In this blog post, we’ll explore six common issues homeowners encounter with sliding patio doors and provide practical solutions to overcome them. Let’s dive in and discover how to address these common problems.

1. Stuck Doors
One of the most common and frustrating problems homeowners may encounter with sliding patio doors is when they become stuck or difficult to open and close. This issue is often caused by debris—dirt, dust, hair, and fur that’s accumulated in the door tracks, clogging the rollers. Start by thoroughly cleaning the tracks with a brush or vacuum cleaner. Then, apply a sliding-door lubricant to the tracks and rollers to promote smooth movement. If the problem continues, it might be necessary to adjust the rollers or check for any structural issues with the door frame that could be causing the obstruction.

2. Alignment Problems
If your sliding patio door doesn’t align properly, it can result in air leaks, difficulty opening or closing, or even damage to the door itself. Begin by examining the door’s alignment by checking for any visible gaps or misalignment when the door is closed. Adjust the rollers or tracks as needed to ensure proper alignment. Realign your doors by removing it from the track and reinserting it to rectify this problem. Be sure to readjust the screws if needed. Sometimes, consulting a professional for a more complex realignment task may be necessary.

3. Broken Latches
A broken latch can compromise the security and safety of your home. If your sliding patio door latch is malfunctioning or has broken altogether, it’s essential to address this as soon as possible. Inspect the latch mechanism to identify any visible damage or loose components. If it’s a minor issue, such as a loose screw, tightening it may solve the problem. If it’s stuck, a simple oiling will usually do the trick. However, if the latch is damaged beyond repair, unscrew, remove, and replace it with the same model. 

4. Shattered Glass
Accidents happen, and occasionally a sliding patio door’s glass can shatter, resulting in both a safety hazard and a decreased energy efficiency. In the event of shattered glass, it’s vital to prioritize safety. Wear protective gloves and carefully remove any remaining glass shards. Contact a professional to replace the broken glass with a new and secure panel. It’s also an opportunity to consider upgrading to impact-resistant or energy-efficient glass options.

5. Torn Screens
A torn or damaged screen can be unattractive and fail to offer protection against insects. Fortunately, addressing this problem is often straightforward. Begin by carefully removing the damaged screen and taking measurements to ensure an accurate replacement. You can find pre-made replacement screens or consider creating a custom screen to fit your specific door dimensions.

6. Broken or Worn Seal
Broken or worn-out seals can lead to air and moisture leaks, resulting in reduced energy efficiency and potential water damage. Inspect the weatherstripping and seals around your sliding patio door for any signs of wear or damage. If you identify areas needing attention, replace the old weatherstripping with a new one.

Getting your windows and doors replaced by Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia means experiencing unmatched quality, customized solutions, and outstanding customer service. If you’re ready to transform your home’s appearance and functionality, call us today or fill out our contact form to arrange a free consultation with one of our Design Consultants. We offer window replacement services in the Greater Vancouver Area, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Nanaimo, Campbell River, and the Okanagan. 

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Here are our five recommendations to help winterize your sliding glass doors and keep your home feeling warm and cozy this season:

1. Clean any debris from sliding door tracks
2. Seal gaps and take care of any cracks you may have
3. Check the weatherstripping
4. Add fin seal or brush fin weatherstripping
5. Use window film insulation kit to cover doors

Clean any debris from sliding door tracks.

Your doors can be a collect-all for things like dirt, pet hair, and other debris that might be in your home causing the door to lift off its track leading to drafts and lack of energy efficiency.

Making sure to frequently vacuum your door tracks, as well as wiping any dirt and debris can help eliminate drafts. Using a shop vac or an attachment on your regular vacuum cleaner makes for an easy clean-up!

Seal gaps and take care of any cracks you may have.

Gaps and cracks around your sliding door can result in your interior temperature being off. Have you noticed that you’re adjusting your thermostat but not feeling much change? Making sure all gaps around your windows are sealed by caulking around the sliding door casing can make all the difference! Before caulking, scrape and vacuum old caulk or sealant. Then apply caulk to your newly cleaned sliding door frame where it meets the window.

Check the weatherstripping.

Professionally installed sliding doors have been installed including weatherstripping but the material can deteriorate over time. Our recommendation is to replace your weatherstripping every few years.

The most effective weatherstripping application is with one continuous piece. Measure the four sides of your sliding glass door, then find the proper size kit that allows you to apply and seal your door all the way around.

Add fin seal or brush fin weatherstripping.

Some doors are installed with foam weatherstripping which doesn’t always hold up to continuous use (particularly in cold climates).

You can replace the foam with weatherstripping known as fin seal or brush fin specifically designed for sliding glass doors. Fin seal or brush seal weatherstripping has a mylar fin in the middle of the pile, or brush material. This material is extremely reliable and can withstand all climates, and high-traffic areas.

Use a window film insulation kit to cover doors.

You’ve filled any gaps and cracks around your sliding door, but still, feel cool air through your windowpane? Try a window insulation kit for your patio doors! Insulation film basically acts as a storm window and can be applied with adhesive or magnetic tape.

Insulation kits can help:

• Save energy and reduce your heating costs
• Reduce condensation on the glass
• Prevent frost buildup on your sliding door

Applying film to a sliding glass door is a fairly simple DIY project, here’s how to do it:

• Clean any debris from your sliding door, then measure all four sides of your door frame.
• Cut and measure the adhesive or magnetic tape that comes with the patio door insulation film kit adding 10+ inches to height and width measurements for a 5’ overhang on each side of your sliding door.
• Apply adhesive tape to your whole door, leaving a 1-inch space from your framed edge.
• Press the plastic film firmly to your pre-taped patio door frame starting at the top and working down to the bottom of the glass without leaving any gaps.
• Grab a hairdryer, select high heat, then blow-dry the plastic to smooth out wrinkles in the insulation film.

We hope these tips and tricks are helpful in keeping your home draft-free and warm all winter long! For more insulating tips, check out our blog on The Best Tips to Insulate Windows for Winter for more DIY projects!

Have questions? Get in touch today!

Give us a call at (604) 800-5176 for a free estimate on a replacement door! Our team of experts can assist in choosing the best patio door for your home.

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Our window experts have many different recommendations for deciding on the best patio door to fit your home’s needs and the best solutions for cold climates.

When deciding on the perfect patio door for your home, it’s important to think about how you plan to use your indoor and outdoor space. There are different types of patio doors and many styles to choose from.

A few things to consider include:

• Do you enjoy entertaining indoors and outdoors?
• Do you have outdoor amenities (pool, garden, outdoor living space) that you’d want access to from your patio door?
• Do you have pets that go inside and out?
• Do you need to access the area for all four seasons?

When planning for a new patio door install, you’ll want to be mindful of the actual dimension of your space (inside and out) to ensure there is room for the door to swing in and out with ease. If space is not an issue, there will be many more patio door options to choose from. If you are experiencing an issue with space, our experts would recommend a sliding door.

French patio doors

French patio doors are a great solution for traditional style homes, where you want to add additional light, and have the extra room available for an inswing or outswing door.

French patio doors are available with inswing or outswing styles. Inswing doors are the better option for cold weather climates where there’s a lot of snow. Imagine trying to open your patio door into a big pile of snow! That may be difficult, which is also why inswing doors are good in case of emergency for a quick exit from the home.

Renewal by Andersen’s Frenchwood® hinged patio doors are built with the ability to choose a door that swings out or swings in. An inswing design patio door is best for cold weather climates to allow for going outside to a snow-covered deck or yard without letting the cold inside your home. While an outswing door can save up to 28 square feet of interior space.

Sliding patio doors

Sliding doors are the most common type of patio door for good reason. They allow for plenty of natural light into your space year-round, while also allowing for a clear and unobstructed view of your backyard and patio space. Sliding doors take up much less space and there’s no need to worry about inswing or outswing. If installed professionally, a high-quality sliding patio door will offer great climate control during cold winter months. Opt for a sliding door with a screen to allow fresh air in while keeping the elements from coming inside.

Renewal by Andersen of Alaska carries three types of sliding doors:

1. Perma-Shield® sliding doors have a contemporary, streamlined design that allows you to enjoy the widest possible view with maximum glass area. That means making the most of your view year-round.
2. Frenchwood® sliding doors have the same aesthetic appeal as standard French doors, but the sliding door design keeps your space more open than a hinged door. They are a great selection for a traditional-style home and smaller rooms/spaces.
3. Narroline® sliding patio doors have a vinyl-clad wood, low-maintenance exterior, and a stainable natural pine interior. A slim, smart design distinguishes our Narroline sliding patio door from other contemporary alternatives. It has a modern look but features the same attention to detail and craftsmanship that Renewal by Andersen is known for.

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Our team of experts can offer additional guidance on selecting the best patio doors for your home. Get in touch today at (604) 800-5176!

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Illusion of Space

Why spend thousands on expensive renovation projects when you can easily create the illusion of spaciousness through large sliding glass doors?

Let the Light In

Sliding doors allow you to enjoy the numerous health benefits of daylight, including a generally improved mood. What’s even better is that with the availability of UV-blocking glass, you’ll never have to worry about the harmful effects of sunlight exposure during peak hours.

Room With a View

Ask any door and window company about what homeowners want out of their home additions. The answer is almost always the same — they want to enjoy the outdoors without having to leave the comforts of their home. Sliding doors give you exactly that. Namely, an unobstructed view of the outside world.

Seamless Transition

Since sliding doors offer seamless transition, going from one room to the next will no longer leave you feeling disoriented. Plus, sliding doors are unobtrusive enough to not clash with the design of your indoor space while being stylish enough to highlight your decor.

A Blend of Form and Function

For those who want the perfect mix of elegance and functionality, sliding doors are the superior choice. It’s easy to use and maintain, all while greatly improving the appearance of your home’s interior.

If you’re looking for high-quality sliding doors, Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia can help! We also offer replacement windows. Call us today at (604) 800-5176 to request a quote or to schedule a consultation. We serve Vancouver and Delta, BC.

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