Everyone loves a good sliding glass door. The large, clear pane lets in wonderful amounts of light, shows off great views of your backyard and makes moving between indoor and outdoor spaces a breeze. If you like to entertain, a sliding glass door can also allow guests to move more freely through your home and yard.
While the benefits of sliding doors are undeniable, unfortunately, these doors don’t last forever. Here are a few signs that your home is in need of sliding door replacement or repair:
You Can See Light or Feel a Draft
Make careful observations of the edges of your sliding door. If you can see visible cracks where light or air can enter, your slider is losing air. Lost air means lost heat, which could be increasing your energy bills. In fact, drafty windows that let air escape can increase your energy bills by 10 to 25%. Though replacement weatherstripping may help the door last another year, you’ll be needing a sliding door replacement in the foreseeable future.
The Door Is Difficult to Open
Though sliders make lovely large windows, they are also meant to be used as entryways. If you’ve stopped entering through your sliding glass door because it is difficult to open, take a close look at the track. Has the door become misaligned, or is the frame damaged? You can have a repair person take a look and try to fix the mechanism. However, if repairs don’t do the trick, consider a sliding door replacement. Having a door that cannot be opened can pose a serious risk during emergencies.
You’ve Noticed Condensation Between the Panes
While condensation on exterior glass is normal, moisture forming between the panes of your sliding door is cause for concern. Condensation indicates that the air seal has broken and your door is no longer well-insulated. Condensation can also mar the beauty of a clear window. Unfortunately, the only solution for a condensation problem is sliding door replacement.
In good condition, sliding glass doors can be one of the best features of a home. However, doors in disrepair can pose both aesthetic and safety problems. If you notice any of the issues above, consider hiring professionals to replace your sliding door.
For window and door replacement services in the Fullerton area, contact All American Door today! From vinyl windows to patio doors, our expert services can get your windows and doors back on track!