Freezing winter temperatures can be hard on different parts of your home, including exterior doors. Patio doors are prone to freezing since they are exposed to cold outdoor conditions. Doors can freeze shut due to excess condensation on the glass or frozen runoff in the tracks.
Avoid this problem with these helpful tips from a leading provider of door replacement services.
Prevent Doors from Freezing
Making sure that your patio door is sealed properly is one of the easiest ways to protect it from freezing. Open your patio door and check if the weatherstripping is still in good condition. You should replace it if it has tears or missing areas.
You can add a door sweep to prevent heat from escaping if your door has a large gap on the bottom. However, this method doesn’t work with a sliding patio door. If your door remains drafty even when the seals are in good shape, then it may not be fit in its frame. While it seems easy to adjust doors, it’s best to hire a pro for the job.
During the day, when it’s not as cold, open your doors for a few minutes. Doing so will help frozen particles that may have started to build up in your doors. It will also keep your indoor air from getting too dry.
What if Your Door Is Already Frozen?
Never try to force a frozen door open. If you have a sliding door, this can break the track and glass. Moreover, forcing swing doors open can damage the frame and break the lock.
You can place a little pressure around the door’s perimeter to allow the material to bend and crack the ice. Don’t use anything metal to scrape off thick ice because they can damage the paint and scratch the glass. Another way you can melt ice is by pointing a hairdryer at the ice.
For quality door replacement services, choose Renewal by Andersen® of Rapid City. We specialize in sliding patio and French doors installation. Call us at (605) 341-7831 or complete our contact form to get a free estimate. We serve homeowners in Spearfish, SD, and areas around South Dakota.
