Aim a garden water hose with a sprayer set on mist or low at the outside of the sliding door.
Less air leakage at sliding or swinging door.
It may seem obvious but a door left open or one that cannot be closed tightly because of wear and tear is a significant problem during a storm.
The area where they meet at the center is susceptible to air and water leakage.
Causes of door leaks there are many potential pathways for water to leak in through a door but the biggest opening is of course the doorway itself.
A door with one fixed panel will have less air leakage than a door with two operating panels.
Occasionally these sliding doors leak and need to be repaired.
Spray the door and look for the leak location.
Sliding glass doors are less secure security wise and more prone to greater maintenance needs mechanical problems sliding problems locking problems etc.
When buying or replacing patio doors swinging doors generally offer a tighter seal than sliding types.
Step 1 test the door for the location of the leak.
Also as winds blows against a french door it tends to bow thus causing additional air leakage.
If you cannot re create the leak problem inspect the interior of the door for stains or.
Hinged doors leak a lot less air than sliding doors.
However french doors come together with no overlap and an increased chance for air infiltration.
The best hinged door option is a single swinging door and one or two large insulated glass panels next to it.
Look at nfrc labels to find air leakage ratings.
Hinged doors are more energy efficient in regard to air infiltration and exfiltration more air will leak under and over a sliding glass door than around a hinged swinging door.
Sliding doors overlap which is a more efficient design and creates a tighter seal where as french doors come together with no overlap and an increased chance for air infiltration.