Having an easy access point to your outdoor space is a must. Sliding glass doors are desirable because they are simple and do not impede on your square footage. They can decrease your electric bill by allowing more natural light to flow through your home, but they can also increase your bill if unwanted air is entering through them. So here are some tips to weatherize a drafty sliding glass door.
Clean Tracks
Surprisingly, even the smallest clump of dirt or pet hair can cause a door to slowly lift off its tracks. It is important to frequently vacuum the tracks to ensure that outside air does not slip through the bottom.
Air Sealing
You may find yourself running your heater or air conditioner extra without feeling the effects, which can drastically increase your utility usage. This can be a sign that you need to weatherize a sliding glass door in your home. The first step is to make sure all gaps and cracks are sealed. If there are unsealed holes present, unwanted hot or cold air can escape and enter the home. Air sealing can be achieved by simply caulking the gaps of the door casing.
Add Another Barrier
If you’ve had the home assessed for gaps and cracks but are still feeling unwanted air seep through, it might be time to add a patio door insulation kit. The kit comes with rubber strips that adhere to the frame of the glass door, blocking unwanted drafts of air.
Weather Stripping
Sliding doors that have been properly installed include weather stripping, but it can deteriorate over time. Make sure to find a kit that can properly fit your door and use only one piece for maximum effectiveness. Putting the piece between the drafty sliding glass door will seal the air.
It is recommended to diagnose the problem as soon as possible to ensure maximum efficiency. And if your sliding glass doors are past the point of no return, Window World TX can get you set up with replacement sliding doors. Just contact us today for a free estimate.
