Sliding glass doors are more widespread than ever, which implies that some of their drawbacks are as well. Water being stuck in the track is one such issue, and there are numerous ways to get it out, including cleaning the track and weatherstripping it. Let’s look at how you can keep water out of your sliding glass door track, whether it’s by discovering leaks or putting weatherstripping.
When rainfall gets below a sliding glass door, it can cause significant and costly damage. Therefore it’s critical that you do everything you can to keep your track in excellent condition. But how do you go about doing that? How can you keep water out of your sliding glass door’s track?
You must clean the track and rollers of your sliding door on a regular basis to prevent water out of the track. It’s a good idea to replace the weather stripping after everything is clean. Also, make sure your door frame is properly sealed and your weep holes aren’t blocked. This post will show you how to prevent water from entering your door track. It will also go over some of the most common reasons of water in your track, as well as how to remedy them. Keep in mind, however, that prevention is the most important stage in the total process.
How To Keep Water Out of The Tracks Of Your Sliding Glass Door
Following a few basic procedures will keep water out of your sliding glass door tracks. The first thing you should do is look over your door. Take the time to inspect its components, as this will help you figure out exactly what’s wrong and how to fix it.
After that, if debris buildup is your main issue, you’ll need to clear out your track. If it isn’t, cleaning the track before installing new weatherstripping is still necessary. We go over each step in further detail below.
Step 1: Examine Your Front Door
Take a moment to look over your door. During the process, you should ask yourself the following questions:
- Does your door go smoothly back and forth?
- Is there any dirt or debris in the tracks? • Does the weatherstripping appear to need replacement?
- Is there any water dripping from a specific location near the track?
- Do you have a sealed frame?
You’ll know what’s going on if you thoroughly inspect your door. Understanding the issue is critical to resolving the situation.
Step 2: Repairing Leaks
Once you’ve gotten a sense of how the door works, keep in mind that the easiest way to avoid leaks is to keep the tracks and rollers clean and free of debris. When the tracks become clogged with debris, the alignment suffers, and water infiltration occurs.
You can clear the debris out with a broom or a vacuum. Also, if you have a leaf blower, you can use it to clear the track of all dirt and debris. Wash the track with hot water and soap once all the dirt and debris has been removed. Then, to avoid algae formation, thoroughly dry the area.
Step 3: Installing New Weatherstripping
Although properly constructed and maintained sliding glass doors seldom experience water intrusion, it’s a good idea to consider installing weatherstripping. This will assist prevent any rain-related seepage, which is especially important during storm season.
Weather-stripping should be done in one continuous piece on the sides and top. If the seal is good, the strip will compress somewhat when you close the door once it’s been put.
Step 4: Double-check that the frame is in good condition.
A deteriorated sliding glass door frame can cause the track to slide, causing the door to become misaligned with the track and allowing water to flow through. It’s a good idea to double-check the frame to make sure it’s in good working order with the rest of the house.
If you see that it isn’t, you can take the door off the track and investigate more. In this scenario, add a couple more screws to the frame to secure it to your home’s framework.
Why Is Water Getting in Your Sliding Glass Door Track?
Peek at the construction and inner workings of your glass door when there are no signs of rain. Impact windows and sliding glass doors are quite heavy. They move over metal tracks at the frame’s top and bottom.
When it comes to water leaks, the bottom track of the door is frequently the culprit. So, while you’re checking, start with the bottom track to locate the problem fast and save time.
Weep Holes That Have Been Plugged
Weep holes are small perforations in the outside part of the track that aid in water drainage when the glass door is wet. Dust and other trash can sometimes clog these spaces. You can clear them out using a crevice tool, a small screwdriver, or compressed air, though.
Adding more slits using a drill to create a more effective drainage system may be a good idea. If, on the other hand, your weep holes are on the inside of the track, this indicates that the track was not placed properly. If this is the case, the setting must be changed.
Door Frame That Hasn’t Been Sealed Properly
Caulk will eventually crumble due to its age and the damaging effects of the weather. To guarantee that no gaps remain between the door and the frame, carefully remove the old caulk, and replace it with a new product.
You can also use spray foam to help seal the wounds even further. However, if you apply too much spray foam insulation, it will expand and fail to seal correctly.
Framing Issues
The frame that holds a sliding glass door is only as good as the door itself. When a door’s frame isn’t straight, water might flow into the gaps between the door and the frame.
Take the time to tighten up the frame with a couple more screws. If you are unable to repair the frame, it is possible that it has warped over time. You’ll need to replace the door and frame if this is the case.
A smashed door
Water can enter your property through even the tiniest breaches. If the door was damaged during the installation procedure, contact the manufacturer if it is still covered under warranty. Act as soon as you see water leaking into the house to prevent it from getting worse.
If you reside in a location where tropical storms occur, you are aware that these storms can dump inches of rain in a short period of time. If you haven’t taken the effort to properly weatherize your door, this might eventually lead to a plethora of problems.
How Much Would a Sliding Glass Door Replacement Cost?
If you need to replace your sliding glass door, you should be aware of the prices involved. The cost will vary greatly depending on whether you do it yourself or hire a professional.
If you prefer to repair it yourself, the door will cost between $350 and $1,300. If you want to hire a professional, expect to pay between $80 and $200 per hour for labor. For door installation, some contractors may even demand a set fee.
Associated Issues
How much does a sliding glass door track replacement cost?
The cost of replacing a sliding glass door track can range from $150 to $350. If you tackle this as a DIY project, though, you should expect to invest between $65 and $108 for materials.
What is the average time it takes to replace a sliding glass door?
If you engage a competent crew, your door will be put completely in about one day. This includes the cleanup and preparation work as well. If you, do it yourself, though, you should plan on taking three days to complete it.
