Sliding glass doors are a great addition to any household. It will allow you to soak up the scenery outside on a nice day without stepping outside. In addition, they also allow indoor spaces to benefit from natural light.
However, one of the problems that cause many apartment owners headaches is the leaking patio glass door, which can cause a mess and discomfort.
Why is my patio door leaking? How to handle it? Let’s explore!
Table of Contents
Why Is My Patio Door Leaking And How To Fix It?
Before thinking of any possible solutions, it is essential to find the root of the problem. A little investigation will eliminate potential issues, providing lasting results, so there’s no need to worry about pests, mold, and structural problems.
Broken Track And Rollers
Cause
A broken or dented track can also lead to a door leaking as it breaks the seal with the door, allowing water to get in.
On the other hand, its rollers, which make it easier to move along the track, may wear over time. In this case, it can further throw your door off its track, leading to a leak.
Solution
In this case, you will not be able to handle the problem yourself. Instead, it is best to get the help of a local sliding glass door company.
Professionals, who know what to do, will check out your rollers and tracks. After diagnosing the problem, they will have solutions to get the job done.
If you have to replace the track or rollers, you will have to spend $75 to $140 (with pro help) or $20 and $100 (do it yourself).
Dirty Track
Cause
Dirty shoes, muddy paws, and wind can bring dirt, stones, grit, and everything into the door’s tracks. But you are wrong if you think these tiny particles are no big deal.
Despite the microscopic size of these particles, they can build up if not removed. Over time, they will break the seal between the bottom of the sliding door track and the door.
Any tiny misalignment and separation can lead to more significant consequences, such as door leaking or reduced security.
Solution
Let’s start by preparing a high-quality vacuum and opening your door.
After that, try to remove visible dirt, stones, and grit from your sliding door track as much as possible.
We also recommend vacuuming around the stationary door’s edge as well.
Removing stubborn stains with a wire brush and a simple solution, including water and dish soap, is okay.
Blocked Weep Holes
Cause
Although your glass door is installed correctly, rain still gets into its tracks.
That is why many sliding glass doors feature weep holes that are large enough to allow rainwater to drain from the tracks’ base but small enough to prevent bugs from getting through.
However, these holes can get clogged by caulking during installation or debris build up over time, causing door leaking.
Solution
You can identify where weep holes are located by looking up the model number of the door.
After that, look for caulking, debris, paint, or anything that can block your water flow. Then, you can get rid of it yourself or get help from a contractor.
Broken Door Flashing
Cause
The base of the door typically comes with a line of metal flashing, which is responsible for redirecting the rainwater away from your house.
If it has been installed improperly or was dented by something, it can let the water through the door’s frame.
Solution
We recommend calling a sliding door specialist to replace or install the door flashing, depending on your specific situation.
Installation of this piece requires precision and adjusting surrounding parts to remove or place the flashing.
Unsealed Glass
Cause
Unsealed glass can also be a potential factor causing door leaks. It usually occurs because of improper or severe weather damage over time.
Solution
You will benefit from the warranty if your door has been installed recently. So check it before sending repair requests.
If the warranty period has expired, the only way is to get help from a trusted local glass repair specialist to get the job done.
Invest In Weatherstripping
Cause
If door leaks occur during the colder months, including after a snowstorm, you should add new weatherstripping to reinforce the door.
This stuff typically only includes a rubber tube or a thick foam tape that will latch onto the bottom of your door.
Solution
Investing in new weatherstripping can cost between $30 and $100 (do it yourself). It’s not cheap, but it’s worth it. If you get expert help to get the job done, be prepared to add an extra $150 to the cost.
How to Prevent Door Leaks
Another patio door leak is usually straightforward, but sometimes it’s not, requiring costly replacement. To avoid that, you can take precautions to minimize any potential for patio door leaks.
Make Sure the Frame Of Your Sliding Glass Door Is Fully Intact
Regularly checking your door’s frame is recommended to ensure it is solid and intact. Look around your door for any damaged or worn caulking. Remember that any gaps in door frames can lead to door leaks.
Caulking is done during the installation of the door, which offers an excellent seal against water leaking and is a great way to troubleshoot the door leaking problem. But over time, wear and weather might lead to breaks down in caulk.
There are many possible causes of flake and peel in old caulking. In this case, it will generate gaps, which are entry points for rainwater to go through.
If that’s your case, the only way is to replace the old caulking by filling in any gap between your door and its frame.
The good news is that this task is not complicated, and you can complete the job independently without expert help.
Invest in Weatherstripping
If you maintain your sliding glass doors well, water intrusion problems usually do not occur.
However, we still recommend investing in weatherstripping to minimize any risks associated with patio door leaking.
High-quality weatherstripping reinforces the glass door’s seal. It can be a rubber tube, foam tap, or continuous strip that attaches to the bottom of your door.
Just ensure it will compress as the door is closed. That way, your door will be sealed well. The patio door leak will hardly come to you again.
Clean and Seal Tracks in Sliding Glass Doors
As mentioned above, tiny debris will cause severe problems, including the patio glass door leaking if it can get in the door track.
Its cause can be many things, including wind, dirty shoes, and pets, which can carry debris, stones, and dirt into the track of your patio door.
So before they build up over time and make things worse, it’s best to perform regular checks of the door track and remove any debris and stones as soon as they appear. That way, you can prevent rainwater from entering your home.
In addition to checking and cleaning the track of your glass door regularly, you should also do the same with weep holes.
These small slits are usually located in the inside part of the door’s track, allowing to drain rainwater that can get against your door.
Over time, they can also become filled with debris and stones, leading to door leaks. Cleaning them is also a breeze.
All you need to get the work done is a screwdriver or compressed air.
FAQs
Are Weep Holes Important?
The answer is Yes. Weep holes are designed to minimize damage due to flooding or condensation.
These holes enable the water to seep out rather than get trapped inside, which causes more damage.
Thanks to that, weep holes can protect the structural integrity of the interior of your home and even a building.
These holes also prevent the “Leaky Building Syndrome,” known as buildings’ demise. So most well-constructed masonry buildings will have these holes to avoid this situation.
How Many Kinds of Weather Stripping Are There?
Weather Stripping is available in many kinds, including:
- Tubular Vinyl, Rubber, or Silicone.
- Door Sweeps
- Felt
- V Strip
In addition to preventing door leakage, the installation of weatherstripping can save you up to 20% on cooling and heating costs.
Wrapping It Up
Above are all things you need to know about patio glass door leaks, including causes, how to fix them, and how to prevent them. By identifying the cause, you can get the job done overnight.
However, for more severe cases, which are daunting to the inexperienced, getting professional help is essential.
In addition to troubleshooting current problems, these experts can also inspect to diagnose potential hazards with your door. In addition, they can also repair hardwood floors or restore extensive water damage.
Finally, inspecting your door and performing regular maintenance thoroughly is the best way to prevent future leaks.