Winter is fast approaching, which means it’s easier than ever to feel drafts from your home’s front door or sliding glass door. Those chilly breezes are about to get even chillier, so it’s a good idea to make sure all your home’s doors are properly winterized – and learn how to keep them that way!

Fortunately, sliding patio door maintenance isn’t too tough, especially with the right preventive steps, and the same goes for your home’s entry door. Read on to see how to clean, fix, and maintain these doors throughout the winter and beyond.

Start cleaning patio door or entry door tracks and frames

An important part of sliding glass door maintenance is keeping the door rollers, tracks, and frames free of dirt and debris. Leave it for long enough, and dirt, dust, and grime can build up in the tracks, making it difficult to open and close the door smoothly. In the worst cases, that gunk can even grow large enough to offset the door from the tracks, causing drafts or warping.

Luckily, cleaning the tracks is pretty easy:

1. Use a vacuum with a narrow attachment to remove loose dirt.
2. Wipe down the tracks with a damp cloth and a mild detergent.
3. For stubborn grime, use a toothbrush to dislodge it from hard-to-reach areas.

Cleaning the frames of your sliding glass or entry door is just as important; dirt and moisture can cause corrosion, especially in aluminum frames. Use the same process described above to get this job done and remember that regular cleaning will help prolong the life of your doors and ensure they continue to function well.

Don’t forget to lubricate sliding glass door tracks

Cleaning the tracks (or frames) of your doors is only half the work. It’s also vital to lubricate them to keep your sliding door gliding smoothly.

Use a silicone-based lubricant since it won’t attract dust or debris like oil-based lubricants can. After cleaning, apply a light coat to the track, then slide the door back and forth to distribute the lubricant evenly. This sliding glass door maintenance step helps prevent sticking in the long run.

Clean the glass regularly

One of the best parts of having a sliding patio door is being able to see outside! But you can't do that if finger smudges, dirt stains, and other debris are smeared over its surface. The same goes for a big entry door window or decorative windows that add aesthetic elegance to your home.

If you want a spotless view and better energy efficiency, you’ll need to use a little elbow grease to clean the glass. Plus, dirty glass can block out natural lighting, making your home feel colder during the winter.

Cleaning your patio door or entry door is also a good idea if you plan to decorate for the season – for instance, you don’t want a big smudge or splotch to ruin the look of your holiday front door when it’s dressed up with a wreath or other decorations.

To clean the glass effectively, just follow these simple steps:

1. Use a glass cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar.
2. Wipe the surface with a lint-free cloth or microfiber towel.
3. Make sure to clean both the inside and outside of the glass for a streak-free finish.

Taking the time to learn how to clean your sliding glass doors will not only enhance your view but also allow more sunlight into your home during the winter, helping to naturally heat the interior during cold months (and possibly saving you a few bucks on your utility bill).

Invest in energy-efficient glass

Another great way to keep your home warm in winter is to invest in energy-efficient glass – not just for your regular home windows but also your big sliding glass doors. Fortunately, many modern sliding glass doors are designed with double or triple-pane glass that insulates your home better than standard single-pane options. Energy-efficient doors:

• Reduce heat loss
• Lower energy bills
• Keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer

If your current doors aren’t energy-efficient, you might think about upgrading. It’s a long-term investment that's more than worth it, thanks to how it improves comfort and reduces your heating costs.

The same goes for the windows of your entry door, plus any old windows throughout your home. Given enough time, energy-efficient windows and doors pay for themselves in energy savings.

Inspect the weatherstripping

Weatherstripping plays a crucial role when winterizing your patio doors by sealing them against drafts. But over time, it can become worn, cracked, or loose, compromising its effectiveness. Inspect the weatherstripping on your patio and entry doors before frigid weather sets in – you can find it along the frame or edges of your sliding glass door.

Check for any gaps, tears, or areas where the material has become thin. If the weatherstripping is damaged, replace it with new strips from a local home improvement store. This basic step can make a huge difference in how well your doors keep out cold air and help you save on energy costs as it gets colder and colder outside.

Seal up gaps with caulk

What if your patio door or entry door has drafty (and unsightly) cracks or gaps in its surfaces or along its edges? All isn’t lost – you can still winterize that patio door or front door by sealing the cracks with caulk. Here’s what to do:

1. Use exterior-grade caulk to seal any cracks you find around the doorframe.
2. Focus on areas where the doorframe meets the wall or the floor.
3. Apply the caulk evenly, smoothing it out with a damp finger or a caulk smoothing tool for a clean finish.

Sealing gaps with caulk helps to keep your home warm and energy efficient, especially during those blustery winter days! If you’re decorating and want to make sure your holiday front door looks excellent for guests, caulk can get the job done – though you might want to apply a little paint to the material if your door has a dramatically different color than the caulk.

Need replacement doors? Window World can help

Preventive maintenance is just that: preventive. If your sliding glass door or entry door is already warped or displaying massive cracks that caulk cannot possibly fill, a replacement or two may be in order.

Window World’s entry doors, sliding glass doors, and other home upgrades might be just what you need. Count on our experts to help you find the best door for your wallet and your home, then take care of installation from start to finish. Request a quote online today to get started!