It may not seem like much, but your sliding glass patio door does a lot of work. It provides a stunning view of your yard and is a private gateway to the garden. It keeps you safe and secure, offering protection against the elements and intruders. You use it while collecting vegetables from the garden, letting kids in and out to play, and to help while entertain guests outdoors. You want to continue enjoying these benefits, but if you have had your sliding glass doors for more than a decade, you might want to give them a closer look. Here are just a few signs it might be time for replacement patio doors:
- Difficult to Open
When it comes to patio doors, operation is key. You want the door to slide, close, and latch easily. If you have to muscle your way outside or strain every time you try to lock it, your door is not performing as it should. It could be due to warping or damage and the only solution is replacement sliding glass doors.
- Squeaking or Grinding
Typically, these noises come from objects caught in the door track. You can try cleaning and lubricating the track to see if that helps, but if the noise persists, you might have a mechanical problem. Sometimes you can get sliding door repairs, but you might need to simply buy a replacement door.
- Feel a Draft
If you have noticed a spike in your energy usage and still can’t seem to get the room warm enough, your patio door may be responsible. If your door is old and in disrepair, it can easily allow air leaks through.
- See Gaps Around the Door
In some cases, warping or damage is so bad the gaps in your door where drafts come through are large enough to see. This can happen if your sliding door tilts too far to one side. Not only does this undermine energy efficiency, but can also be a security risk and allow for infestation.
- Notice Condensation
If your door is not forming a perfect seal, it can cause other problems as well. And while condensation on exterior surfaces is normal, condensation between the window panes is not. The internal seal has broken and the inert gas has leaked out. Your sliding glass door is no longer as energy efficient and the only solution is replacement.
- Water Leaks
Moisture is an enemy, especially in damper climates like Lake Oswego, OR. Like your windows, the external seal around the frame can weaken over time. As it loses effectiveness, you will notice more moisture around the door. If you notice warping, water dripping, or pooling—you want to correct the problem right away before it leads to mold and water damage.
- Structural or Cosmetic Damage
Major damage often comes from impact. It could be a severe storm, a poorly thrown baseball, or simply an accidental collision. If the impact results in broken glass, it is pretty obvious you need a replacement sliding glass door as soon as possible. Smaller cosmetic problems can be put off or repaired.
- Outdated Style
Sometimes, you are just ready for a change. It is amazing what an updated patio door can do for the aesthetic of your home.
If you are interested in getting a new sliding glass doors in Lake Oswego, OR, contact EnergyGuard Windows and Doors today. We offer the best products from the best brands on the market. Call us at 503-554-5500 or stop by 516 E. 2nd St., Newberg, OR 97132.