Did you know that, according to the Department of Energy, a sliding glass door can make your home much more energy efficient in warm climates? It’s one of several benefits, as glass doors have become a staple in many houses thanks to the convenience and ease they bring to a home. They can offer security, as well as a quick, easy viewpoint and gateway to your patio, backyard, or outdoor garden.
However, you may notice that your home’s sliding glass door may be showing some bothersome signs of wear and tear. Some of these inconveniences only demand a simple repair, although in some cases, a replacement might be necessary. Here are a few telltale signs that it might be time for some maintenance or upgrading.
Door Gets Stuck
Obviously, it’s important that your sliding glass door open smoothly, quickly, and easily. If it takes far more effort to drag open your sliding glass door than it should, or if it gets stuck altogether, then that can be the surest sign it needs attention.
Sliding glass doors can get stuck for many reasons, from improper installation to problems with the track to warping in the sun. A quality sliding glass door company may be able to rehang your door; though there is a change, you might also need a replacement.
Glass Panes Are Trapping Moisture
Seeing condensation outside your sliding glass door is perfectly normal and can be expected. It is when you see clear, trapped moisture between your door’s panes that you know you have a bit of a problem.
Much like your home’s windows, your sliding glass door also has a seal, and the buildup or leaking of moisture means the seal is broken. At that point, the door is no longer insulated, which may also, in time, cause the glass to become foggy. Once you notice the problem, it’s best to act right away before non-repairable damage occurs.
Making Noises
It might go without saying, but sliding glass doors shouldn’t make much noise when you open them! If your sliding glass door squeaks or emits a loud noise when opening or shutting, that can mean an obstructed door track.
In such cases, you may find that some misplaced object has become caught in the door’s track. Grit and grime can also easily accumulate along the track throughout its lifespan, so be sure to clean it from time to time. If the squeaking persists, you may have a mechanical problem and need a sliding glass door replacement.
Hot and/or Cold Drafts
As mentioned before, sliding glass doors aid energy efficiency for a reason and should provide some insulation from outdoor temperatures. If you feel hot or cold drafts entering your home through your sliding glass door, that can be another dead giveaway of a problem with its seal.
Loose seals can keep your home from being able to maintain desirable indoor temperatures. This can then cause your power bills to rise as your heating or air conditioning struggle to maintain an untenable temperature. Loose seals can also allow bugs and pests to enter your home, so it is important to consider a sliding glass door repair right away.
Damaged Frame
Your sliding glass door is often the very first point of contact for anyone entering or exiting your home. As such, it can steadily accrue its fair share of bumps, scrapes, or even cracks over time.
Such damage can be much more than an eyesore; it can leave you at risk to all manner of elements. A cracked or severely dented door will likely cost more to repair than replace, so that it might be time for an upgrade.
Rollers Misaligned
It happened again. As you pulled your sliding glass door open, you felt a pop, and the motion immediately became much less smooth. This is because the rollers are unaligned themselves from the door’s track.
This can either be due to faulty rollers or a warped, obstructed track. As previously mentioned, it could mean a simple inspection or cleaning, though it could also require a sliding glass door replacement altogether.
Cosmetic Damage and Degradation
As with any part of your home, your sliding glass door should stay looking good and complement the overall exterior of your house. However, scratches and chipped paint will understandably accumulate as time passes.
Though initially harmless, such paint damage can eventually take a toll on the property value of your home. Similarly, a sliding glass door that is weathered or outdated can eventually feel jarring and out of place, mismatching your home’s aesthetic.
A fresh re-painting or re-finishing of your sliding glass door may fix the issue. However, it is not unlikely that a fresh, modern glass door installation could be much more cost-effective in the long run.
We Can Help
If you notice any of these problems with your sliding glass door, now is not the time to wait! The sooner you get in front of the problem, the more money you can save yourself in the long run.
Whether you need a repair or a replacement, Cut Rate Glass is here for you. We are a fully licensed, bonded, and insured company that offers a wide variety of sliding glass doors, patio doors, and more to choose from. No matter your preference, we can install them for you with zero hassle!
Contact us today to schedule a free, in-home estimate for any of your sliding glass door needs.