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When homeowners are looking to upgrade their double-hung windows, or any other style of window, they’ll often begin to consider replacing their patio doors as well. Patio doors allow for a smooth transition between your interior and exterior, effectively doubling the living area in your home. The most common types of patio doors are either French or sliding variants, but combinations of the two styles are also not uncommon.
Deciding whether or not to upgrade or replace your patio doors depends on a lot of factors. Let our home improvement experts at Renewal by Andersen® of Knoxville explain some of the most important ones to help you make the most of your project.
Perhaps the biggest reason why casement windows have gained popularity over sliding windows is because of operability issues. Sliders and tracks can often get clogged up by dust and dirt which greatly impedes how they function. The same problem holds true for sliding patio doors. The rollers and tracks depend on sufficient lubrication to maintain smooth operability. However, they are also prone to getting dirty over time.
Regular maintenance can help keep your doors sliding for longer periods of time but if the problem is caused by a damaged track, then it might be time to consider a replacement. Our team of designers at Renewal by Andersen® recognizes how common this issue is which is why our sliding patio doors are built to resist dust build-up right from the start.
You’ll notice energy-efficiency problems first in your utility bills. It will often start as a steady increasing trend in your monthly totals. This could be caused by a number of reasons but for patio doors, the most likely culprit is a failure of the weather seals. The sash and frames of most doors are lined with a weather-proofing material that prevents heat from escaping. Over time, this lining can wear out, which leads to a small but gradual increase in your heating and cooling bills. If this is the case, it’s best to consult with a professional door and window contractor to determine a good course of action.
Materials expand when heated and contract when cooled. For patio door and window replacement products, this could warp the frames, sashes, joints and other critical components, causing problems with operations and resulting in overall failure. While most products are designed to accommodate the small natural changes in size under different temperatures, it could cause a lot of stress in the long run. This is a definite sign you will need to replace your doors soon.
In a French patio door, the glass panes are built in a similar way to most replacement windows. The edges are protected by a weather and water-proof seal which prevents most problems. However, aging doors and windows are prone to leakages and seal failure. This commonly shows itself with fogging and condensation symptoms.
Condensation is rarely a serious problem, but it could escalate to worse issues such as moisture penetration and other water-related damage. Talk to your local window and door contractor to confirm if the seals on your patio doors are compromised but prepare for the possibility of a replacement.
Aside from avoiding some potentially troublesome problems, getting new patio doors can also improve the value of your home. Studies have shown that extended living areas framed with the right style of patio door is a cost-effective way to increase your home’s value.
Let our replacement window and door specialists at Renewal by Andersen® of Knoxville help you find the right patio doors for your home. Give us a call at (866) 609-5033 or fill out our online form to schedule a design consultation and get a free quote today. We serve homeowners in Knoxville, TN, as well as all surrounding areas in Tennessee.