Winter is here so you need to prepare your home. The cold weather brings unique challenges, and this includes causing patio doors to freeze shut.
Why Do Patio Doors Freeze?
Patio doors freeze when they leak air from the interior. This air is more humid than the air outside so it condenses around the perimeter of the patio door. This condensation then freezes when the temperature drops. This is a big problem, particularly if you have a sliding glass door. The track can freeze and get damaged. You should never force a frozen door open because it can damage the door.
Dealing With Frozen Patio Doors
If you have frozen patio doors, then you need to be careful. You can try applying a little bit of pressure around the perimeter of the door. Your goal is to cause cracks in the ice. Sometimes, the ice is too thick for this to work. You may need to use a tool to chip away at the ice first. You can also try melting the ice by using a hair dryer or by pouring a pitcher of lukewarm water. Never use hot water because this can shatter the window glass. You can also buy and use official deicing products.
Preventing Your Patio Doors From Freezing
You can easily prevent your patio doors from freezing by making sure that they are properly sealed. Check the weatherstripping for any signs of tears or damage. If the door has a large gap on the bottom, then you can also try installing a door sweep. However, these measures won’t work if your patio doors are old and need to be replaced. In this case, give us a call. We can replace your patio doors with high-quality patio doors that won’t leak air and won’t freeze.
If you need high-quality replacement windows and patio doors, then give Renewal by Andersen® of St. Louis a call. We are known for our excellent customer service, proven window and door replacement process, and energy-efficient products. We are confident in the quality of our services and products, which is why we back up our work with some of the strongest warranties in the industry. We serve many areas in Missouri including Chesterfield. Call us at (314) 983-9977 to learn more about our services and products or to schedule a free consultation.