Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio doors will bring in natural light to your home, and will increase the efficiency of your home’s energy usage. In time, they might begin to show signs that suggest some maintenance.
Most sliding patio door problems are relatively easy to fix. Find out more about how to keep your patio doors looking and functioning like new:.
Dirty or damaged tracks
The tracks of your sliding patio door might be dirty or clogged. Over time, the dust and grime of daily usage accumulates on the tracks and can cause the door to become jammed or even collapse completely.
Including regular light cleaning of sliding doors and tracks in your chores at home can help to reduce the amount of accumulation. Begin by cleaning large debris off the tracks. Then apply warm water and non-abrasive cleansing products such as dish soap to wipe them down. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to remove stubborn grease and dirt stains.
If your sliding door not working smoothly after you have followed these steps, this could indicate that there is a more significant damage. This may require a professional to fix or replace the door. However, there are many simple fixes that you could try before calling the experts to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
It is important to put a doormat near the bottom of your sliding doors to keep dirt out before it has a chance to reach the tracks. You should also regularly cut any bushes or plants near your sliding doors to limit the amount of debris that gets trapped in the tracks. Close the door in a timely manner to avoid damaging the rollers and wheels. By keeping your doors clean and well-lubricated, you can extend their lifespan significantly.
Misaligned Rollers
Sometimes, a patio could be misaligned. Usually, this is due to obstructions or dirt that can be easily fixed. But sometimes it can be due to bent tracks or rollers. In this case you can straighten the rollers by taking them off by using the adjustment screws and then cleaning with rubbing alcohol. Be careful because these parts are delicate.
If your doors still stick then you could try using lubricants on the rollers to reduce friction and allow them to slide. It is best to make use of a silicone-based lubricant since petroleum-based ones tend to attract dirt faster. It is essential to clean the rollers and tracks before lubricating.
After you’ve cleaned your rollers, you can put them back in place them using their adjustment screws. Use the same lubricant you used to clean them. When you reinstall the rollers, be sure to push them completely into their channels. You can then check your door to see if it now slides effortlessly.
If the issue persists, it might be necessary to uninstall your door and inspect the rollers and tracks for any other issues. If the wheels or tracks are bent in a way it could be necessary to replace them. In such a scenario it’s a good idea to get an expert to install the tracks.
Warped glass patio door repair
Sliding glass door are great for bringing the outdoors into a room and letting in natural sunlight however, they can also be susceptible to damage that requires repair or replacement. Some of the most frequent problems that occur include cracking, warping, and fading. The materials used to make the sliding glass patio doors start to degrade when exposed to sunlight, heat and other environmental factors. The most common cause of cracking is the impact of a collision, for example from a ball or lawn mower run-in, while fading usually is caused by repeated contact with sunlight and other elements of nature.
If you have sliding glass patio doors that are difficult to open and close, this could be an indication that the rollers and tracks aren’t working correctly. This could be due to accumulated dirt, rust or debris in the track, wheels that are not aligned or the lack of lubrication. This issue can be solved by regularly cleaning the rollers, tracks and removing obstructions.
The locking mechanism could also be defective, making it difficult to open and close your sliding patio doors. It could be due to misalignment or wear and tear, or the combination of both. To fix this issue, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustable screws on the bottom.
Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio door are a typical issue that can affect their energy efficiency. They typically originate from damaged weather stripping and poor alignment of the doors and can be easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and realigning the doors.
Loose Handle
It can be quite frustrating when the handle of a sliding door becomes loose. It makes it difficult to open the door. This problem is caused by an improperly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosing and tightening the screws holding it in place.
Another reason for a loose handle is that it is detached from the spindle that connects it to the handles on the exterior and interior. This is usually the result of a variety of factors, such as excessive use wear and tear or simply the general aging. If the issue isn’t dealt with quickly, the handle may become loose and fall off.
To solve this issue it is necessary to locate the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. They are typically hidden behind plastic tabs that can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in some instances) screwdriver. It’s a good idea to keep these screws in a safe place so that you don’t loose them.
After removing the handles the next step will be to remove the spindle. You can do this by tapping the end of the spindle with a hammer until it is freed from its position within the door. The new handle is fitted by placing the spindle into the hole for the handle inside and the other end into the hole on the outside of the handle. Once the handle is in place, it can be tightened by screwing the screws back in and then examining to confirm that the locking and unlock mechanisms function correctly.
Afflicted Weatherstripping
A damaged or cracked weatherstripping may allow water and air to get through your patio doors, which can compromise the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. It can let in moisture and create drafts, which will increase your cooling and heating costs. It is good news that replacing damaged weatherstripping is an easy repair that doesn’t require professional help. First, you need to take off the old stripping by loosening its staples with the help of a screwdriver or by pinning it with a putty knife, and then lifting it off the door. Clean the area, and then apply an additional layer of weatherstripping that is backed with a foam seal. This will prevent leaks and enhance the comfort.
If your sliding patio doors aren’t longer functioning as they should, it’s important to take action immediately to prevent further damage and keep them functional for a long time to come. Depending on the severity of the issue, DIY or professional repair patio door lock/replacement may be the best solution.
The most frequent issues that arise with sliding patio doors include dirty rollers due to debris in the tracks, misaligned wheels and a loose handle. These issues can be solved by regular maintenance and cleaning including lubricating and adjusting the track and tightening the hardware. However, if these measures aren’t working, it’s best consult a professional for advice to make sure that your patio door repair door is functioning just as it should. Make sure to check the warranty information prior to you decide to replace or repair your patio door. This can save you money on repairs or replacements in the future.