With summer arriving in full force, it’s time to start cracking open those patio doors! If you have a patio or deck attached to your house, it is very likely that you have some sort of glass sliding or french doors that allow you to transition in and out of your house, while also bringing in natural light to your home!
One of the big questions with Patio Doors is, “How do I know when it’s time to replace them?”. There are a few factors that can help you decide when to upgrade. You could be experiencing anything from difficulty opening and closing to permanent fog in your glass that won’t go away.
In this article we’re going to go over 4 signs that it is time to replace that Patio Door of yours!
Lack of Efficiency
This one may be the most obvious sign that it is time to replace your patio door. Having a patio door that is difficult to open and close is not only inconvenient but can really be rather annoying!
This can happen over time for many reasons, whether it be improper installation, natural wear, and tear or weather-related degradation. Although you CAN continue using your current patio door with this annoyance, it is not recommended.
A bigger concern with lack of efficiency is with the lock on your door. It is common that over time the lock on your patio door may become faulty, once this happens the safety of your home becomes compromised. This is when you definitely need to consider a new door installation or a repair at the very least!
Gap in the Frame
Over time, you may notice a gap developing between your patio door and the frame. This could be from inclement weather warping the frame and/or sash over time. Unfortunately, poor workmanship at the time of installation could also be the cause of the gapping.
If you begin to notice any sort of gaping, then it’s necessary to replace the door, for many purposes such as insulation, safety, and aesthetics. If you can’t physically see the gaping, another way to assess if this issue is present in your door is if droplets of rain, sleet, or snow begin finding their way into your living space! This is a perfect indicator that it’s time to get a new door (or set of doors) because this sort of problem is certainly not going to get better on its own.
Permanent Fogging
The third thing you might see in your older patio doors is a problem with the panes of glass. If you find that condensation has built up inside any of the glass panes in your sliding or french door, it’s very likely that the seal around the glass is compromised. When this happens it allows air and moisture to get in between the panes and not only create the condensation but it is a clear indication that their insulating status is damaged. Therefore these doors are no longer a positive factor in the energy efficiency of your home.
If this is something you notice in your patio doors, you’re going to want to replace the door unit entirely. A step further is if there is also the presence of a crack in the pane, thus compromising the safety of the door and becoming extremely important to repair for the safety of your family (you definitely don’t want your little ones or your pets running into cracked glass by accident).
Visual Appeal
This factor is rather self-explanatory as many people will feel the desire to update their patio doors for aesthetic purposes. Perhaps your current style is outdated, or you have recently renovated the interior of your home and your patio doors no longer match your vision.
As well as it being visually appealing to upgrade your patio doors, a new sliding glass door or pair of French doors can also add some dollar value to the appearance of your patio, your yard, and even the interior of your home!
There you have it…these are just some of the reasons why many homeowners decide to update their patio doors. Whether you’re experiencing doors that just won’t open, a gap between the sash and the frame, or a permanent fog (or crack), it’s time to replace those patio doors!
When you’re ready to replace any of the doors (or windows) in your home, Euro Choice Windows & Doors has you covered! We are here to help you make your dream home come to life (with 40% Off ALL window and door purchases). We’ll help you choose the products that best suit your vision and your home. Click HERE to get your free quote today!
