How long does a sliding glass door last?

You can expect a sliding glass door to last 20 to 30 years, with an average of 25 years. The door frames are manufactured from vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum, or composite—which is a combination of PVC and another material. Multiple variables affect the life of the door:

•• Weather exposure - A door that is exposed to direct sun and weather will not endure as long as one that opens onto a porch.

•• Premature loss of insulating gas - Most new sliding glass doors are double-pane, with a sealed gap between the panes filled with an insulating gas. If the seal is broken, the door glass will gradually cloud over. Never pressure wash a double-pane sliding glass door. To learn more, see our article What is causing a foggy haze on my windows and sliding glass doors?

•• Maintenance - Regular cleaning and lubrication of the track and rollers will result in a longer life. 

•• Usage - Heavy door use will shorten life.

   Here’s  a bar graph that compares the life expectancy of a sliding glass door to other residential doors.
    Also, see our blog posts What is "low-E" window glass? and When did the building code first require tempered glass for sliding glass doors, glass shower doors, and low windows in walking areas? and How can I tell if a window or glass door is safety glass? and How can I tell if a window or sliding glass door is double or triple pane (insulated) glass?

     Go to our blog post What is the average lifespan of the parts of a house? for rating of other house components. 

  To learn more about doors and windows, see these other blog posts:

• What causes sweating (condensation) on the inside of windows in the winter? 

• Is every exterior door of a house required to have a landing outside? 

• What are the small slots at the bottom of the outside of my window? 

• Why does condensation form on the outside of some windows and not others in the morning? 

• Why is the garage door track a white tube? 

• What is the raised metal plate on the floor under the garage door?

• Why do I have to hold down the button to close the garage door? 

• How can I tell if a window or glass door is safety glass? 

• What are the code requirements for safety tempered glass for doors?• 

• Should a front door swing in or out? 

• How many exit doors are required for a house?

• How many exit doors are required for a mobile/manufactured home? 

• Are openable windows required to have window screens? Will windows with no screens pass a home inspection? 

• Can a bedroom door open into the garage?

• What are the building code requirements for a door from the garage to the house?

• What is "low-E" window glass? 

• What does ANSI 297.1 on glass mean?

• Why is a double cylinder deadbolt lock on an exterior door a safety hazard? 

• How can I check my garage door to make sure it is safe?  

• What is an egress window?

• Do I need to have two exterior exit doors in my house? 

• When is safety glass required for windows at stairs and stair landings?

   Visit our DOORS AND WINDOWS page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles. 

NOTE: These life expectancies are based on data provided by InterNACHI, NAHB, FannieMae, and our own professional experience. Because of the numerous variables that can affect a lifespan, they should be used as rough guidelines only, and not relied upon as a warranty or guarantee of future performance.