Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio doors can bring the outdoors in to your home, and will increase its energy efficiency. However, with time, they could show signs of wear and tear that will require a bit of maintenance.
The majority of sliding patio door issues are fairly simple to fix. Find out how you can keep your sliding patio doors looking like new.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty
One of the most common causes of sliding patio doors that don't open is dirty or blocked tracks. Over time, the grit and grime of everyday usage accumulates on the tracks and can cause the door to become jammed or even fall apart completely.
The buildup can be slowed by including regular light cleanings of tracks and sliding doors in your daily household chores. Begin by brushing or vacuuming large pieces of debris off the tracks. Then make use of warm water and non-abrasive cleansing products like dish soap to clean them. Adding a bit of vinegar to your cleaning solution can also aid in the removal of stubborn dirt and grease stains.
If your sliding door is still not moving smoothly after you've followed these steps, this could be a sign that there is more serious damage. This may require a professional to fix or replace the door. There are a variety of simple fixes that you can try before calling the professionals to prevent costly repairs or replacements.
Place patio doors repairs under your sliding doors. This will help to catch dirt before it gets 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 tracked into the tracks. Close the door properly to ensure that you don't damage the rollers or wheels. You can increase the lifespan of your doors by keeping them clean and lubricated.
Rollers that are misaligned
Occasionally the sliding patio door may become out of alignment or becomes stuck. Most often, this is due to dirt or other obstructions that can be easily removed. Sometimes it's due to bent track or a bent roller. In the latter case you might be able to straighten the roller by taking them out using the adjustment screws and cleaning them using rubbing alcohol. These parts are prone to damage.
If your doors are still stuck, you can try applying lubrication to the rollers to decrease friction and make it easier for them to slide. It is recommended to make use of a silicone-based lubricant because petroleum-based lubricants can draw dirt more quickly. It is crucial to clean the rollers and tracks prior to applying lubrication.
Once you've cleaned the rollers, you are able to reinstall them using their adjustment screws. Use the same lubricant that you used to clean them. When you are reinstalling the rollers be sure to 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 uninstall your door and check the tracks and rollers for any more serious issues. If the wheels or tracks are bent badly they may require you to replace them. It's best to hire an expert to install the rollers or tracks in this situation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are great to bring in the outdoors and natural sunlight into a space, but they can also be susceptible to damage that requires repair or replacement. Some of the most frequent problems that arise are warping, cracking and fade. Warping occurs when the materials which make up your sliding glass patio door start to degrade due to exposure to heat, sun and other environmental elements. The most common cause of cracking is the impact of a collision, for example from a lawn mower or ball run-in, and fading generally happens due to repeated contact with sunlight and other elements of nature.
If your sliding patio doors aren't easy to close or open it could indicate that their rollers and tracks aren't working properly. This problem may be caused by accumulated dirt, rust, or debris in the track or wheels or due to a lack of or lubrication. Cleaning the tracks and rollers clearing obstructions and applying silicone spray may help resolve this problem.
The locking mechanism might be faulty which makes it difficult to open and close your sliding patio doors. It could be due to misalignment or wear and tear, or an amalgamation of both. To fix this, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws located at the bottom.
Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio doors are a typical problem that can drastically reduce their energy efficiency. They typically originate from damaged weather stripping and poor door alignment and can be easily corrected by replacing the old weather stripping and re-aligning the doors.
Loose Handle
If the handle of a sliding doors becomes loose, it could be quite frustrating and make 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 secure it and then tightening them until they're snug against the door jamb.
A loose handle may result from the handle becoming detached from the spindle that connects it to the inside or handles on the outside. This usually happens as a result of a variety of factors, including excessive use or wear and tear or just general ageing. If the issue isn't treated promptly, it could eventually result in the entire handle becoming loose and possibly falling off completely.
The most effective way to address this issue is by first finding the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. They are usually concealed by tabs made of plastic, which can be removed with a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of certain handles, a Phillips head screwdriver). Store these screws safely to avoid losing them.
After removing the old handles the next step will be to remove the spindle. This can be done by pounding the end of the spindle with an hammer until removed from its position inside the door. The new handle can be put in place by simply putting the spindle through the hole on 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 examining to confirm that the lock and unlock mechanisms work correctly.
Weatherstripping that isn't working properly
A worn or cracked weatherstripping can 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 letting in water, it can also cause drafts and increase your heating or cooling costs. It is good news that replacing damaged weatherstripping is a simple fix that doesn't require any professional assistance. First, you need to take off the old stripping by loosing its staples using the help of a screwdriver or by pinning it gently using a putty knife and then taking it away from the door. Then, you can clean the area, and then apply a layer of weatherstripping which is secured by a foam seal. This will prevent leaks and improve comfort.
If your sliding patio doors are no longer functioning as they should, it's essential to address the issue immediately to avoid any further damage and ensure they remain in good condition for the long term. Depending on the severity of the problem is the best option is it's possible to choose a DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement might be the best option.
The most common issues with sliding patio doors include dirty rollers due to debris in the tracks, wheels that are not aligned and a loose handle. These issues can be addressed through regular cleaning and maintenance including changing the track's lubricant and adjust, and tightening the hardware. However, if these measures don't work, it's best to seek advice from a professional to make sure that your patio door is functioning as it should. If you decide to replace or repair your patio door, be sure to verify the warranty information to ensure that it is covered by the manufacturer's warranty. This could save you money on repairs or replacements later on.