Most sliding doors are designed and made not only to be elegant and beautiful but also sturdy and long-lasting. However, just because they’re durable doesn’t mean they’re invincible! If your sliding glass doors have become seriously damaged and can no longer be repaired, you must replace them sooner than later.
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Signs That It’s Time for Sliding Door Replacement
Storm damage is one of the biggest factors that push homeowners to replace their sliding doors. Strong winds, particularly those that bring about flying debris, can cause serious damage to glass doors and leave them with cracked, scratched, or even broken panes. Even if your sliding doors look relatively unscathed, you should still have them inspected by professionals if your area has been recently hit by a major storm. This way, you’ll find out if they have any damage that might not be visible to the untrained eye but will affect their functionality down the road.
Aside from storm damage, you should also consider replacing your sliding doors if:
They’ve become difficult to close or open.
This is often caused by a buildup of dirt along the tracks, but if you still experience this issue after cleaning everything, you have to see if other factors are at play. Check if the tracks have been warped from direct sunlight exposure or if they’re malfunctioning due to poor installation.
They’re not airtight.
Properly installed sliding doors come with a tight seal that prevents draughts and helps homes stay energy-efficient. If your doors allow outside air to seep in, you have to replace them ASAP. Otherwise, you’ll have to endure uncomfortable indoor temperatures and deal with skyrocketing energy bills.
There’s condensation between the glass panes.
It’s normal for condensation to build up on the exterior of your sliding glass doors. However, if condensation develops between the glass panes, it’s a sign that the door’s internal seal is damaged and that the inert gas in them has leaked out. When this happens, your sliding glass doors are no longer insulated and should be replaced right away before they can affect your home’s energy efficiency.
While structural damage is the key driver to replacing sliding glass doors, take note that it shouldn’t be the only factor to consider. You should also think about replacing your sliding doors if they’re more than 30 years old. Doing proactive replacement is helpful since it lets you avoid the headaches and expenses that are inevitable when decades-old doors eventually develop issues and become virtually unusable.
Ensuring a Successful Sliding Door Replacement Project
Hiring the right sliding door installer is key to ensuring your project’s success. By entrusting the process to a reputable and experienced company, you can leverage the knowledge and expertise of everyone in their team, and you’ll get to have new sliding glass doors in a fast, efficient, and stress-free way.
Once you’ve found the ideal company to trust, you should also consider the following:
- Door Panel Size and Configuration
- Glass Type (clear, tinted, or frosted/textured)
- Glazing (single-glazed or double-glazed)
- Frame Material (aluminium, wood, fibreglass, etc.)
- Energy Efficiency Rating
You also have to consider the hardware that will be used for your sliding doors. Choose a handle shape and colour that are attractive and eye-catching and will complement your home’s interior design and architectural style. Also, consider installing retractable screen doors, which will allow fresh air into your home while keeping mosquitoes and other insects away.
Schedule Your Sliding Door Replacement Now
Old and broken sliding doors should be replaced ASAP before they can compromise your home’s security and energy efficiency. Use these tips to know when and how to replace the damaged sliding glass doors in your property!
