Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio doors can bring in natural light to your home, and will increase the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Over time, they may start to show signs that require some maintenance.
The majority of problems with sliding patio doors are relatively easy to repair. Learn more about how you can keep your patio doors looking and functioning like new:.
Tracks that are dirty or damaged
The tracks of your sliding patio door may be filthy or blocked. Over time, the dirt and grime of daily use can build up on the track. This can cause the jam to break or to break down completely.
Including regular light cleaning of sliding doors and tracks in your chores at home can help to reduce the amount of build-up. Begin by sweeping or vacuuming any large debris from the tracks and then wipe them clean using warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner, such as dish soap. Add a little vinegar to your cleaning solution may also help remove stubborn grease and dirt staining.
If your sliding door is still not moving smoothly even after you've followed these steps, it could be a sign that there is more serious damage. This may require a professional to fix or replace the door. There are a few basic fixes you can do before calling in professionals to avoid expensive repairs or replacements.
It's important to place a doormat at the bottom of your sliding doors in order to trap dirt before it can get to the tracks. Also, you should cut back any bushes or plants close to your sliding doors in order to limit the amount of debris trapped in the tracks. Make patio door repairs to close the door properly so it doesn't slam into the tracks and damage the rollers and wheels. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated, you can extend their lifespan significantly.
Rollers that are misaligned
Sometimes, a sliding patio may become out of alignment. This usually happens due to dirt or other obstructions which can be easily removed. But sometimes it can also be due to a bent track or roller. In the latter case, you may be able to realign the roller by extracting them using the adjustment screws and cleaning them with ruby alcohol. These parts are often fragile.
If your doors are stuck, you can grease the rollers. This will decrease friction and allow them to slide more easily. It is recommended to make use of a silicone-based lubricant because petroleum-based lubricants can draw dirt more quickly. It is essential to clean the tracks and rollers prior to lubricating.
After you've cleaned the rollers, you are able to reinstall them using the screws for adjustment. It is also a good idea to apply the same lubricant that you used to clean them. When reinstalling the rollers, be sure to push them all the way into their channels. You can now test your door and see if it moves 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 bent badly they may require you to replace them. In this case, it's a good idea to call in an expert to install the tracks.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are excellent for bringing outside into a room and letting in natural light however, they can also be prone to damage that requires repair or replacement. Cracks, warping and fading are just a few of the most frequently encountered issues. The materials used to make the sliding glass patio doors begin to break down when exposed sunlight, heat and other environmental elements. Cracking is often caused by impacts, such as the impact of a lawnmowers blade or ball that is smashed into the door. Fading typically occurs due to repeated exposure to sunlight as well as other elements.
If you have sliding glass patio doors that are hard to open and close, this could be a sign that the rollers and tracks are not functioning properly. This issue may result from accumulated dirt, rust or debris in the track, misaligned wheels or a lack of lubrication. Regularly cleaning the rollers and tracks by removing obstructions, and then applying silicone spray can aid in resolving this issue.
The locking mechanism may be faulty which makes it difficult to open or shut your sliding patio doors. This could be due to misalignment or wear and tear, however, a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws that are located at the bottom of the track.
Drafts or air leaks that occur around your sliding patio doors are a frequent problem that can drastically decrease their energy efficiency. They are usually caused by damaged weather stripping and poor door alignment and can be easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and realigning the doors.
Loose Handle
It can be frustrating when the handle of the sliding door is loose. It becomes difficult to open. This is typically caused by a misaligned locking mechanism, which can be fixed by loosening the screws that secure it and then tightening them until they're snug against the door jamb.
Another reason for a handle to become loose is that it has become detached from the spindle that connects it to the interior and exterior handles. This is usually the result of a number of factors including excessive use, wear-and-tear or just aging. If the problem isn't resolved quickly, the handle can become loose and fall off.
The best way to fix this issue is to start by locating the screws that attach the handles' exterior and interior. These screws are usually hidden behind tabs made of plastic that can be removed with a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in some cases) screwdriver. Keep these screws in a safe place to avoid losing them.
Once the old handles have been removed, the next step is to take off the spindle that is loose. This can be accomplished by tapping the end using a mallet or hammer until it comes loose from its place within the door. Then, the new handle can be installed by simply placing the spindle through the hole in the handle inside and inserting the other end of the spindle into the hole in the outside handle. Once the handle is in place, it can be tightened by screwing the screws back into place and then ensuring that the lock and unlock mechanisms work properly.
Afflicted Weatherstripping
A worn or cracked weatherstripping could let water and air be able to seep through your patio doors, which can compromise the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. In addition to allowing moisture, it could also create drafts and increase your heating or cooling costs. Fortunately, replacing faulty weatherstripping is a simple fix that doesn't require any professional help. First, you need to remove the old stripping by loosing its staples using the help of a screwdriver or by pinning it gently with the help of a putty knife before pulling it off the door. Then, you can wash the area and apply a fresh layer of weatherstripping, which is backed by a foam seal to prevent leaks and enhance comfort.
If your sliding patio doors aren't working as they should, it's important to address the issue immediately to avoid further damage and keep them in good condition for the long term. Depending on the degree of the issue, DIY or professional repair/replacement may be the best solution.
Most problems with sliding patio doors are caused by dirty rollers, faulty tracks, or an untidy handle. In most cases these issues can be fixed through regular maintenance and cleaning, such as oiling the track as well as adjusting the rollers and tightening hardware. However, if these measures don't work, it's best to seek advice from a professional to ensure that your patio door is working exactly as it should. Check the warranty information before you decide to repair or replace your patio door. This will save you money in the future on repairs and replacements.