Sliding doors are excellent features for any home when compared with traditional doors. First, sliding doors open all the way and let in a lot of fresh air, which could possibly eliminate the continuous use of AC units. This goes a long way towards saving on energy bills. Additionally, sliding doors provide a seamless transition from the indoors to the outdoors, especially if the doors open to an outdoor space such as a patio. That said, sliding doors can develop problems and might need to be replaced to protect the indoors from the elements. This article highlights signs that might indicate that your sliding doors need replacing.
Sticking Sliding Doors
Quality sliding door brands are designed to last for several years. However, your sliding doors might start to stick after a shorter time of use. This problem can be solved with a few adjustments in most cases. However, if the issue gets to the point where you have to use force to slide the door on the tracks, you should think about replacement. The doors usually get to this point if the sliding tracks get crooked, hence requiring excessive force to operate. You risk damaging the entire unit if you don't replace the door in good time, not to mention the possible injuries you might suffer from using too much force.
Rotting Flooring Near Sliding Door
Most sliding door units are made of aluminium. This can become a problem over the years since moisture tends to accumulate in the hidden compartments of the unit. This is especially the case during cold seasons when the air indoors is warmer than the air outside. These conditions make it crucial to leave the door open for a few hours during winter to eliminate accumulated moisture. The effect of not following this advice is that the flooring will absorb the moisture and eventually begin to rot. If you notice this rot, it may be the right time to replace your sliding doors.
Rattling Sliding Doors
Sliding doors should operate smoothly even when hit with strong winds. However, you should think about replacing your sliding doors if they begin to rattle against the impact of wind. The rattling is mainly caused by ill-fitting glass screens in the sliding door egress. The rattling can lead to breakage of the glass if the problem is not taken care of. You should hire the services of a professional to assess the extent of the problem before you decide to replace the door. This will help you to make an informed decision regarding sliding door replacement or repair.