Top 4 Signs It Is Time to Replace Your Patio Doors
Upgrading your home with new patio doors does more than just improve curb appeal. With good quality patio doors, you can enjoy the view from inside and more natural light cascading around you. Advancements in window and door manufacturing have created more energy efficient products, so new patio doors also help to offset some of your energy costs. On top of that, replacing patio doors increases your home’s overall value.
But, how do you know when it is time to think about getting new patio doors? Over time, your patio doors will begin to show signs of aging. Though there are many symptoms of wear and tear that point to the need for your patio doors to be replaced, we will go over the top 4 signs that you might recognize in your own home.
DIFFICULT TO USE
Nothing is more annoying than a door that does not open or shut properly. It is extra frustrating when that door is in a heavily used access point, such as the entrance to your home from your patio. Sometimes, the issue is due to something as simple as debris lodged in sliding door tracks. However, troubles with operation can be more serious. Door frames (especially if they are made from wood) can become warped from elemental damage, such as rain and hail. With sliding glass patio doors, the track or rollers could be permanently damaged as well. For French Style patio doors, you may notice sagging or scraping along the floor. These are all signs that should not be ignored. Replacing your old patio doors with new ones that open and close effortlessly will make it easier for you to host guests and access your backyard oasis with ease.
EXTREME THERMAL TRANSFER
Sturdy, energy efficient doors should do a sufficient job of helping regulate the temperature inside your home. They serve to keep heat out in the summer and keep it in during winter months. If you notice that the room where your patio door is installed is significantly warmer or colder than other areas of your house, the door is the likely culprit. With this kind of heat transference, you may have also noticed an increase in your energy bills. This is because your home’s heating and cooling systems must work overtime to compensate for the energy lost through your patio doors. Replacing your patio door with an upgraded, energy efficient model will not only make your home more comfortable but will also save you money in the long run.
STRUCTURAL DAMAGE
You and your kids are out in the backyard, playing a friendly game of catch when your child accidently throws the ball a little harder than expected…and your glass patio doors take a hit. Obviously, if the glass is broken it is necessary to replace. However, something as seemingly insignificant as a cracked frame or crumbling seal around your patio doors can lead to more serious issues in the future if left unaddressed. You may notice water accumulating on the floor whenever it rains which could lead to permanent water damage inside your home. Damage to your patio doors could also make way for uninvited pests to enter your home. Cosmetic damages, such as chipped paint or small scratches, generally do not require immediate attention. However, if the aesthetic of your home is a priority, you still may want to consider replacement.
CONDENSATION
Another sign that your patio doors may need replacing is the presence of condensation. If your glass gets all steamed up when you are preparing a gourmet feast for you and your guests, that is likely just a sign that you need some air circulation. However, if you are dealing with persistent condensation, there may be a bigger issue at hand. Ice build-up and pooling of water on and around your patio doors suggests that the seal around them is not doing its job. As mentioned before, there may be noticeable damage to the frame or weather stripping. The condensation could also be a result of thermal transfer due to older glass that does not offer the same insulating properties as modern technology does. Even with modern double or triple-paned patio doors, condensation may build up between the panes of glass. This is indicative that the seal between the panes has been breached and as such, the insulating properties are significantly reduced.
CONCLUSION
If you find yourself reading along and recognizing one or more of these issues with your patio doors, it is more than likely that you need to be considering patio door replacement options. When choosing new patio doors, it is important to work with a trusted company to ensure you receive quality products and proper installation. You want to choose patio doors that come with a solid energy efficiency rating, are made from high-quality materials, and that seamlessly fit into your home’s aesthetic.
Window Mart has a wide selection of patio doors constructed with your choice of PVC, aluminum, or a hybrid of the two. Whether you are looking for modern Sliding Patio Doors or timeless French Style Patio Doors, our highly skilled team of installation experts can get the job done. With the high-quality products and services offered by Window Mart, you can rest assured that your new patio doors will improve curb appeal, increase property value, and make your home more comfortable and energy efficient.
Contact the friendly staff at Window Mart to schedule your complimentary consultation for new patio doors, today.
