Repair or replace Anderson Sliding Doors
#1
09-17-12, 10:37 AM
Repair or replace Anderson Sliding Doors
Hi, I have two Anderson sliding glass doors which need repair. Both doors were installed incorrectly and allowed extensive water damage to occur to the backside of my home. When I removed the frame of one of the doors, I noticed that the side jam was rotten. These are vinyl clad, so it wasn't noticeable until it no longer had the support of the house frame. Both doors need replacement to the tune of $550. Even with the rotting wood, neither door leaked air or had condensation build-up between the panes. Considering these doors are ~25 years old (I believe them to have been built in 84/85) would it be cost efficient to just replace them or repair. New doors are priced at ~$850 each. If these doors will continue to last for 5+years, I would consider the repair a better deal. So, what would you do? Thanks!
#4
09-17-12, 11:40 AM
Member
Your problem is with the original installation, which is not surprising since about 2/3 of all sliders and windows are installed improperly but never discovered until it is too late.
Your problem is not with the old doors, but the guts around them and the installation/flashing methods and materials.
Replace the window with a modern window and treat off enough siding to correct the rotting caused by poor flashing. Then reflash properly with proper methods and materials in the right sequence.
Don't let a handyman or common carpenter do it unless you are going to sell in a few years.
Dick
Your problem is not with the old doors, but the guts around them and the installation/flashing methods and materials.
Replace the window with a modern window and treat off enough siding to correct the rotting caused by poor flashing. Then reflash properly with proper methods and materials in the right sequence.
Don't let a handyman or common carpenter do it unless you are going to sell in a few years.
Dick
#5
09-17-12, 11:43 AM
Super Moderator
If the frame parts are still available from Andersen I'd go repair. If this is some sort of handyman price for building new frames....go with new doors.
New doors will be more energy efficient...as I doubt your door panels have low E glass or any gas fill.
I'm surprised new doors would only be $850 ea....what model did you price.
EDIT...sorry late reply...got distracted w/o hitting post.
New doors will be more energy efficient...as I doubt your door panels have low E glass or any gas fill.
I'm surprised new doors would only be $850 ea....what model did you price.
EDIT...sorry late reply...got distracted w/o hitting post.
#6
09-17-12, 07:54 PM
Group Moderator
IMO Dick is spot on with his advice. Replace the door entirely so that the installation problems can be corrected.
#7
09-18-12, 03:13 AM
common carpenter
I agree with total replacement. The cost difference will give you proper e rating for today's requirements and even if you market the house, will be a selling point rather than having make shift repairs made to antique doors.
#8
09-18-12, 01:08 PM
Super Moderator
People don't care about doors and window when buying a house....well...not too much. If you tell them all new windows last year..that's one thing. If you say these doors were replaced 5 yrs ago...well...I doubt they'd care.
That said...I agree that unless the doors are in great shape otherwise or an odd size that would be expensive to replace......total replacement would be better.
All we have so far is parts cost....what will the labor add up to?
That said...I agree that unless the doors are in great shape otherwise or an odd size that would be expensive to replace......total replacement would be better.
All we have so far is parts cost....what will the labor add up to?
