Table of Contents Show
Have you committed to revamping your exterior this summer? When the temperatures start to rise and the days get longer, most of us find ourselves ready to spend more time outdoors.
To make the most of your time at home, it’s important to create a space that you love. That means repairing or replacing any areas that seem a little worse for the wear, such as your patio doors.
If you’re still using the original ones that came with your home, then it might be time for an upgrade. Today, we’re sharing 12 key signs that you should start shopping today!
1. There’s Extensive Surface Damage
Have your patio doors seen their fair share of weather? From pounding stormwater to furious winds, the natural elements can wreak havoc on exterior areas.
There are some minor cosmetic issues that don’t exactly warrant a replacement. Instead, they just need a long weekend and a little sweat equity. For instance, you can paint over any areas that have started to peel, repair any scratch marks, or even replace a worn-out doorknob.
However, you don’t want to live with a door that’s so worn out it won’t close or lock properly. Patio door repair can be a valuable service, but if the price of the fix is close to what you’d pay for a brand-new set, it’s best to spring for the latter.
2. They’re Letting in Air
Have you noticed that the air near your patio doors feels drafty? If the doors aren’t latching for any reason, air drafts can make their way into your home. This not only makes your living spaces less comfortable, but it also requires your HVAC system to work that much harder.
As a result, you could see an uptick in your monthly utility costs. Plus, there’s the risk of letting in unwanted visitors, from small rodents to crawling insects. Check to make sure that each patio door fits snugly and securely into its frame.
Then, look at the quality of the weatherstripping. If it’s started to warp or isn’t complete, then your doors aren’t working as they should.
Read Also:
3. They’re Difficult to Maneuver
Do you have to endure an arm workout just to open or close your patio doors? If so, this could mean they’ve become overly warped. While this can happen as a result of natural wear and tear, it can also occur if the doors have experienced a significant amount of water damage.
Especially if your doors are made of wood, water can seep into the surface and soften it. This can alter the way the door sits in its frame, as well as how it operates.
To keep everything functioning as it should, replace any doors that won’t open or close easily. For best results, reach out to a reputable company like Renewal by Andersen Window Replacement for a professional installation.
4. They’re Loud
Another sign that it’s time to call a patio door company? You shouldn’t have to cover your ears when you use them. If the hinges inside your doors have worn out, they’re likely to make a loud noise when you use them.
Sometimes, the answer is as simple as applying a solid coat of WD-40 to your doors. If the issue is minor, then this quick fix should solve the problem. However, if they continue to squeak or make a loud groaning noise, it’s time to get a new set.
5. They’re Tilted
If you allow drafty spaces around your patio doors to widen over time, then they could eventually become so spacious that the doors begin to tilt inside of them.
This is an obvious sign that you need a patio door replacement. A tilted door not only allows air and pests to enter your home, but it can also make it less secure. Every entrance to your home should seal tightly to keep your loved ones safe, and if you can’t lock your door, it undermines the overall security of your property.
6. It’s Time for a Revamp
Sometimes, the issue with your patio doors isn’t functional in nature. You might simply be ready for a newer, more modern design! Our tastes and preferences shift over time, and even if you loved the look before, you might not feel the same now.
This is especially the case if you’re living in an older home, or one that you didn’t design yourself. If you didn’t want to spring for new patio doors when you first moved in, you might decide it’s time to do so now.
A new set of patio doors or bifold doors can breathe fresh life into your home and elevate its entire look.
7. Something Hit Them
It’s rare, but there’s always the chance that something could come into contact with your patio doors. From errant baseballs to an unfortunate bird, if an object hits the doors at a high speed, it can cause structural damage.
This impact can dent or ding your doors. If they have any type of glass enclosure, it can also crack or even shatter that glass. It’s important to clean up the mess as safely and quickly as possible, and then call a patio door repair company to handle the next steps.
8. Water is Getting Inside
You should be able to weather a storm safely inside of your home and feel confident that you’ll stay dry. Have you noticed that water is getting in around your patio doors?
Even the strongest rains and winds shouldn’t be any match for a strong and durable set. When they’re first installed, most doors come equipped with strong seals designed to keep rain completely away from your home. Yet, those seals can wear down and fail over time, much like the seals on your windows.
Sometimes, the sign isn’t as clear as a puddle in your entryway. You might just notice moisture around the edges of your doors or a small amount of water dripping down the wall. In any case, take prompt action to ensure against continued water damage.
9. You Want to Be More Energy-Efficient
Are you looking for simple ways to make your home as energy-efficient as possible? Research shows that nearly half (45%) of all U.S. homeowners would give themselves a “B” rating when it comes to conserving energy, and there’s always room for improvement.
By purchasing a door that’s specially marked as energy-efficient or one with an Energy Star label, you can help keep your home comfortable and do good for the Earth. Most of these models include features such as:
- Dual-pane or triple-pane glass
- Non-toxic argon gas between panels
- Low-emission glass coatings
- Blinds and shades
10. Fog Within the Panes
If your patio doors have any type of glass element, they should be crystal clear and easy to clean. However, have you noticed that yours tends to stay foggy, no matter how hard you scrub it?
If so, then this could signify that moisture is leaking into the door. There’s a chance that the seal around the glass panes has become weakened or compromised. It’s also less energy efficient, which could mean paying more to heat and cool your home.
While you might be able to replace just the glass, it’s usually best to invest in a new set altogether. If the glass is weak, then there could be other issues with your doors as well.
11. You Keep Calling for Repairs
Are you tired of shelling out money every few months to fix another issue with your patio doors? While a few repair visits might not be too much to worry about, there comes a time when you’re losing money on the effort.
Unless those specific doors hold an immense amount of sentimental value, it’s time to stop the cycle and replace your doors. While you will pay more up-front, you’ll save money on repair and maintenance costs in the long run.
12. The Locking System is Malfunctioning
Your patio doors should lock easily. If the internal locking system is malfunctioning in any way, then you could open your home to a range of security risks.
If the doors are otherwise structurally sound, try calling a locksmith. This professional may be able to diagnose and correct the problem for a small fee. However, if they deem that the issue is irreparable, then go ahead and buy new doors.
Is It Time to Invest in New Patio Doors?
Your patio doors say a lot about your home. They’re an important part of your interior and exterior design, and they welcome friends, family members, and loved ones to your property.
As such, it’s critical that they look their best and operate as they should. If yours match any of the descriptions on this list, then consider replacing them as soon as possible.
In the meantime, we’re here to keep you up-to-date on all of the lifestyle news and advice you need. Check back often for more informative guides!
