Sliding Glass Patio Door Replacement: An FAQ

Do you need to replace your sliding glass patio door? Take a look at what you need to know about replacement services, options, and upgrades to make right now.

How Old Is the Door?

While age isn't the only predictor of the need for a replacement, it is one factor you need to consider. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), an exterior sliding glass door has an average lifespan of 20 years.

If your door is almost two decades old or older, you may want to replace it soon. Even though you could wait, you can more easily plan a replacement than rush to get an emergency repair for an older door.

How Old Is the Glass?

Did you replace the door's glass recently? Your sliding patio door has two primary parts to consider - the roller wheel and track mechanism and the glass panes.

If the older roller wheels and track work perfectly, the glass is new (or only a few years old), and the door is nearing two decades, you may want to wait for a replacement. But if the wheel and track mechanism and glass are both old or the wheels often stick or are damaged, a replacement might be necessary.

Do You Feel a Draft?

Sliding patio doors include large pieces or panes of glass. This leaves plenty of space to create unwelcome drafts. Poorly insulated or low-quality glass can let the exterior in and the interior air out. Not only can this leave your home uncomfortably cold or hot (depending on the season), it can also cost you in unnecessary heating and cooling costs.

Windows account for a substantial amount of heat gain and loss in homes. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, between 25 and 30 percent of household heating and cooling-related energy use is the result of these gains and losses. Along with your home's windows, a full glass sliding patio door can also cause serious heat losses or gains - especially if it's poorly made or a single-pane model.

If you can feel air coming in or out through the glass or you know it's not insulated, your sliding patio door is ready for an upgrade. Again, the slider mechanism can last for an average of 20 years. A younger roller or track may not require replacement just because your glass is uninsulated. Instead, talk to a contractor about a glass upgrade. They can possibly replace the panes with new, insulated, and energy-efficient glass.

What Type of Glass Patio Door Replacement Do You Need?

Now that you know when and why to replace your sliding glass patio door, take the next step and choose a model. You have more than a few options to select from. If you're not sure where to start, talk to a professional. A glass contractor can help you to understand the alternatives and provide you with information on the brands they sell.

If you have an off or odd-sized door opening, you may need a custom glass option to fit your home. Instead of a stock or off-the-shelf model, a glass contractor may give you the option to create a door that meets the exact measurements of the opening. The contractor may also recommend changing or resizing the opening to accommodate the new patio door.

Along with size, you have style and material options. These include the type of frame (such as metal or aluminum) and the glass itself. Multi-pane glass provides the best insulation - especially in this large area. This option is exactly what the name sounds like. The panel includes multiple (two or more) pieces of glass with an insulating gas sandwiched in between.

Do you need a new sliding glass door? Contact Concord & Antioch Glass, Inc. , for more information.