Top Signs You Need a New Sliding Glass Door
Sometimes small things can make a huge difference. While it’s probably not something you normally think about, sliding glass doors are a case in point. A great vantage point from which to admire your back garden, sliding doors also let in plenty of natural light into your home. Better still, they provide quick access to the great outdoors and can save you money on your monthly heating and air-conditioning bills.
Just as much as sliding patio doors can be a game-changer when it comes to home comfort and decor, malfunctioning sliding doors can quickly become a nuisance. Damage or wear and tear over time can make sliding glass doors not just drafty but tricky to open and close. Luckily, it’s easy to tell when it’s time to replace your sliding glass doors. If you see any of these signs, it may be time for an upgrade.
Gaps Between the Glass and the Frame
When it comes to sliding doors, visible gaps between the glass and the frame usually mean that they are letting out heat in winter and letting it in summer. This, of course, means that your furnace and air-conditioning have to work that much harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. And guess what? This translates to higher monthly electricity bills. In addition, cracks between sliding doors and frames can put your home at risk of bug infestations.
Keep in mind that gaps between the glass and frame of sliding doors are often invisible. However, drafts or leaks are good indications that your door may be faulty. While condensation on the outside of the glass is fairly normal, you shouldn’t be seeing any water intrusion on your carpets or floors. And you certainly shouldn’t be feeling a sudden change in temperature when standing near your sliding glass doors. A good way to test for cracks is to have someone go outside at night with a flashlight. If you can see light streaming through cracks between the glass and the frame, it’s time for a replacement.
They are Difficult to Open and Close
Sliding patio doors that are difficult to open and close aren’t just annoying, they can be unsafe for your family. After all, you should be able to open your doors easily in case of an emergency such as a fire. This is particularly important if you have children.
There may be many different reasons why your sliding patio doors are difficult to open or close. One of the most common is track misalignment due to rust or damaged rollers. This can be caused by something as simple as a buildup of grime or pet hair. Sliding doors can also become warped due to physical damage, weather exposure (rain, snow, or even sunlight), or just old age. If your sliding doors are sticky or make unpleasant noise when being opened or closed, it may be time to start looking for a replacement.
Structural Damage
Structural damage is one of the most common reasons why there may be gaps between the glass and frame of your sliding doors. It may also make your patio doors more difficult to open and close. Structural damage is commonly caused by impact accidents such as mishandled balls and somebody accidentally walking into the glass. Extreme weather such as hailstorms can also cause structural damage to backyard doors.
The bad news is that structural damage to sliding doors can undermine your home security. After all, a damaged door presents less of a challenge for thieves. These days, some modern sliding glass doors even come with foot locks so you can let air in without worrying that someone will enter your home uninvited. Faulty sliding patio doors can also become ineffective at blocking out external noise. This can be particularly annoying for shift workers and those working from home offices.
Outdated Design or Surface Damage
While it may not compromise the structural integrity of your sliding glass doors, cosmetic damage such as scratches and scrapes or chipped paint can be unsightly. Often such damage can be fixed with a good coat of paint, however, in some cases improving the look of your door may require a complete replacement.
Another common problem is sliding patio doors that are outdated in style or no longer match the overall decor of your home or porch. Today, sliding doors can be made from a variety of materials such as rot- and insect-resistant wood, premium vinyl, or aluminum. They also come in a huge range of styles, including different widths and panel numbers, as well as decorative glass elements. Better still, modern sliding glass doors can have features that were simply not available in the past such as UV protection and impact resistance.
Get New Sliding Glass Doors Installed Today
New sliding patio doors can make a huge difference to the overall look and comfort of your home. Beyond aesthetics and functionality, a patio door upgrade can also make your home safer and more energy-efficient. If you think your sliding doors are ready for a replacement or simply want to stay informed about your options, contact Wallaby Windows. We can help you select sliding doors that not only fit your home’s aesthetic but will serve you for many years to come.
