Your patio doors see a lot of wear and tear. They have to withstand the elements 24/7, 365 days a year, and, if you have kids or pets, they're constantly being opened and closed.
It's no wonder that they eventually start to show signs of wear and tear. When that happens, it's time to start thinking about sliding patio door replacement. Here are some signs that your sliding patio doors need replacing.
1) Challenging to open and close
Patio doors are meant to be easy to open and close. However, if yours have become challenging to operate, it's a sign that they may need to be replaced. One of the more frequent sliding patio door problems, your doors might be heavy to open and close due to issues such as:
- Dirty or damaged tracks – The tracks can become clogged with dirt and debris over time, making it difficult to move the doors.
- Worn rollers – The rollers help the doors move smoothly along the tracks. If they're worn out, the doors will be more challenging to open and close. The same applies if the rollers are dirty, broken, or rusted.
- Misaligned wheels – Over time, the wheels can become misaligned, making it difficult for the doors to move along the tracks.
- Damaged weatherstripping – The weatherstripping helps seal the doors, keeping out drafts and moisture. If it's damaged, it can cause the doors to stick.
You might be tempted to ignore the problem and hope it goes away. But, if your doors are difficult to open and close, it's only going to get worse. Eventually, you won't be able to open or close them at all. That's why addressing the problem as soon as you notice it is essential.
2) Visible Gaps
One of the most obvious signs that your sliding patio doors need replacing is if there are obvious gaps around them. These gaps can occur for several reasons, including:
- Worn or damaged weatherstripping – As we mentioned above, weatherstripping helps seal the doors. If it's worn out or damaged, it can allow gaps to form around the doors.
- Loose or missing screws – Over time, the screws that hold the doors in place can become loose or fall out entirely. This can cause the doors to shift, creating gaps.
- Warped doors – Warped doors can also cause gaps to form. This is often due to moisture damage.
If you don't address these gaps, they will only get bigger over time. Not only will this make your doors less energy-efficient, but it can also let in insects and other pests.
Then there are the security issues, as gaps make it easier for burglars to break in. However, considering that a set of sliding and French UPVC doors start at £1,200, it's well worth addressing the problem sooner rather than later.
3) Obvious Draughts
Another sign that you should consider a sliding patio door replacement is if obvious draughts are coming in around the doors. This is most likely due to gaps, as we mentioned above, but it could also be due to damaged weatherstripping or loose screws.
Not only are draughts annoying, but they can also make your home less energy-efficient. In fact, according to Greengage, approximately 35% of heat is lost through walls and the gaps around doors and windows.
Some gaps might not be obvious, but you can usually feel them. If you can feel a draught coming in, there's a good chance your doors need to be replaced.
4) Foggy Door Glass
One of the tell-tale signs of a failing sliding patio door is ‘foggy’ glass. This occurs when the seal around the glass breaks down, allowing moisture to get into the gap between the glazing panels. As the moisture hits the door, it condenses and forms fog. Some of the causes include:
- Damaged weatherstripping – Once again, damaged weatherstripping is to blame. When it's not sealing properly, moisture can get in and cause the glass to fog up.
- Cracked or broken glass – If the glass is cracked or broken around the seam, it's no longer sealed properly, allowing moisture to get in and fog up the glass.
- Worn or broken seals – Over time, the seals around the glass can become worn or damaged. This allows moisture to get in and causes the glass to fog up.
While you might be able to live with foggy glass from a purely aesthetic standpoint, you might not be quite as happy with the rising heating bills. Since foggy glass is a sign that the seals have failed, your doors are no longer energy efficient. In other words, you're paying to heat your home, but the heat is escaping through the doors.
5) Damaged Glass
In addition to foggy glass, another sign that your sliding patio doors need replacing is if the glass is damaged. This could be in the form of cracks, chips, or even breaks. The glass could be damaged for several reasons, including:
- Poor installation – If the doors were not installed properly, it could put stress on the glass, causing it to crack or break.
- Extreme weather – Extreme cold or heat can also stress the glass, causing older panes to crack or break.
- Impact – If something hits the glass, it can crack or break.
Not only is damaged glass unsightly, but it can also be dangerous. If the glass is cracked or broken, it's no longer structurally sound. This means it could break entirely, which could lead to injuries.
Get Rid Of Sliding Patio Door Problems Once And For All
If you're noticing any of these signs, it's time to start shopping for new patio doors. Don't wait until they completely fall apart — replacing them sooner rather than later will save you money in the long run.
When you're ready to replace your old patio doors, contact Harveys Windows. We'll help you find the perfect doors for your home.
