Has your beautiful door and view been spoiled by cracked or fogged glass? Don’t spend extra money and time replacing the whole door. In most cases, you can simply replace the glass panels and restore your sliding patio doors with fresh, clear glass.

Common Causes of Sliding Patio Door Glass Damage

Fogging / Condensation

Modern sliding door glass is typically double-pane insulating glass. Two glass panes are sealed together to keep moisture out. Over time, the seal can fail, causing condensation or fog between the panes. Rather than enjoying a clear view outside, you’re justify with a cloudy, unclear view. Seal failure and fogging are the most common causes of sliding patio door glass issues. If you’re looking to replace the insulated glass panels, click here for more information.

Broken or Cracked Glass

Most modern sliding patio doors are made with tempered safety glass. While this glass is stronger than regular glass, it can still crack or break under pressure. Common causes include objects like golf balls, tree limbs, or hail during storms. In very rare cases, tempered glass can even shatter unexpectedly, but this is extremely uncommon. The most frequent cause of cracked sliding patio door glass is rocks launched by lawn mowers.

Scratched Glass

While any glass can develop scratches, pets and even people trying to fit things into tight spaces are common culprits. These scratches may not bother you, but potential buyers may not be as forgiving when they see them. It’s important to repair or replace scratched glass before selling your home to avoid giving a bad impression to buyers.

Structural Failures in Glass Units

In addition to primary seals, sliding patio door glass units also have secondary seals that help hold the panes together. If the secondary seal fails, your door’s glass unit will need replacement. Although less common, seal failure can cause the glass unit to lose its integrity.