Weatherstripping sliding doors is a crucial part of maintaining them. It keeps your home energy-efficient, comfortable, and quiet by preventing drafts, reducing noise, and keeping out the elements. But like any other component of your home, it requires regular inspection and occasional replacement. Consider this your tutorial on all things weatherstripping from what it is, to identifying when it needs to be replaced to how you can replace it yourself.
What is Weatherstripping?
Weatherstripping refers to the material used to seal gaps around windows and doors, including sliding glass doors. It works on multiple levels to make your life better by:
Improving Energy Efficiency: Weatherstripping sliding doors prevents heat from escaping during winter and keeps cool air inside during summer, reducing your energy costs.
Enhancing Comfort: By maintaining a consistent indoor temperature, weatherstripping increases the comfort of your home.
Reducing Noise: It insulates against noise from the outside, providing a quieter indoor environment.
Preventing Moisture Infiltration: Weatherstripping prevents rain and moisture from entering the house, thereby protecting the interior.
Signs Your Weatherstripping Needs Replacement
Weatherstripping doesn’t last forever. Over time, it may wear out, get damaged, or simply stop working as effectively as it once did. Here are the signs to watch for:
- Visible Damage or Wear: If the weatherstripping looks worn out, torn, or damaged, or if it’s loose or not adhering properly to the door or window frame, it’s time to replace it.
- Drafts: Feeling air coming in around the door when it’s closed? That’s a clear sign that the weatherstripping isn’t sealing as it should.
- Increased Energy Bills: Rising heating or cooling costs without a clear reason could be due to air leaks around your doors and windows.
- Difficulty Opening or Closing the Door: If the sliding door becomes difficult to open or close, worn-out weatherstripping might be the cause.
- Moisture or Condensation: Seeing moisture, condensation, or even frost on the interior of your door could indicate that cold air is seeping into your home, signaling a need for new weatherstripping.
- Noise: If you start to hear more outside noise than usual, your weatherstripping might not be insulating as effectively as it should.
How to Replace Weatherstripping on Your Door
If you’ve noticed any of the above signs, it’s time to replace your weatherstripping. Here’s how.
Your first step is to identify the type of weatherstripping on your door. Look at your current weatherstripping and determine what type it is. Common types include adhesive-backed tape, door sweeps, V-strip or tension seal, and door gaskets.
Next, carefully remove old weatherstripping. You may need to use a putty knife or scraper for adhesive-backed types, or unscrew or un-nail others. Once the old weatherstripping is gone, clean the area thoroughly to ensure the new weatherstripping adheres well.
After that, measure and cut the new weatherstripping. You’ll need to measure the length and width of the area where the new weatherstripping will go, and cut your new material to fit. Once that’s done, you’ll Install the new weatherstripping. If you’re using adhesive-backed weatherstripping, remove the backing and press it firmly into place. If you’re using another type, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Finally, check the seal. Close the door and feel for drafts. The door should close fully without any gaps. If you still feel a draft, you may need to adjust the positioning of the weatherstripping or add a second layer.
Don’t Let Your Sliding Glass Doors Scare You!
You now have all the knowledge you need to successfully inspect and replace the weatherstripping on your sliding glass doors. Remember, proper maintenance of your weatherstripping is key to keeping your home comfortable, quiet, and energy-efficient.
Don’t forget to bookmark this guide for future reference, share it with friends or family who might find it useful, and leave us a comment if you found it helpful or have additional questions!
If you’re nervous about replacing your weatherstripping yourself, or if something goes wrong in the process, do not hesitate to call us. We have plenty of experience and are happy to give you a hand!
EZ Sliding Doors Vegas are your experts in sliding door maintenance. From choosing the best weatherstripping to determining how often to lubricate your doors, to professional help fixing any stubborn door, we’re just a call away! Learn more here or ring us up at (702) 829-2113.
