Sliding glass doors are a great way to blend indoor and outdoor living. Plus, the right patio door can really brighten up a space. However, a big rainstorm or a flood can cause a faulty sliding glass door to leak, leading to a slew of water-related issues. From damaged floors to potential mold growth, a leaking door can negatively impact the safety of your home. Let’s take a look at the six most common causes of leaking sliding glass doors and how to fix them.
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Top 6 Causes of Water Leaks Under Patio Doors and Ways to Respond
Were you lounging on your couch when you noticed a pool of water collecting near your patio door? Leaks that spring up from under patio doors can be the direct cause of a few common issues we see frequently in homes. Take a look at the following causes to see if any of them sound familiar:
1. Sliding Glass Door Was Not Installed Correctly
The best way to prevent a leak is to make sure your sliding glass door is properly installed. If your sliding glass door is leaking water from the bottom, especially if it was recently installed, there was likely a problem during the installation process. In this case, you will need to have either a few parts or the entire door replaced.
2. Track Filled With Dirt and Debris
Ever find yourself asking, “Why does my sliding glass door track fill with water?” Frustrating, we know. Between dirt, leaves, and muddy shoes, the track of your sliding glass door can get clogged with all sorts of stuff. This debris builds up over time, eventually breaking the seal between the door track and the actual door. If you notice a buildup of debris, grab your vacuum cleaner and suck up as much dirt as possible.
Read More: Ways to Respond to Bathroom Floor Water Damage in Your House
3. Malfunctioning Track or Rollers
If your sliding glass door is catching on the track or skidding along its rollers, there is a chance the seal is broken. If your door’s seal is damaged, a water leak can find its way into your home. When this happens, issues like mold growth and stains might follow suit. Give a professional a call to take care of your malfunctioning rollers.
4. Maintenance Needs to Be Performed on the Weep Holes
Weep holes are like built-in drains for your doors. As helpful as these slats are, they can easily become clogged with dirt, stones, dust, leaves, and other debris. Look at your door’s model number to find the weep holes. Once you have found them, remove the debris and check the caulking for any damage. If you can’t find the weep holes, call a contractor to receive support with fixing your door.
5. Damaged Door Flashing
The flashing is located at the base of your sliding glass door. If your flashing becomes damaged, it might not drain the water as well as it should. This can cause water to leak and pool in your home, turning a small issue into a big problem. If you can’t fix the flashing yourself, call a professional technician to do it for you.
6. Glass Is Not Sealed
Unsealed glass can cause leaking water over the top of the windowpane on your sliding glass door. This usually happens after years of weather damage. However, it can also happen if your door was not installed the right way. Contact a professional to get to work on repairing your door and preventing future leaks.
Read More: 4 Causes of Rotten Floor Joists on Your Property
Signs You Need to Replace Your Patio or Sliding Glass Door
Sometimes, all your door needs is a quick fix. But you might need a full patio door replacement if you notice one or more of the following signs:
- Water coming in through the door – Water coming through your door is a clear sign it’s time for a replacement. This issue can lead to water damage, mold growth, and even increased energy bills. If you are dealing with a leaky door, consider a full door replacement.
- Visible signs of damage – Water will inevitably start to seep through cracks in your patio door. If your door is cracked or damaged in any way, it’s time to replace it completely.
- The door doesn’t close or lock correctly – Not only is this grounds for a water leak, but it’s also unsafe. A sliding glass door that doesn’t lock or close properly is like an open invitation for water damage and trespassers.
- It’s hard to open and close the door – If your door doesn’t open or close without some friction or skidding, you could have a bigger problem that goes beyond a simple track fix. Contact an expert for an assessment to see if you need a full sliding glass door replacement.
24/7 Emergency Water Damage Restoration and Mitigation Services
Sliding glass doors are a beautiful addition to any bedroom, living room, or dining area. That being said, water damage can turn your seamless indoor-to-outdoor transition into something not so seamless. With over 20 years of experience, we can mitigate the damage caused by a leaking sliding glass door in your house.
The team of professionals at Dry Force have been helping homeowners with water-related disasters for over two decades—and we can help you too. The best part is that we offer around-the-clock emergency water removal services. Whether you need us during a holiday or in the middle of the night, we will be at your property in 60 minutes or less.
Our experienced team will be rapidly dispatched to restore your living space, ensuring no stone is left unturned. Get 24/7 water damage restoration services in Alamo Heights, TX and other areas today. Trust our IICRC-certified technicians to get the job done—we promise to arrive at your property in an hour or less. Give our team a call at (877) 589-7504 to talk with our experienced professionals. We’ll be waiting for you on the other line.
