Your sliding glass patio doors bring natural light and improve your home’s energy efficiency. However, over time they could show signs of wear and tear, which will require a bit of maintenance.
Luckily, most of the problems with sliding patio doors are fairly simple to fix. Find out how you can keep your sliding glass patio door repair patio doors looking like new.
Dirty or damaged tracks
The tracks of your sliding patio door may be filthy or blocked. Over time, the dirt and grime from everyday use can build up on the track. This could cause the door jam to become damaged or break completely.
This buildup can be minimized by regular light cleaning of sliding doors and tracks during your regular chores. Begin by cleaning large debris off the tracks. Then apply warm water and non-abrasive cleaning products, such as dish soap, to wipe them down. A little vinegar added to your cleaning solution can also help remove stubborn dirt and grease staining.
If your sliding door doesn’t move smoothly after following these steps, it may be an indication of more serious damage that requires a professional repair or replacement. However, there are many simple fixes that you could try before calling the experts to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
It’s important to place a doormat at the bottom of your sliding doors to help trap dirt before it can get to the tracks. Make sure to trim the plants and bushes that are in close proximity to your sliding door to reduce the amount of debris that gets tracked into the tracks. Close the door correctly to prevent damage to the rollers and wheels. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated you will extend their life considerably.
Rollers that are not aligned
Sometimes, a patio sliding patio door repairs can become misaligned. Most often, this is due to obstructions or dirt that can be easily fixed. Sometimes, it’s due to bent tracks or a bent roller. In the latter scenario, you may be able to realign the roller by extracting them with their adjustment screws and then cleaning them with ruby alcohol. These parts are prone to damage.
If your doors are still stuck, you can grease the rollers. This will decrease friction and allow them to move more easily. Make use of a silicone-based product since petroleum-based lubricants tend to attract dirt more quickly. It is essential to clean the rollers and tracks prior to lubricating.
Once you’ve cleaned the rollers, you can put them back in place them using their adjustment screws. Make use of the same lubricant you used to clean them. Make sure to push the rollers all the way into their channels when you reinstall them. You can test your door now and see if it glides smoothly.
If the issue persists, it may be necessary to take the door off and inspect the rollers and tracks. If the tracks or wheels are badly bent they may require you to replace them. In such a scenario it’s best to call in an expert for the installation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are ideal to bring the outdoors into your home and letting in natural sunlight however, they can also be prone to damage that needs repair or replacement. The most frequent issues that can occur are warping, cracking and fading. Warping occurs when the materials that comprise your sliding glass patio door start to degrade due to exposure to sun, heat and other environmental factors. Cracks are usually caused by impact damage such as a lawnmower or ball smacking into the door. Fading is usually because of repeated exposure to sunlight as well as other 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 in the track, or misaligned wheels or an absence of lubrication. This issue can be solved by regularly cleaning the tracks, rollers and clearing obstructions.
Another reason that sliding patio door glass repair doors might be difficult to open or close is because the locking mechanism has become faulty. It could be due to misalignment, wear and tear or an amalgamation of both. To fix this issue, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the hidden adjustment screws on the bottom.
Drafts or air leaks that surround your sliding patio door are a typical issue that can affect the efficiency of your home’s energy usage. These problems are usually caused by weather stripping that is worn out or poor door alignment. This can be fixed easily by replacing the weather stripping and realigning your doors.
Loose Handle
It can be frustrating when the handle of a sliding patio doors repairs door becomes loose. It makes it difficult to open the door. This issue is usually caused by an improperly aligned locking mechanism, which can be corrected by loosening the screws that secure it and then tightening them until they fit against the door jamb.
A loose handle may be caused by the handle separating from the spindle connecting it to the interior or handles on the outside. This usually happens as a result of a variety of factors, including over use or wear and tear or simply aging. If the problem isn’t resolved quickly, the handle may be loosened and fall off.
To resolve this issue, you should first identify the screws that join the handles’ exterior and interior. The screws are typically hidden behind tabs of plastic which can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in certain instances) screwdriver. It’s a good idea store these screws somewhere safe so that you don’t loose them.
After removing the handles, the next step will be to remove the spindle. This can be accomplished by tapping on the end with a hammer or mallet until it falls free from its place within the door. The new handle is fitted by putting the spindle in the interior handle hole and the other end through the hole on the outside of the handle. Once the handle is in place it can be tightened by screwing the screws back into place and then examining to confirm that the locking and unlock mechanisms function correctly.
Unusual Weatherstripping
A worn or cracked weatherstripping may let water and air get through your double glazed patio door repairs doors, which can compromise the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. It can allow moisture in and create drafts that will increase your heating and cooling costs. The good news is that replacing the weatherstripping is an easy repair that doesn’t require professional help. You can take off the old weatherstripping by loosing the staples with the help of a screwdriver or by gently prying it off with a putty knife and pulling it away from the door. Then, you can clean the area and apply a layer of weatherstripping which is secured with an adhesive. This will stop leaks and increase the comfort.
If your sliding patio door isn’t functioning as it should, you must to fix the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage and keep them functional for many years to come. Depending on the nature of the problem, DIY or professional repair/replacement may be the best choice.
The most frequent issues that arise that are encountered with sliding patio doors are dirty rollers from debris in the tracks, misaligned wheels and a loose handle. In the majority of instances these issues can be resolved by regular maintenance and cleaning, which includes fluidizing the track as well as adjusting the rollers and tightening hardware. If these solutions are not working then you should seek professional advice in order to make sure that your patio is functioning just as it should. If you decide to replace or repair your patio door, make sure to check its warranty information to make sure that it is covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. This will save you money in the long run on repairs and replacements.