Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio doors will bring in natural light to your home and increase its energy efficiency. However, over time they can show signs of wear and tear that will require some attention.
The majority of problems with sliding patio doors are relatively easy to fix. Learn more about how you can keep your patio doors looking and operating like new:.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks
One of the most common causes of sliding patio doors that won't open is dirty or blocked tracks. Over time, the dirt and grime of daily use can build up on the track. This could cause the door jam to become damaged or even break completely.
This buildup can be reduced by incorporating regular light cleaning of tracks and sliding doors in your daily household chores. Start by brushing or vacuuming large pieces of debris off the tracks. Then make use of warm water and non-abrasive cleansing products like dish soap to clean them. A little vinegar added to your cleaning solution can also help remove stubborn grease and dirt stains.
If you find that your sliding door doesn't move smoothly after completing these steps, it could be a sign of more serious damage and requires a professional repair or replacement. But, there are simple fixes you can try before calling experts to prevent costly repairs or replacements.
Place a doormat under your sliding doors. This will assist in trap dirt before it reaches the tracks. It is also important to trim any plants or bushes near your sliding doors to reduce the amount of debris trapped in the tracks. Close the door in a timely manner to avoid damaging the rollers and wheels. You can prolong the life of your doors by keeping them clean and well-lubricated.
Rollers that are not aligned
Sometimes, a patio sliding could be misaligned. Most often, this is due to dirt or other obstructions that can be easily fixed. But sometimes it can also be the result of a bent track or roller. In this situation you can re-align the rollers by taking them off with the adjustment screws and cleaning with rubbing alcohol. These parts are prone to damage.
If your doors remain stuck then you could try applying lubrication to the rollers to decrease friction and allow them to slide. It is best to use a silicone-based lubricant, as petroleum-based ones can attract dirt faster. It is crucial to clean the tracks and rollers prior to applying lubricant.
After you've cleaned your rollers, you can reinstall them using the screws for adjustment. It is recommended to use the same lubricant you used when cleaning them. Make sure you push the rollers completely in their channels when reinstalling them. You can test the door and see if it slides smoothly.
If the problem persists it is possible to take the door off and check the tracks and rollers. If the wheels or tracks are badly bent they may require you to replace them. It's best to hire a professional to install the rollers or tracks in this scenario.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are ideal to bring in the outdoors and natural sunlight into a space, but they are also susceptible to damages that require repair or replacement. Cracking, warping and fading are just a few of the most frequent issues. Warping happens when the materials that comprise your sliding glass patio door begin to degrade due to exposure to sun, heat and other environmental elements. Cracking often results from injuries caused by impact, like from a ball or lawn mower run-in, and fading generally happens due to repeated contact with sunlight and other natural elements.
If your sliding glass patio doors are difficult to close or open, it could be an indication that their rollers and tracks are not functioning correctly. This issue could be caused by the accumulation of dirt, rust, or debris on the track or wheels or a lack or lubrication. This issue can be fixed by cleaning the tracks, rollers and clearing obstructions.
The locking mechanism could be faulty which makes it difficult to open or close your sliding patio doors. It could be due to misalignment, wear and tear or a combination of both. To fix this issue, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustable screws on the bottom.
Drafts or air leaks that surround your sliding patio door are a typical problem that can reduce their energy efficiency. They are usually caused by worn weather stripping and an improper alignment of the door that is easily fixed by replacing the old weather stripping and re-aligning the doors.
Loose Handle
If the handle of a sliding door is loose, it can be quite frustrating and cause it difficult for people to open the door. This is due to an incorrectly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosing and tightening the screws that hold it in the correct position.
Another reason that is commonly cited for a loose handle is that it is detached from the spindle that connects it with the interior and exterior handles. This can be caused by a variety of reasons, including excessive use, wear and tear, or simply general ageing. If the problem is not addressed quickly, it could eventually lead to the entire handle becoming loose, and possibly falling off completely.
The best method to solve this problem is by first finding the screws that join the handles' exterior and interior. These screws are usually hidden behind tabs made of plastic which can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver, in some instances) screwdriver. Store these screws safely to ensure they don't get lost.
After the handles have been removed, the next step is to remove the loose spindle. This can be done by tapping the end of the spindle with the hammer until it's removed from its place within the door. Then, the new handle can be put in place by simply placing the spindle through the hole on the interior handle, and then inserting the other end of the spindle through the hole in the outside handle. Once the handle is in place it can be tightened by screwing the screws back in and then ensuring that the locking and unlock mechanisms function correctly.
Afflicted Weatherstripping
A worn or cracked weatherstripping may allow water and air to seep through your patio doors, compromising the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. It could let in moisture and create drafts, which can increase your cooling and heating costs. It is good news that replacing damaged weatherstripping is an easy fix that doesn't require any professional assistance. patio door repair can remove the old weatherstripping by loosing the staples with an screwdriver, or gently prying it with a putty knife and pulling it from the door. After that, you can clean the area and apply a new layer of weatherstripping, which is secured by a foam seal to ensure that there are no leaks and to increase the comfort.
If your sliding patio doors aren't longer functioning as they should, it's crucial to fix the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage and to keep them in good condition for the long term. Depending on how serious the issue is, it's possible to choose a DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement could be the best option.
Most sliding patio door problems are caused by dirty rollers, misaligned tracks, or a loose handle. These issues are usually solved by regular cleaning and maintenance, such as applying lubrication and adjusting the track and tightening the hardware. However, if these measures aren't working, it's best to seek advice from a professional to make sure that your patio door is operating exactly as it should. Make sure to check the warranty information prior to you decide to replace or repair your patio door. This will save you money in the long run on repairs and replacements.