If the glass in your patio door is cracked or even completely shattered, you might be hoping you can avoid having to replace the entire door. In many cases, you can. It’s possible that the frame is still in serviceable condition and the glass is the only part that needs to be repaired or replaced.
Below, this residential glass replacement company in La Grange, Illinois is going to explain when a simple glass replacement is enough, and when replacing the entire door may be a more reasonable option.
In what situations can you only replace the glass?
If the frame is still solid: You can replace only the glass if the patio door frame is not damaged. Many patio doors are made so the glass can be removed and reinstalled independently. If the track works and the door still opens and closes smoothly, a professional residential glass replacement company can easily slide out the damaged pane and install a new one.
The problem is only with the glass: Glass can crack from an impact or become cloudy when the seal on a double-pane unit breaks. But these issues don’t automatically show that the frame is damaged. When the frame is still in good condition, a glass-only replacement can be the more budget-friendly option.
It is faster and less disruptive: Replacing only the glass naturally takes less time than replacing the entire door. So, you will have to deal with less hassle overall.
If you are leaning toward the option of only replacing the glass, a professional residential glass replacement company in La Grange, Illinois can give you helpful advice.
When is a full door replacement the better option?
The frame is damaged: Installing new glass will not solve the real problem if the frame is damaged. A weak frame can’t hold sealed glass properly and could continue leaking air or water. It can also make the door’s sliding mechanism less smooth. Replacing the entire door is usually the better long-term solution in cases like these.
The hardware is not working: If the rollers are stuck or the track is bent, the door has most likely shifted out of place. A new glass pane will not repair any sliding or locking problem. So, when the hardware is damaged, upgrading the door is the way to go.
Some doors are not made for glass-only replacement: While you can remove the glass in most patio doors, you can’t do that in all cases. Some newer or specialty doors have glass bonded directly to the frame. Trying to remove only the glass from these doors can damage the door structure. In those cases, replacing the door is the safer option.
What does the patio door glass replacement process look like?
A professional will first remove the door from its track and take out the broken or damaged glass. They will then clean the inside of the frame. Once the new pane is installed, they will set the door back on the track and make sure it moves smoothly and seals tightly.
Because patio doors use large tempered or insulated glass panels, the installation can be risky and confusing for someone who has not done it before. That is the reason it is generally best to leave this job to a professional residential glass replacement company in La Grange, Illinois.
Looking for a residential glass replacement company in La Grange, Illinois?
If you need to replace cracked or fogged patio door glass, Glass & Mirror America is here to help. As the most trusted residential glass replacement company in La Grange, Illinois, we can help you understand the complete process from start to finish. Contact us at (800) 411-2801 to talk to our team.
