Signs It's Time to Replace a Patio Door

Patio doors are important to a home because they help create a seamless transition in and out, providing quick and easy access to your patio or backyard space. This is ideal for entertainment purposes or for simply enjoying a home’s outdoor area.

“Due to their significance, homeowners will find it beneficial to familiarize themselves with the signs that point to patio door replacement,” said Lance Dahl, CR, Senior Sales Representative – Exterior Products with Callen. “More specifically, it’s important to carefully consider functionality, overall condition, and aesthetic appeal when evaluating your home’s patio door, as these key features are integral in determining whether or not patio door replacement is necessary.”

Functionality is crucial to consider with regards to assessing a patio door’s condition. For instance, it may seem like a mere inconvenience if the patio door is becoming increasingly difficult to open and close, but it can quickly snowball into a serious problem. “To give you a better idea, a patio door that is difficult to operate is unsafe in an emergency situation, such as a fire, which requires a clean and speedy exit from the home,” Lance said.

Most commonly, difficult door operation is a result of normal wear and tear, especially if the patio door is older. “Harsh weather is often to blame, as it can eventually lead to warping of the frame or sash,” he said. “Not only does warping affect the wood shape, but it can also cause splitting and cracking, which means patio door replacement is necessary.”

It is also prudent to examine the condition of the tracks and rollers if it’s a traditional sliding patio door, or hinges if it’s a French patio door.

“If these components are dirty, it can impede the operation of the door; however, if cleaning does not resolve the issue, then the components may be beyond repair and a new patio door is strongly recommended,” Lance said.

This is especially true if the locking mechanism on the door is broken, as it severely compromises the home’s safety and security.

If a home experiences drafts, it is a good idea to check the patio door, especially if there is condensation regularly forming in between the panes of glass. “Seals can fail over time and if there are any visible gaps or cracks in the patio door framing, not only can water and pests enter your home, but air is also constantly escaping,” said Lance. “As one can imagine, this negatively impacts your home’s energy efficiency and, subsequently, raises your energy bills. When this happens, you may find it difficult to maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor air temperature. Patio door replacement is necessary in this instance, as it will help ensure the room is properly insulated, maximizing the home’s overall energy efficiency.”

While a patio door may not show serious signs of wear and tear, its design may be outdated, and resale value may be impacted.

“Whether you're remodeling the entire space or simply updating the patio door, a new unit will not only enhance your home's interior and exterior aesthetics, including the patio area, but it will also add to the resale value of your home,” Lance said. “Potential home buyers will be more inclined to purchase a home with modern features, such as an updated patio door and windows, versus a home with dated features.”

Whether it’s a struggle to open and close the patio door, the drafts in the home have become intolerable, or the home is due for a renovation to improve its aesthetic appeal, patio door replacement is warranted.

“A new patio door plays a vital role in your home’s safety and security, energy efficiency, and resale value. Plus, it helps create a warm, inviting atmosphere when entering and exiting your home’s outdoor space,” said Lance. “Moreover, a new patio door can be customized to accommodate the unique needs and preferences of homeowners as well as compliment the home’s architecture and design style.”

‍Call Callen to get started on your patio door replacement.