Patio Door Condensation? Know When to Replace Your Door

Is your patio door forming condensation on the glass? Do you need to replace it? As patio door experts, we're here with all the answers.

We love big glass patio doors because they provide a stellar view. Whether that view overlooks a verdant green backyard or a glittering pool, the entire purpose of a patio door is to look out. After all, you can walk through a person-sized picture window. So if you can't see through the condensation forming on your patio door glass, that's a problem.

Condensation, those tiny drips of water or mist that gather on cool glass, can mean different things depending on the design of your patio door. Sometimes, it can be a sign that your patio door needs replacement.

Why Patio Doors Have Condensation

Condensation forms where cold glass meets warm air. It forms on the outside of your soda glass because the ice cools the glass from the inside. However, for a patio door, one side of the glass is much colder than the other.

Single-Paned Patio Doors: Temperature Difference

If you have a single-pane patio glass door, condensation may form on the indoor side because the outside air is cold. Moisture in the air (humidity) collects in little droplets on the glass. During the summer, if your AC is cranked super cold, you might see condensation on the outdoor side. The condensation forms where the AC-chilled glass hits the hot, humid Florida air.

What this means: Single-pane condensation means your patio door has poor insulation. It's probably a source of temperature instability and you might lose thousands in cooling/heating power bills yearly. It's not broken, but it's not efficient, either.

Double-Paned Patio Doors: Broken Seal

Double-paned patio doors are much better insulated than single-pane doors. This is due to the sealed layer of insulating gas between the panes. However, if condensation forms between the glass (you can't draw a line with your finger on either side), you have a problem.

What this means: Condensation between double-paned glass means the seal is broken. The insulating gas has already escaped and it's just waiting for the first mold spore to become a moisture-filled petri dish.

Replace or Keep Your Misty Patio Door?

If your patio door has condensation, should you replace or keep it? The answer depends on

• The kind of door you have
• Why it's forming condensation
• Your expectations of energy efficiency

Replace a Condensating Double-Paned Patio Door

If your patio door is double-paned and has condensation between the glass, the only fix is replacement. The condensation mars your view and can't be wiped away. It will become a health hazard and no longer perform as an energy-efficient insulator.

A double-paned door full of condensation can easily grow mold. The risk is higher here in Florida's humid climate rich with plant life, including the fuzzy kind. You are also probably dealing with higher power bills than necessary because the insulating seal is broken.

Upgrading a Single-Paned Patio Door

If you have a single-paned patio door that forms condensation, it is not energy efficient. It may be made of glass that is quite old, and not built with the insulating layers of modern impact glass. Upgrade an inefficient patio door when you do your next wave of home improvements to save money on energy bills in the Florida heat.

Expert Patio Door Replacements With ARMORVUE

If you decide to replace or upgrade your glass patio door, consult with an expert like ARMORVUE. Patio doors are dangerous to handle, even if you can safely remove them from the track. Expert installation ensures your door provides optimal energy efficiency and trustworthy home security.

We can help you choose a beautiful, secure, and energy-efficient patio door that will perfectly match or visually improve your back patio entry. Our team will also provide professional installation to ensure a sealed and safe home.

ARMORVUE brings the credibility of an A+ rating on BBB and over 125 years of combined experience. We provide a Lifetime Limited Transferrable Warranty, a Gold Standard of customer service, and no hidden fees. You can rely on ARMORVUE for top-quality service from permitting to inspection. Reach out to the experts at ARMORVUE today to schedule your free, in-home, or showroom estimate.