Your sliding glass patio doors repair near me doors provide natural light and boost your home’s energy efficiency. In time, they might begin to show signs that need some maintenance.
Luckily, most of the problems with sliding patio doors are easy to fix. Find out how you can keep your sliding patio doors looking like new.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks
One of the most common reasons for sliding patio doors that won’t open is dirty or blocked tracks. 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 even break completely.
This buildup can be minimized by regular light cleaning of sliding doors and tracks in your daily household chores. Start by cleaning any large debris from the tracks, and then wipe them clean using warm water and a non-abrasive cleaning product, such as dish soap. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to help remove stubborn dirt and grease stains.
If you find that your sliding door still won’t move smoothly after completing these steps, it could be an indication of more serious damage and requires a professional repair or replacement. But, there are easy fixes you could try before calling the professionals to prevent costly repairs or replacements.
Install a doormat underneath your sliding doors. This will assist in keep dirt out of the tracks. Regularly trim any plants or bushes that are near your sliding door to reduce the amount of debris that is tracked into the tracks. Also, make sure you close the door properly so it doesn’t crash into the tracks and cause damage to the wheels and rollers. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated you can extend their lifespan considerably.
Rollers that are misaligned
Sometimes, a patio sliding may become out of alignment. It is usually due to obstructions such as dirt or other which can be easily removed. Sometimes, it’s due to bent track or a bent roller. In the latter scenario it is possible to re-align the roller by removing them by using their adjustment screws and then cleaning them with ruby alcohol. These parts are prone to damage.
If your doors are still stuck, you can try lubricating the rollers to reduce friction and make it easier for them to slide. It is best to make use of a silicone-based lubricant because petroleum-based lubricants can draw dirt more quickly. It is also important to clean the tracks and rollers before lubricating them.
After cleaning the rollers you can reinstall using their adjustment screws. It’s recommended to apply the same lubricant that you used to clean them. When reinstalling the rollers, ensure that you push them completely into their channels. You can test the door and see if it glides smoothly.
If the issue persists, it might be necessary to take down your door and check the tracks and rollers for more significant problems. If the tracks or wheels are bent badly, you may need to replace them. In such a case it’s best to get an expert for the installation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are great to bring in natural sunlight and the outdoors 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 common problems. The materials that make up the sliding patio doors repairs glass patio door handle repair near me doors start to break down when exposed heat, sunlight and other environmental factors. Cracking often results from injuries caused by impact, like from a lawn mower or ball run-in, and fading generally happens due to repeated contact with sunlight and other natural elements.
If you have sliding glass patio door lock repair doors that are hard to close and open, this could indicate that the rollers and tracks aren’t working correctly. This could be due to accumulation of dirt, rust or debris in the track, or misaligned wheels or a lack of lubrication. This problem can be resolved by regularly cleaning the rollers, tracks and clearing obstructions.
The locking mechanism may also be defective and make it difficult to open or close your sliding patio doors. This could be caused by an issue with alignment or wear and tear but the solution is to adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws that are located at the bottom of the track.
Air leaks or drafts around your sliding patio doors are a typical issue that can significantly reduce their energy efficiency. These issues are typically caused by worn-out weather stripping or poor alignment of the door. This can be fixed easily by replacing the weather stripping, and realigning your 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 typically caused by a misaligned locking mechanism, which can be corrected by loosening the screws that hold it in place and then tightening them until they are snug against the jamb of the door.
Another reason that is commonly cited for a handle to become loose is that it is detached from the spindle that connects it to the handles on the exterior and interior. This usually happens as a result of a combination of factors, including over use wear and tear or just general ageing. If the issue isn’t addressed quickly, it could eventually lead to the entire handle becoming loose and possibly falling off completely.
To resolve this issue, you should first find the screws that connect the handles’ exterior and interior. They are usually concealed by tabs made of plastic, which can be removed with a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of some handles, a Phillips head screwdriver). Store these screws safely to ensure they don’t get lost.
After removing the old handles, the next step will be to remove the spindle. You can do this by tapping the end of the spindle with the hammer until it’s freed from its position within the door. The new handle is then fitted by putting the spindle into the handle hole inside and the other end through the hole in the handle on the outside. Once the handle is in place, it can be tightened by screwing the screws back into place and then testing to ensure that the locking and unlock mechanisms function correctly.
Poor weatherstripping
A worn or cracked weatherstripping may allow air and water to be able to seep through your patio doors, compromising the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. In addition to allowing moisture, it can create drafts and also increase your heating or cooling costs. Fortunately, replacing faulty weatherstripping is an easy fix that doesn’t require any professional assistance. The first step is to remove the old stripping by loosening its staples using the help of a screwdriver or by pinning it with a putty knife and then lifting it away from the door. Clean the area and apply a layer of weatherstripping which is secured with foam seal. This will prevent leaks and improve comfort.
If your sliding patio door isn’t working as it should, you have to fix the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage and to keep them functioning for years to be. Depending on how severe the problem is, an DIY solution or a repair/replacement by a professional may be the best option.
Most problems with sliding patio doors are caused by dirty rollers, misaligned tracks, and a loose handle. These issues can usually be solved by regular maintenance and cleaning like applying lubrication and adjusting the track and tightening the hardware. However, if these methods fail, it’s advisable consult a professional for advice to make sure that your patio door is operating just as it should. Review the warranty information before you decide to repair or replace your patio door. This will save you money in the long run on repairs and replacements.