Telltale Signs It's Time To Replace Your Sliding Glass Doors (And Why It Matters!)

Sliding glass doors are a fantastic way to let light into your home and make it feel more open. But like all things, they eventually go through enough daily wear and tear that they need to be replaced. If you notice that your sliding doors are drafty, difficult to open, or have any visible damage on the glass, then it's time to consider swapping them for new ones. 

When there is damage to glass, like cracks or scratches, that's an obvious sign that your sliding doors need to be replaced. With glass, you should also keep an eye out for any excessive condensation as that may be an indicator of problems with your door's insulation. However, your sliding door's glass isn't the only area where problems may arise. Your doors sit in a frame that may become cracked or warped over time due to regular use, sun exposure, and harsh weather. If you get close, you may even be able to see where the frame has warped on itself. Another key sign of warping is when your doors are difficult to open or close. Keep in mind that difficulty sliding your doors can also point to issues with the rollers, especially if your sliders make a lot of rattling sounds when moved. In addition to paying attention to the frame itself, you should note if your door is letting in any drafts, as this is a sure-fire sign that your frame's sealant has failed. 

On average, sliding glass doors last around 20 years, but they may last longer depending on factors like climate and use. If you've noticed any of the above issues with your sliders, you may be wondering how much it costs to install a new sliding door. To replace everything, you can generally expect to spend around $2,500, although the price can vary depending on material and labor costs. However, you may only need to repair specifics parts of your sliding doors, like the rollers or track, instead of the entire piece, which reduces costs.

With minor issues, it's easy to brush off repairs because your doors still function. But something like a cracked frame can cause problems beyond your door. For example, these cracks can allow water to leak into the wall near the sliders, causing water damage or even mold. Similarly, excessive condensation on your glass is a sign of poor insulation in your door. If unaddressed, this moisture buildup can damage your frame or lead to more mold and mildew. It's difficult to give an exact estimate for mold remediation, but it generally costs around $15 to $30 per square foot. You can be looking at a big bill if mold spreads beyond the immediate area around your door. Additionally, sliding glass doors that need to be replaced may also cost you in energy bills. If your doors are letting in drafts, your heating system must work overtime to counteract it, which drives up the cost.

One of the best times to do a big upgrade is when you're going to replace something. While many consider sliding doors a staple for patios, there are other alternatives to explore, like bifolds. This refers to a style of doors with glass panels that you can fold and stack to one side like an accordion. Bifolds are more compact than their sliding counterparts. If it's time to change your sliding glass doors, consider the fact that you can replace patio sliders with bifold doors. Just keep in mind that this renovation can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000. 

If you want to stick with sliding doors, there are still plenty of ways that you can upgrade their look. For example, a grid kit can take your sliding doors from builder-grade to custom-made. A grid kit allows you to mimic window mullions or muntins, which are the pieces you see dividing glass on older-style doors and window. You can find suitable kits for this project on Amazon, like Brixwell's Window Grille Kit. It's overall an inexpensive way to take your doors to the next level. Lastly, try adding window coverings, such as curtains or shades, to your new sliding doors. This is a great way to not only give yourself privacy but also transform the look and feel of your patio doors from the inside.