Repairing drafts that enter your home through a sliding glass door will not only keep you warm during winter months, it will save money on your home energy bill. The most common causes of drafts are due to dirt, debris and damage to the areas surrounding the door. By performing yearly cleaning and inspections, you can easily prevent and repair any drafts. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Carefully remove the sliding glass door. This exposes the weather stripping, rollers and tracks and makes them easily accessible for cleaning, repair and removal.
2. Clean dirt from the rollers and tracks around the bottom of the sliding glass door. Accumulation of dirt and debris can cause breaks in the seal, allowing drafts to pass through. Inspect the rollers and tracks for signs of wear and breakage. Replace the components as needed.
3. Place a pry bar beneath the weather stripping and tap gently with a hammer to remove it from the edge of the sliding glass door. Repeat the process until all of it is removed. Save a sample to bring to the hardware store. This will ensure you purchase the same type and size product for replacement.
4. Measure the edge of the sliding glass door to determine the amount of weather stripping needed for replacement. When you are deciding which roll to buy, allow for excess material ensuring there will not be a break or seam in the seal, causing additional drafts to pass through the door.
5. Carefully replace the weather stripping in the same location as it was removed. Replaced material should not be cut anywhere other than the ends to ensure a tight seal. Also check to ensure there are no buckles or bubbles that may allow drafts to enter.
6. Re-hang the door and re-inspect all weather stripping, rollers and tracks. Check for drafts by holding your hand in the air near the seal. If additional drafts are felt, contact a professional because additional repairs or replacement may be needed.
Tags: glass door, sliding glass, sliding glass door, weather stripping, rollers tracks