How Long Do Sliding Patio Doors Last?

Sliding patio doors are one of the best features a home can have. They provide you with easy access to your outdoor area, increased natural light for your home’s interior, and a big aesthetic boost for any type of home. Investing in a patio door is always a smart decision. However, how long do sliding patio doors last? Keep on reading to find out!

Sliding Patio Doors

Sliding patio doors, sometimes referred to as gliding patio doors, are a popular choice within Southern California Homes. They usually consist of two-panel sections; one being fixed and one being mobile to slide open. Their easy operation makes them a must-have element for yard access in homes today. Besides their easy use operability, sliding patio doors provide homeowners with many different benefits, including:

• Enhanced energy efficiency
• Increased airflow/circulation
• Unobstructed views of the outdoors
• Entry of more natural light
• Increased durability
• More space

How Long Do Sliding Patio Doors Last?

Let’s get the real question: how long do sliding patio doors last? Of course, this answer will vary on a couple of different factors, such as the material, quality, and treatment of the doors. Higher-quality patio doors will undeniably last longer than a cheap, low-quality ones. Hiring an experienced team to install it for you also plays a vital role. If the patio door is installed incorrectly, its life cycles can be reduced by quite a number of years. Taking into account all of the different factors that can affect the life cycle of a sliding patio door, an average length time has been formulated. Sliding patio doors will last about 30 years. However, for those that are careful and respectful to the door, it can quickly escalate to 50-60 years! The same goes for those that mistreat the door or get low-quality doors. It can be reduced to a life cycle of 10-15 years.

When Should I Replace My Sliding Patio Door?

Knowing how long sliding patio doors last, replacing your old patio door is a good idea. However, what are the signs that my old patio door needs to be replaced? Having a flawed patio door can affect the appeal, energy efficiency, and functionality of your home. If you notice the following flaws on your patio door, then it’s a clear sign that the time has come for it to be replaced:

• Cosmetic Damage – Viewable damage of the patio door is a clear-cut sign that it needs to be replaced. Examples of cosmetic damage include extensive scrapes, chipped paint. If the cosmetic damage isn’t too serious, replacement would be necessary if you wish to improve the overall look of the door. As previously mentioned, these doors give homes a big aesthetic boost, and if they have visible signs of damage, their appeal will instantly go down.
• Difficult Operation – Patio doors can warp due to old age or damage. This causes them to get stuck and slide less easily. If the door sticks, makes loud noises when used, or does not open/close without effort, it may be past its prime!
• Drafts/Heat Transfers – To keep your indoor temperature at a comfortable level, your patio door should fit snugly in its frame. If you start to feel drafts of heat transfers, then your door is now energy-inefficient. This means that you need to rely more on your HVAC, thus increasing your energy bills. Replacement is a must at this point.
• Outdated Design – Of course, one of the main reasons we want sliding patio doors in our homes is because of their fresh, modern look. But if your home has old-fashioned, outdated patio doors from decades ago, then the time for change has come.

While sliding patio doors vary from their material, quality, and usage, they’re designed to last a long time. The average life cycle of sliding patio doors is around 30 years. We hope this blog helps you see how long they last and why they’re a great element to any home. If your patio doors are in need of replacement, give United Builders a call today! Our phone number is (619) 583-7171.