Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio doors can bring sunlight into your home and increase its energy efficiency. In time, they might begin to show signs that require some attention.
The majority of sliding patio door issues are fairly easy to fix. Find out how to keep your sliding patio doors looking like new.
Dirty or damaged tracks
The tracks of your sliding patio door might be filthy or clogged. Over time, the dirt and grime of daily use can accumulate on the track. This could cause the door jam to become damaged or to break down completely.
A regular cleaning of sliding doors and tracks in your household chores can help to reduce the amount of build-up. Begin by cleaning any large debris off the tracks and then wipe them clean with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaning product, such as dish soap. Adding a bit of vinegar to your cleaning product can also aid in the removal of stubborn dirt and grease staining.
If you notice that your sliding door isn't able to move smoothly after completing these steps, it may be an indication of more serious damage that requires a professional repair or replacement. There are a few simple solutions you can try before calling a professional to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Install a doormat underneath your sliding doors. This will help keep dirt out of the tracks. Make sure to trim the plants and bushes that are near the sliding door to decrease the amount of debris tracked into the tracks. Also, make sure you close the door in a way that it doesn't slam into the tracks and cause damage to the rollers and wheels. Repair My Windows And Doors can increase the lifespan of your doors by keeping them clean and lubricated.
Misaligned Rollers
Occasionally the sliding patio door can become unbalanced or becomes stuck. Usually, this is due to obstructions such as dirt or other that can be easily removed. However, it can also be due to bent tracks or rollers. In the latter case, you may be able to realign the roller by extracting them using the adjustment screws and cleaning them using rubbing alcohol. Be cautious when working with these parts, as they can be delicate.
If your doors are still stuck then you could try applying lubrication to the rollers to decrease friction and allow them to slide. It is recommended to make use of a silicone-based lubricant because petroleum-based lubricants can attract dirt faster. It is also important to clean the rollers and tracks prior to lubricating them.
Once you've cleaned the rollers, you are able to reinstall them using the screws for adjustment. It is also a good idea to make use of the same lubricant as you used for cleaning them. Make sure to push the rollers all the way into their channels when you reinstall them. You can test the door and see if it glides smoothly.
If the problem continues, it could be necessary to take the door off and examine the rollers and tracks. If the wheels or tracks are badly bent, you may need to replace them. It's best to hire an expert to install the tracks or rollers in this situation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are ideal for bringing the outdoors into your home and letting in natural light however, they can also be vulnerable to damage that needs repair or replacement. The most frequent problems that occur include warping, cracking and fade. The materials used to make the sliding glass patio doors start to degrade when exposed to sunlight, heat and other environmental factors. Cracking often results from the impact of a collision, for example from a ball or lawn mower run-in, and fading generally occurs due to repeated contact with sunlight or other natural elements.
If you have sliding glass patio doors that aren't easy to close and open, this could be a sign that the tracks and rollers do not work properly. This problem may be caused by accumulated dirt, rust, or debris in the wheels or track, or by a lack or lubrication. This problem can be resolved by cleaning the tracks and rollers and clearing obstructions.
Another reason that sliding patio doors may be difficult to open or close is that the locking mechanism is no longer working. It could be caused by misalignment, wear and tear or an amalgamation of both. To fix this, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws on the bottom.
Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio door are a common issue that can affect their energy efficiency. These issues are typically caused by weather stripping that has worn out or poor alignment of the door. This issue can be fixed easily by replacing the weather stripping and re-aligning your doors.
Loose Handle
If the handle of a sliding doors is loose, it can be quite frustrating and make it difficult for people to open the door. This problem is caused by an incorrectly aligned lock mechanism. It can be repaired by tightening and loosening the screws that hold it in the correct position.
Another reason for a loose handle is that it has become detached from the spindle that connects it to the interior and exterior handles. This can be caused by a variety of reasons, including excessive use, wear and tear or just general aging. If the issue isn't addressed quickly, it could eventually lead to the entire handle becoming loose and eventually falling off completely.
The best method to solve this problem is by first locating the screws that attach the interior and exterior handles. They are typically hidden behind tabs made of plastic that can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in certain instances) screwdriver. Store these screws safely to ensure they don't get lost.
After the handles have been removed the next step is to take off the loose spindle. This can be accomplished by tapping on the end with a mallet or hammer until it falls free from its place within the door. The new handle can be fitted by simply placing the spindle through the hole on the interior handle, and then inserting the other end of the spindle into the hole in the outside handle. Once the handle has been installed, tighten it by screwing back the screws. Then, check to ensure that the lock and unlock mechanism works properly.
Faulty weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that is cracked or worn can let air and water be able to seep into your patio door, compromising your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It can let in moisture and create drafts, which will increase your cooling and heating costs. Fortunately, replacing faulty weatherstripping is a simple fix that doesn't require any professional assistance. First, you need to remove the old stripping by either loosing its staples using the help of a screwdriver or by pinning it gently with a putty knife and then pulling it off the door. Then, you can wash the area and apply a new layer of weatherstripping, which is secured by a foam seal to stop leaks and improve the comfort.
If your sliding patio door isn't working as it should, you need to fix the issue as soon as possible to avoid further damage and to keep them functioning for years to come. Depending on the severity of the issue is and the severity of the issue, it's possible to choose a DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement could be the best choice.
The most frequent issues that arise with sliding patio doors are dirty rollers due to debris in the tracks, misaligned wheels and a loose handle. In the majority of cases, these issues can be resolved by regular maintenance and cleaning, such as oiling the track and rollers, as well as adjusting them and tightening hardware. However, if these measures aren't working, it's best to seek advice from a professional to ensure that your patio door is operating exactly as it should. If you decide to replace or repair your patio door, make certain to verify its warranty information to ensure that it is covered by the manufacturer's warranty. This can save you money on repairs or replacements later on.