Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio doors will bring sunlight into your home and improve its energy efficiency. Over time, they may begin to show signs that need some attention.
Luckily, the majority of problems with sliding patio doors are easy to fix. Learn more about how to keep your patio doors looking and working like new:.
Dirty or Damaged Tracks
One of the main causes of sliding patio doors that do not open is dirty or blocked tracks. Over time, dirt and grime from daily usage can accumulate on the track. This could cause the door jam to become damaged or break completely.
Including regular light cleaning of sliding doors and tracks as part of your household chores can help reduce the accumulation. Start by cleaning any large debris off the tracks and then wipe them clean using warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner like dish soap. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to help remove stubborn dirt and grease staining.
If you notice that your sliding door doesn't move smoothly after completing these steps, it may be a sign of more serious damage that requires a professional repair or replacement. There are a few basic solutions you can try before calling a professional to avoid expensive repairs or replacements.
It's important to place a doormat at the bottom of your sliding doors to trap dirt before it has the chance to reach the tracks. Also, you should cut any bushes or plants near your sliding doors to minimize the amount of debris that gets trapped in the tracks. Make sure to close the door in a way that it doesn't hit the tracks and damage the wheels and rollers. By keeping your doors clean and well-lubricated, you can extend their lifespan substantially.
Rollers that are misaligned
Sometimes, a sliding patio door may become out of alignment or becomes stuck. This usually happens due to dirt or other obstructions which can be easily removed. However, it can be due to bent tracks or rollers. In this instance you can straighten the rollers by taking them off by using the adjustment screws, and then cleaning with ruby alcohol. These parts can be fragile.
If your doors still stick, 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 since petroleum-based ones tend to attract dirt faster. It is also important to clean the rollers and tracks prior to lubricating them.
After cleaning the rollers you can put them back on using their adjustment screws. Use the same lubricant that you used to clean them. When reinstalling the rollers, ensure that you push them completely into their channels. You can now test your door and see if it glides smoothly.
If the issue persists, it is possible to remove the door and check the tracks and rollers. If the wheels or tracks are badly bent it could be necessary to replace them. In such a case it's a good idea to get an expert to install the tracks.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are ideal for bringing in the outdoors and natural sunlight into rooms, however they can also be vulnerable to damage that requires repair or replacement. Warping, cracking and fading are a few of the most common problems. The materials that compose the sliding glass patio doors start to degrade when exposed to sunlight, heat and other environmental elements. Cracking often results from injuries caused by impact, like from a lawn mower or ball run-in, while fading usually occurs due to repeated contact with sunlight and other natural elements.
If your sliding patio doors aren't easy to open or close, it could be an indication that the tracks and rollers are not functioning correctly. Repair My Windows And Doors could be due to accumulated dirt, rust or debris in the track, misaligned wheels or an absence of lubrication. This issue can be fixed by cleaning the tracks and rollers and removing obstructions.
Another reason your sliding patio doors may be difficult to open or close is because the locking mechanism has gone out of date. It could be due to misalignment or wear and tear, or a combination of both. To fix this issue, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws at the bottom.
Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio doors are a common issue that can greatly decrease their energy efficiency. These issues are typically caused by weather stripping that is worn out or poor alignment of the door. This can be fixed easily by replacing the weather stripping, and re-aligning your doors.
Loose Handle
If the handle of a sliding door becomes loose, it could be quite annoying and make it difficult for people 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 are snug against the jamb of the door.
Another reason for a loose handle is that it has separated from the spindle that connects it to the handles on the exterior and interior. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including frequent use, wear and tear or just general aging. If the problem isn't resolved promptly, the handle could be loosened and fall off.
To resolve this issue to fix it, you must first find the screws that connect the handles' exterior and interior. They are usually hidden by tabs made of plastic that can be removed with a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of certain handles, a Phillips-head screwdriver). Securely store these screws to ensure they don't get lost.
Once the old handles have been removed, the next step is to remove the loose spindle. You can do this by pounding the end of the spindle using the hammer until it's removed from its place within the door. The new handle can be installed by simply placing the spindle into the hole on the interior handle and then placing the other end of the spindle into the hole in the outside handle. After the handle is installed and tightened, screw back the screws. Then, test to make sure the lock and unlock mechanism works properly.
Afflicted Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that is cracked or worn can allow water and air to be able to seep into your patio door, which can compromise your home's comfort and energy efficiency. In addition to letting in moisture, it can also cause drafts and increase your cooling or heating costs. Fortunately, replacing faulty weatherstripping is an easy fix that doesn't require any assistance from a professional. You can take off the old weatherstripping by loosening the staples using a screwdriver, or gently prying it off with a putty blade and then pulling it away from the door. After that, you can clean the area and apply a new layer of weatherstripping that is secured by a foam seal to stop leaks and improve comfort.
If your sliding patio door is not functioning as it should, you need to fix the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage and keep them functioning for years to come. Depending on how severe the problem is, it's possible to choose a DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement might be the best choice.
The most frequent issues that arise that are encountered with sliding patio doors are filthy rollers caused by debris on the tracks, misaligned wheels and a loose handle. These issues can be addressed by regular maintenance and cleaning including changing the track's lubricant and adjust 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 working exactly as it should. Before you decide to replace or repair your patio door, be certain to verify its warranty information to confirm that it's covered by the manufacturer's warranty. This will save you money in the long run on repairs and replacements.