures. Invest in some new pendant lights for your kitchen island or update the vanity lighting in your bathroom.
If a larger remodel just isn’t possible at this time, don’t get discouraged. If upgrading your home is important to you, you can prioritize it and start saving money to budget for remodel expenses. Work on one room at a time and save money by doing simple projects, like painting, yourself.
August is quickly wrapping up, children are going back to school, and vacationers are heading home. With about a month left until it’s officially fall (September 23rd), summer is just about over, making it the perfect time to start your home remodel project and accordion glass door installation. Late summer and early fall are great times for building projects because the weather is still nice, and rainstorms are unlikely. Now that you’re ready to begin your remodel project and create an indoor-outdoor living space with accordion glass doors, here are some helpful tips for getting started and finding the best door for your project.
Research the Design and Feature Options of Your Accordion Glass Door
Finding the right accordion glass door for your home can be difficult. With so many manufacturers offering their own version of an accordion glass door system, understanding which brand provides the highest quality and best experience is important. Along with deciding which brand to choose, you must choose the customizable options of your accordion glass door design. Important options to consider are clad color, interior wood species, interior paint or stain finishes, divided lite configurations, accordion glass door configurations, and hardware style and finish. While all these options can seem overwhelming, our patio door experts are here to help. Contact our patio door experts to discuss your accordion glass door project, ask questions, and learn more about product capabilities, features, and benefits.
Don't Pick an Accordion Glass Door Configuration without a Daily Door
Though there are many things NOT to do when investing in a large accordion glass door, one mistake stands out: choosing a configuration without a daily door. It is important to choose a door configuration that will have a manual door, or “daily door,” that provides easy access to your outdoor space. Accordion glass door systems with odd configurations (3L, 5R, 1L3R) in at least one direction have daily doors that can be opened without unlatching and opening the entire accordion door system. You must choose a configuration with a daily door If you plan to access your home from the exterior of your large accordion glass door. If you choose an even door configuration (such as 4L or 2L2R) you will have to open the entire door system to access your outdoor space and you will not have exterior access if the doors get closed and you’re outside. Click here to learn more about common mistakes to avoid when choosing a large accordion glass door.
Ensure Fast and Easy Accordion Glass Door Installation for Your Contractor
Accordion glass doors require a professional installer to ensure perfect installation. Choosing a door system that will make your contractor’s or installer’s lives a little easier can save you time and money during install. AG Millworks is the only accordion glass door manufacturer who delivers fully assembled door frames to your jobsite, eliminating multiple steps in the installation process. Your optional retractable accordion screen is fully integrated into the door jamb by expert installers in the factory, eliminating the need for onsite screen installation. With pre-built frames and factory installed screens, your contractor or installer will be able to install your accordion glass door in record time.
Find a Sash and Door Dealer to See a Display and Place Your Order
Since its founding in 1986, AG Millworks has been privately owned, skillfully managed, and independently operated. The company wouldn’t be where it is today without the support of our dedicated and trusted local customers. Located in Ventura, California, AG Millworks has provided incredible craftsmanship to communities across California for over thirty years.
Shopping locally supports and boosts our local economy. When you spend $100 at your local business, $68 stays in your community. This strengthens the local economy and allows businesses to create more jobs and provide better wages and benefits for workers in the community. By shopping at small, local businesses, you aren’t paying for a CEO to buy a third vacation home, you’re supporting families in your community. Local businesses are owned and operated by your neighbors! They care about and are invested in the growth and well-being of the community.
Most small businesses are family-owned, and AG Millworks is no different. However, many businesses have trouble competing with big brand corporations, and end up going out of business or being acquired. Mergers and acquisitions take away a small company’s authenticity, voice, and humanity. Since the beginning, AG Millworks has undergone tremendous growth, but it remains a small, privately owned company with less than 50 employees. Throughout the years and many changes in the fenestration industry, AG Millworks has maintained its core values of family and community.
Shopping locally usually ensures you are purchasing a better-quality product. Many manufacturers and big corporations have large automated assembly lines to mass produce their products. Mass production leaves more room for error and can lack quality control. AG Millworks believes in product quality versus product quantity, which is why each door system is handcrafted, custom made, and hung and swung in the factory guarantee a perfect fit and finish. Unlike big corporations, AG Millworkshas the ability and understanding to provide a luxurious door system to complete your home design goals. Doors are fully customizable and are made to meet your specific needs and your specific vision. No door project is too big or too small, AG Millworks builds it all!
Small businesses are known to provide outstanding customer service. Big businesses now have automated messages that guide you through their listings and generalize your questions and concerns, but small businesses continue to provide a personalized experience with a real person on the other end of the line. AG Millworks has a team of helpful, knowledgeable patio door experts who can guide you through the confusing world of folding, sliding, and French swing door systems and connect you to a Certified AG Millworks Dealer near you.
At the end of the day, AG Millworks isn’t run by boards, stockholders or algorithms—it’s run by real people, and that truly makes all the difference. So check out more of your local businesses, attend and promote their sales and events, and choose them over the big corporations like Amazon.
Sometimes life can become busy and overwhelming, so carving out time to do nothing is important for your physical and emotional wellbeing. If you’re looking for a good excuse to slow down and destress, this is it: August 15th is National Relaxation Day. This holiday encourages people nationwide to focus on taking care of themselves and taking a moment to relax and unwind. Many people have a hard time relaxing when they have an endless to-do list, but here are eight ways you can take a moment for yourself and unwind from your crazy schedule.
1 | Unplug Yourself
Put away your phone, laptop, and iPad, and unplug from technology. No checking emails, scrolling on social media, or completing work assignments. Clear your mind of work and be present in the moment. Taking a break from technology is rejuvenating and will hopefully encourage you to regularly unplug.
2 | Enjoy the Outdoors
Connecting with nature and being outdoors is good for your soul. Open your folding patio doors and relax outside in the sunshine with a good book. Fresh air and Vitamin D will help you relax and unwind from the day-to-day stressors.
3 | Meditate/Yoga
Spend some time doing basic stretching, yoga, and meditation. Focus on your breathing, taking long, deep breaths that will clear your mind and relax your body.
4 | Take a Nap
Sometimes your body just needs to slow down and rest. Take a short nap during the day to recoup and recharge.
5 | Go for a Walk
Go for a walk around the neighborhood, in the park, or at the beach. Exercise is an excellent way to reduce stress and relax.
6 | Lay Outside and Swim
Lay out by the pool or head to the beach and enjoy the feeling of sun on your skin, remaining present in the moment. Go for a swim and float in the water, letting it wash away your stress and worries.
7 | Have a Spa Day
Head to the spa and indulge in your favorite treatments. Pamper yourself with a relaxing massage and facial and enjoy this alone time.
8 | Cook a Nice Meal
Cook yourself a fresh, healthy meal at home and nurture your body with delicious food. Taking the time to slow down and cook a nice meal for yourself is worth it.
This day is about giving yourself a break and treating your mind and body right. You may not be able to drop everything you’re doing to go to the spa on a Thursday, but you should make your relaxation a priority and plan some time this weekend to take it slow. As life gets busy and overwhelming, having an indoor-outdoor space in your home is important for your well-being. Click here to learn more about the benefits of creating open spaces with large glass patio doors.
If you’re building a new home in Los Angeles, or remodeling an existing one, and you are considering using a folding door system to create wide-open spaces, it is important to find the best product available to meet your project needs. Bi-fold patio doors are an investment with a healthy price tag, and not all are equal, so researching online, comparing products, and shopping around is smart. If you’re looking for the highest-quality product with excellent customer support during and after the order process, AG Millworks is the best option.
With numerous folding door manufacturers to consider, navigating the patio door space and finding the best product can be daunting and time-consuming. To make this discovery process easier for you, below are six reasons AG Millworks Bi-Fold Door Systems are superior to any other folding door on the market, and why builders and contractors in the Los Angeles area prefer AG Millworks products.
We Make Your Contractor's Life Easier with Pre-Built Frames and Jobsite Delivery Options
As experienced carpenters in the millwork business for 33 years, we understand the need contractors have for quality products with easy installation. On a jobsite, time is money, which is why AG Millworks delivers door frames completely built-up, saving your contractor or builder time during the installation process. Your optional retractable accordion screen is factory installed into the jamb, saving your contractor even more time during installation! Pre-built frames and factory installed screens allow your installer to skip steps in the installation process, which means your beautiful bi-fold doors will be installed and hung faster and easier than any other brand. We will even deliver your doors directly to the jobsite, eliminating the need for extra handling.
We Provide Fast Lead Times so Your Project Remains on Schedule
AG Millworks has industry-leading production times, so your folding door system will be delivered on time, ensuring your project stays on-time. AG Millworks can fulfill your last-minute door needs.
We Specialize in Bi-Fold Door Systems
At AG Millworks, we specialize in large folding door systems, and through endless research and innovation, have designed a superior product. Don’t let your contractor make the mistake of taking the easy way out and bundling your doors with your window replacement package from Marvin or Milgard—though these are noteworthy window makers, our folding door designs are superior to those offered by production window manufacturers.
We Build High-Quality, Customizable Folding Doors
All AG Millworks Bi-Fold Door Systems are handcrafted in Ventura, California and are fully customizable. We build your accordion door to the exact dimensions you require, with no upcharge for odd or large sizes. Everything is customizable from the clad color, wood species, painted or stained interior, and hardware—all doors are made to your unique specifications.
We are Reachable by Phone or Email for All Your Bi-Fold Door Questions
We value our customers and strive to provide outstanding service and support, which is why when you call us directly, you will reach our friendly and knowledgeable team members without enduring the hassle of automated messaging or call centers. Our team is available Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm at 805.644.4495 or customerservice@agmillworks.com to answer your folding door questions and direct you to a certified AG Millworks dealer. Call or email us now to tell us about your project and talk to a folding door expert.
We Hang Every Door in the Factory to Ensure a Perfect Product Every Time
Before your folding door leaves our factory, it is fully built-up, and all door panels are hung and swung to ensure there are no surprises during install. When your doors are delivered, you can rest easy knowing there won’t be any mistakes that could delay your project.
Houzz is the leading online platform for home remodeling and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish. Houzz is the easiest way for people to find inspiration, get advice, buy products and hire the professionals they need to help turn their ideas into reality. Houzz is a great tool for sash and door dealers to create brand awareness, interact with customers, find leads, and receive reviews from their clients. Navigating a new online social media platform can be intimidating, but with this guide you will be a Houzz expert in no time!
1 | Create a Profile
The first step is to sign up with Houzz and design your profile. You can join Houzz by clicking here and filling in your email address and creating a password. Next you will enter your basic information like company name, industry category, street address, and phone number. Be sure to mark yourself as Window/Door Sales & Installation so that customers can easily find your profile. Write a short business description that explains a little bit about your company and who you are. You should also upload a cover photo and profile picture (normally your company’s logo).
2 | Create Projects on Houzz to Showcase Your Completed Jobs
Houzz is similar to Pinterest in that users save project photos that they like to their Ideabooks, so they can go back later and use these photos as inspiration for their future home remodel projects. A great way to attract users to your page and gain some traffic to your website is by creating “Projects” on your Houzz profile. Creating a new project is easy, simply click on the “New Project” button on your Houzz profile homepage. Here you will name the project, enter information about the job, and choose the style of the space—be sure to be as detailed as possible to ensure your project shows up when clients are searching for specific project types. You are also able to add keywords to each photo to help users discover your projects. Having a rich project gallery is key to gaining success on Houzz.
3 | Follow Customers, Colleagues, and Vendors
If you click on the “Find Professionals” menu, you’ll be directed to this page where you can search for your building professional customers, colleagues, and your door and window suppliers, like AG Millworks. You can follow these professionals, interact with them, save their photos to your Ideabooks, and collaborate on Houzz Projects you both worked on together.
4 | Answer Design Dilemma Questions
As a professional on Houzz, you can answer questions and offer advice to fellow Houzz users. You can visit the “Design Dilemma” page where you should use your sash and door expertise to provide professional advice to answer their design questions.
5 | Get Reviews
Getting reviews for your company will take time, but 5-star recommendations and testimonials are incredibly valuable and will elevate your business and help create trust with potential customers. Requesting reviews on Houzz is easy, simply click the “Get Reviews” button on your Houzz profile homepage and enter in the email address of clients you want to reach out to. Write a short, polite message thanking your customer for their business and requesting they write a quick review on your Houzz profile.
6 | Keep Profile Updated
Once you have a presence on Houzz, it is important to keep your profile up to date. You should regularly upload new project photos, save new photos to Ideabooks, and interact with Houzz users. Always thank people for including your photos in their Ideabooks and respond to your customers’ reviews with enthusiasm. If your company phone number, street address, or website address changes, be sure to update this on your Houzz profile so that clients can always reach you.
7 | Get Some Help to Get Started
Does all this sound great, but seem like a project you just don’t have time to complete? Enlist the help of someone who is social media-savvy, like your children who grew up with technology, a college student looking to make extra money, or a colleague in the industry that has a Houzz profile and can refer you to the person that helped them. Your Houzz.com profile can be under construction before you know it.
According to the 2019 US Houzz & Home Study, 51% of homeowners planned to continue or begin a home renovation in 2019, with a median spend of $10,000 per renovating homeowner—these numbers fare well for professionals in the design-build industry as they will continue to see more projects in their pipelines. It’s been an especially busy year for architects, contractors, and building professionals in Ventura County as home renovation trends continue to increase and property owners affected by recent wildfires begin to rebuild their homes.
As indoor-outdoor living spaces gain more popularity among homeowners, professionals are designing spaces with large folding and sliding door systems that blur the line between inside and out. Ventura County contractors, builders, and architects are choosing local patio door manufacturing company, AG Millworks, to handcraft luxurious custom Bi-Fold and Multi-Slide door systems for their projects because AG provides the highest-quality products and best customer support in the industry. Below are more reasons why AG Millworks is the best option for large folding, sliding, or swing door systems.
Local Company
As a privately held company, AG Millworks has been manufacturing handcrafted products in Ventura County since 1986. Local architects and contractors favor AG because they have visited the factory, know where the products are coming from, and like to shop local and support Ventura-based businesses.
Pre-Built Frames
Something unique to AG Millworks, that no other company does, is the delivery of door frames completely built-up (CA only). Contractors, builders, and door installers value and appreciate this advantage because it saves them time, space, and money on installation. On Bi-Fold systems, all header installation holes are pre-drilled, and hardware is provided to reduce errors during install.
Factory Installed Screens
Another benefit enjoyed by building professionals is the factory installed screens. AG Millworks is the only company that installs the optional retractable accordion screen directly into the door jamb for its clients—this saves time and money on the jobsite and ensures a perfect install by experienced craftsmen.
Superior Customer Service
Most contractors and builders are aware of the poor customer service provided by many patio door manufacturers, but AG Millworks is different. With AG, contractors receive support with ease, and can reach the customer service department by phone Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. The customer service department is superior to any other brand, with a friendly and knowledgeable staff who is eager to help. Requesting a service appointment is easy and pain free, and most often comes with short lead times. Ventura County contractors choose AG over other brands because of how well the company treats its customers. Their exceptional service was recognized by Houzz.com, when AG Millworks was awarded the Best of Houzz for Client Satisfaction in 2019.
Pairs Well with Other Brands
AG Millworks has custom color matching capabilities, and can match the exterior clad color of other window brands like Marvin and Jeldwen. Because AG Millworks provides a superior door system, contractors and architects pair AG products with other window brands to complete their fenestration package.
Custom Sizes without Upcharges
Another reason AG is so favored by building and design professionals is because it offers custom sizes without an extra charge for odd sizes. Because there are no standard sizes, each patio door is handcrafted to fit the rough opening provided.
Jobsite Delivery
In California, AG Millworks offers jobsite delivery for a nominal charge. Contractors and builders value this option, as it saves time and eliminates the need for handling.
Energy Efficient
Building professionals in Ventura, California rely on AG Millworks Energy Solutions product line to fulfill all their energy efficiency requirements. The Energy Solutions Bi-folds, Multi-Slides, and French Swing Patio Door Systems are Title 24 prescriptive compliant and have excellent NFRC ratings.
Full Customization
Because every door is custom made, AG offers full customization of each door system. With standard or custom color options, unlimited divided lite configurations, 18 different wood species, and numerous hardware styles, architects and contractors trust AG Millworks to create a completely custom accordion or sliding door for their client’s homes.
As a contractor or building professional, you strive for client satisfaction. Providing quality work, innovative design, and superior customer service is how you can exceed client expectations and differentiate yourself from other companies. The recipe for success isn’t always obvious, but with these tips, you can ensure your clients will experience the best customer service in the business!
Provide Speedy Project Estimates
When you meet with a potential client requesting a proposal, it is important that you gather all the details of the project so you can provide an accurate estimate. You can create a generic form that has the basic requirements of various projects (ie. kitchen remodel, bath remodel, addition, etc.) to help you record and organize project specifics for use during the quoting process. A project proposal is one of the first impressions your potential clients receive and can be telling of your entire work ethic, which is why quick and accurate estimates are crucial in this industry.
Communicate with Clients
It’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your clients throughout the project. Ask your customers if they prefer contact via phone calls, texts, or emails, and then use that method whenever possible. Provide regular updates regarding schedule, deliveries, and job progress. Send them pictures when something big is accomplished, like cabinet installation or completed flooring so they can get excited about the completion of their new space.
Manage Expectations
Managing your client’s expectations and educating them on any project limitations is imperative. Remind them that changes in a construction project are normal and that you will inform them immediately of any necessary modifications. Make reasonable promises and then over-deliver and exceed your customer’s expectations.
Remain on Schedule
Develop a project schedule and try your hardest to follow it. Budget some extra time for any unexpected project delays when creating your schedule. We know projects can sometimes be delayed due to weather, permits, and longer than expected material lead times, so be sure to let your client know about any occurrence that will delay project completion.
Make Their Lives Easier
As a contractor, you were hired to manage and execute your client’s home renovation, and to make their lives easier through this process. You can do this by helping indecisive customers choose design materials or helping them create and maintain a functional living space while living through a renovation. Little things you can do to help them out will boost their client satisfaction.
Follow Up with Customers
Once a client is settled into their new space, follow up with them for feedback. See how they are liking the storage and functionality of their new kitchen, or how their new accordion doors illuminate their space with natural light. This follow up will show that you care about them and value their feedback, which equals higher customer satisfaction and more referrals from your happy clients.
Welcome to AG Millworks, where we combine extraordinary designs with traditional old world craftsmanship and innovation to produce ageless millwork creations that will bring your building project to life.
