A draft does not automatically mean the entire door is inefficient. Air can pass through worn pile weatherstripping, a misaligned meeting stile, a panel that does not close completely, damaged seals, or gaps around the outer frame. The location determines the repair.
Inspect on a windy day with the door closed and locked. Look for daylight, loose or missing pile, and uneven gaps. Do not use an open flame to search for leakage. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends checking caulking and weatherstripping for gaps and deterioration; movable components need seals that reduce leakage without preventing operation.
Adding thick adhesive foam indiscriminately can make a sliding panel bind or interfere with drainage. We identify the designed seal locations, restore alignment first, and select a compatible profile. Exterior perimeter gaps are evaluated separately from panel weatherstripping.
Will new weatherstripping stop every draft?
No. Frame gaps, glass configuration, panel alignment, and the interlock can also contribute.
Request draft and seal diagnosis through the form below.