Glass doors for a home, a patio, or a commercial building provide a way to open up your property and let in light. If you live in a house or an apartment that has sliding glass doors, then you know how important it is to keep them well maintained.
Unfortunately, many people just ignore their sliding glass doors until they break down completely and need replacing. Home glass doors have become increasingly popular, but when they are worn out from being improperly maintained by the owners that they need to be replaced. Replacing your old sliding door with a new one can be expensive though!
We recommend that homeowners expect to replace their glass doors every ten years. But, when should sliding patio doors be replaced?
Luckily for all of us, there are some signs that let you know if your sliding door needs to be replaced before it breaks down completely.
Here are some signs that you need to replace your sliding glass doors:
- The door is warped or bent. Replacing sliding glass doors that are warped may seem excessive if you live in a house with just one sliding glass door, but the cost of repairing warped doors can be high and long-lasting. A glass door that is bent causes air to build up between the glass panels and costs homeowners an extra $200 per year for cooling and heating their homes! If you can stick a piece of paper between your sliding glass door frame/track, then it needs replacing as soon as possible!
- There’s condensation on the inside of your glass panes. Condensation can cause mold growth, which eventually turns into stains on the inside of your sliding glass doors. Mold growth is especially dangerous for households with children, the elderly, or pets. If you notice condensation on your glass panes, then it’s time to replace your sliding glass doors.
- You hear water dripping when it rains. One of the most common signs that homeowners ignore is hearing water dripping in their homes when it rains. This usually means that the seal around the glass panels has become weak and needs replacing immediately! If you can’t afford to replace your sliding door right away, then at least get a window repair kit so you’ll be able to use your old glass doors during sunny days.
- There are cracks in or between the glass panes. Glass doors may also need replacing if there are cracks (and sometimes even hairline cracks) in or between the glass panes. Homeowners should be especially cautious of hairline cracks because they can easily turn into large and unsightly cracks if not taken care of immediately!
- The handle is broken or missing. One way to tell that your door needs replacing is if the sliding door handle becomes loose/falling off or won’t open at all. Additionally, it’s a good idea to check the locks periodically because doors occasionally need replacing when they stop locking securely due to broken parts inside of them.
- There has been a break-in attempt recently. Sometimes homeowners ignore their glass doors until there has been a break-in attempt recently, and by then it’s too late and they will need to replace their sliding doors. If you have experienced a break-in attempt, it’s best to call your local locksmith or home security company to assess your property and give you some recommendations on how to make it more secure.
Did you know that King Door and Lock offers free consultations for homeowners in Maryland and Washington, D.C.? We can come to your home to take a look at your existing sliding glass doors and provide you with a FREE estimate on how much it would cost to replace them!
Aside from knowing the signs, it will help a lot to know more about sliding glass doors so we listed some of the most common questions, too.
Replacing Sliding Glass Doors FAQs
In what way do sliding glass doors wear out?
Sliding glass doors typically wear down from exposure to sun, rain, wind, snow & hail. All of these environmental factors can cause a variety of damage such as warping, cracking, fading, and more. We’ll go into detail about each type of damage later on in this article!
What is the average cost to replace a sliding glass door?
Homeowners can expect to pay an average of $500 to $2000 if they want to replace their sliding glass doors. Of course, there are several factors that affect this price such as the type of glass door you choose, if you’re replacing one door or two, how many panels your new glass door has, and the manufacturer of your new sliding glass doors!
Replacing your glass sliding door can be a costly endeavor, so you need to ask yourself if it is worth making the investment.
What should I do if I’m considering replacing my sliding glass door?
Remember: Replacing your sliding glass door isn’t as simple as throwing on a coat of paint or slapping some wallpaper up on the wall! You need to think about a number of factors, such as:
- How much control do I want over the temperature in my home?
- What level of security am I looking for?
- How much natural light can I have coming in from outside?
Remember that sliding glass doors are one of the more aesthetically pleasing features on your exterior. If you’re not happy with their current state, then you should seriously consider replacing them. This will add value to your home and increase curb appeal while also saving you money month after month on heating and cooling fees.
What materials should I use for my sliding glass doors?
There are so many options out there for homeowners who want custom sliding glass doors! Homeowners can choose between aluminum, steel, fiberglass, and wood. Depending on where you live in Maryland & D.C., you may have other options too like choosing hybrid materials (such as steel with inserts) depending on what’s available in your area.
What is the process of replacing my sliding glass doors?
The process of replacing your sliding glass door will vary depending on the manufacturer, but it typically follows these steps:
1. Order your new sliding glass door(s) from a local or online retailer.
2. Schedule a time for the installation with a qualified installer.
3. The installer will remove your old sliding glass door and prepare the opening for the new one.
4. Install your new sliding glass door and test it to make sure it’s working properly.
5. Clean up any mess made during the installation process.
How long does it take to replace a sliding glass door?
Replacing a sliding glass door usually takes between 2 and 8 hours. The actual time will depend on how many sliding glass doors you need to replace, what materials you choose, and the installer’s schedule – but this is a good general estimate!
What are the types of sliding glass door damages?
There are a few common types of sliding glass door damages that homeowners should be aware of. Warping, cracking, fading, and rusting are the four most common types of damage.
Warping: Warping is one of the most common types of damage to sliding glass doors. This is because the materials used to make sliding glass doors can warp over time from exposure to the elements.
Cracking: Sliding glass doors can crack for a variety of reasons such as impact from a projectile (like a rock), weather conditions, or even old age.
Fading: Fading happens when the colors on your sliding glass door start to fade away over time due to exposure to the sun and other elements.
Rusting: Rusting is another form of deterioration that can occur to your sliding glass doors over time.
Most people might not think much about replacing their sliding glass doors until they notice any one of the signs listed above.
Replacing any old glass sliding doors with new tempered or heat-strengthened ones once you notice any one of these signs can help to secure your home and increase its value, making it a good investment for the future.
If your sliding door is not secure, you do run the risk of a break-in.
Do you have sliding glass doors that are in need of replacement?
If your door is hard to open or close, it may be time for a new one. Sliding glass doors can become difficult to operate if they’re not properly maintained over the years.
Replacing your sliding glass door will give you more control over how much light comes into your home, as well as give you peace of mind knowing that your family is safe from intruders.
Although it can be pricey, replacing your old sliding glass doors with new ones is definitely worth it in the long run! Not only do you get to enjoy having a new and updated look for your home, but you also increase its value and make it more energy-efficient.
