Are you struggling with a glass sliding door that’s looking a bit too foggy? Does no amount of thorough wiping oddly seem to make it clear? Then you likely have an issue that’s going to require a solution deeper than just wiping! The issue likely comes from the sliding glass door air leak.
This requires a prompt solution, as the fog buildup on your sliding glass door isn’t just capable of obstructing your view and the sunshine coming in—it can also invite in unwanted mold and mildew, and even compromise your home’s energy efficiency by letting the air inside your home and outside.
Fortunately, there are means to fix a foggy sliding glass door, and we’re here to shed some light on them.
Cause of Trapped Condensation in Sliding Glass Doors
Before we dive into the ways to repair a sliding door with foggy glass, let’s understand what causes the foggy sliding doors.
Similar to double—pane windows, sliding glass doors are typically constructed with two panes of glass separated by a gap filled with a dense gas, like krypton or argon gas. This design enhances insulation, keeping your home cozy.
However, if the rubber seals around the glass deteriorate or sustain damage, air and moisture can infiltrate the space between the panes. When this moisture comes into contact with the cold air inside due to these cracks or damaged seals, it creates condensation and results in the fog trapped within the glass.
Solutions to Fixing a Foggy Glass Door
There are two ways to repair a sliding door with foggy glass: drill holes to remove the moisture or replace the door glass. Both solutions are best left to professional door repair services.
Drilling Holes (Temporary Solution)
If you want to remove the existing moisture, you can seek a solution that involves drilling small holes in the glass. This method isn’t guaranteed to work and it should definitely be left to a door expert.
Here’s how a professional would typically conduct the procedure:
- Step 1: Drill two tiny holes into the corners of the glass pane, ensuring they are well—sealed with caulk. Allow them to dry.
- Step 2: Spray a cleaning solution into the top hole to target the moisture—affected area. Drain the solution out from the bottom hole through the drainage tube. Insert a thin, long instrument into the holes to wipe off any remaining moisture.
- Step 3: Ensure the window is completely dried off, which may involve injecting air into the window.
- Step 4: Seal the holes with vent covers to prevent further moisture intrusion.
Keep in mind that it won’t fully restore the door’s insulation capabilities. It’s only a temporary fix, and we’ll discuss how to completely prevent sliding glass door air leaks in the following section.
Replace the Glass Panes (Permanent Solution)
Unfortunately, once the seals on the glass have failed, it’s impossible to repair the existing glass. However, the good news is that you don’t have to replace the entire door. One option is to replace the entire glass panel, which will restore the door’s full insulation capabilities and prevent further fogging.
A door specialist can measure the dimensions and replace the glass pane while preserving the existing frame and hardware. This process involves removing the door from its frame, disassembling the frame, and installing a new glass panel.
If the moisture damage has extended to the frame, or if the door is old and inefficient, it may be better to replace the entire sliding door. Seek expert advice to determine the right solution for your specific situation, including door replacement.
Contact Us Today for Top—Notch Glass Repair for Your Patio Door
A foggy sliding glass door and consequential sliding glass door air leaks are frustrating problems that should be resolved as soon as possible.
One of the solutions is to drill holes in order to remove moisture. However, this is for cosmetic purposes only and doesn’t restore protective insulation properties. The best course of action is to replace the glass panels, bringing back excellent insulation and avoiding fog buildup. Either way, consulting a professional is often the wisest course of action to ensure your door remains both clear and energy—efficient.
Don’t let that persistent fog cloud your view – contact us today! We have extensive experience in providing stellar and swift sliding glass door repairs. We can offer high—quality glass replacements, getting your door working and looking as good as new. We also provide door replacement if there is a need for it.