How to Insulate Sliding Doors

Sliding doors offer homes an easy access point to pools, hot tubs, grills, and decks. They are great additions to any home but they can also be a big problem. Glass doors are not known for keeping the heat in or the cold air out. In those times of the year when you are using your heating system to heat the home or using the air conditioner to cool it; you may be losing a lot of money.

If you want to save yourself hundreds of dollars on your heating or cooling costs, then consider insulating your sliding doors. It is an easy home project to do, it is not expensive, and it will be rewarding when you are finished. This article will show you how to properly insulate your sliding doors.

Step 1 - Clean the Sliding Doors

Many problems with loss of insulation begin with a dirty track. The sliding doors have small wheels on them that fit on a track in the unit. When debris gets trapped in this track or on the wheels it can cause holes in the natural insulation of the sliding doors. Remove the sliding doors from the tracks. Use a rag dipped in warm water to remove any dirt from the bottom of the wheels, the window, or the track. Vacuum away any pebbles or larger debris.

Step 2 - Caulk the Sliding Doors

Install the caulk tube inside the caulking gun. Squeeze the trigger until some of the caulk escapes the gun. Wipe this off with a towel or rag. You are now ready to apply the caulk. Locate the edges of the sliding doors at the ends of the tracks as well as where the tracks come in contact with the floor. If you have carpet in this area you may have to pull it up slightly in order to apply the caulk. Start at one of the corners and apply the caulk along the seams. Do this is an even and straight line while squeezing the trigger.

You will want to do this on the inside of the house as well as the outside. Do not neglect the metal structure on the sides as well because the sliding doors sit there when closed or opened. If you make a mess with the caulk quickly wipe it up with a damp rag or towel. Make sure that you do not get any caulk inside the track of the sliding doors or on the wheels and, if you do, clean it immediately. Prior to replacing the door; use some WD40 along the track. This will help the door roll smoothly.

Step 3 - Insulate Coverings

Purchasing blinds, drapery, or curtains that are made with insulation will go a long way to help insulate the sliding doors. The caulking will help a lot but insulating coverings will further increase the insulation.