How Can You Check And Improve The Insulation For Sliding Patio Doors? By Amy A Nutt At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Sliding patio doors make a wonderful fashion addition a home. They are both trendy, eye catching, and increase the value of a home. These doors will come with insulation but over time the insulation will become worn leading to outdoor air blowing through the edges of the door. The best way to check for air leaks is run your hand across the edges to feel for cold air coming through. If you feel air coming through, there are a number of things you can do to improve the insulation for the sliding patio doors. As well, a heat gun will tell you how cold the surface of the glass. You cam also check when it is cold and windy.

1. One very good method of decreasing energy consumption due to air blowing through the patio doors is to purchase curtains that insulate patio doors. Insulated patio door drapes are customizable to fit the situation. In the winter time you can use these insulated drapes which are available in a variety of styles and colors. In the spring, you can change to lighter drapes.

2. In the winter time, you can acquire the insulation effect by hanging a sheet of clear plastic over the entire opening which will block the air space between the plastic and the door. Sunlight will be able to shine through the house while the plastic blocks the air. You can cover the entire patio door with shrink plastic, but you will not be able you use the door until you remove the clear plastic.

3. A double pane window will also block the air from coming into the room. This will allow you to reduce the size of the space that is permitting the cold air to come in to the home. There are actually triple pane windows available on the market, but you will have to pay more.

4. In the spring, attach solar film on the door windows. Put it on the inside to minimize weathering. It will drastically cut the amount of heat coming through the door. This film can be purchased online. In the fall, assemble 4 shutter doors with inset hinges. At the unattached end, put a magnetic strip on the side facing outdoors and line it up with a similar strip on the adjacent framing. When closed, the door space is greatly reduced and keeps cold drafts coming from edges.

5. There are kits available that contain rubberized weather stripping. You can use this stripping to replace the worn seals around the door. These kits can be purchased online or at a home improvement store.

6. If you use vertical blinds, replace them with insulated vertical blinds.

7. There is foam weather stripping that can be used to seal spots where a draft can be felt. Make sure the seals around the edges are in place.

The purpose of a sliding glass door's weather-stripping is to decrease cold air from coming into the home thereby keeping the home warm, comfortable, as well as lowering your energy costs. It is important to maintain these stylish doors so they remain durable for many years.

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