Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding glass patio doors provide natural light and boost your home's energy efficiency. Over time, they may start to show signs that require some attention.
The majority of problems with sliding patio doors are fairly easy to fix. Find out how you can keep your sliding patio doors looking like new.
Dirty or Damaged Tracks
One of the most frequent reasons for sliding patio doors that don't open is clogged or dirty tracks. Over time, the grit 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 their tracks in your chores at home can help minimize this build-up. Begin by sweeping or vacuuming large debris off the tracks. Then make use of warm water and non-abrasive cleaning products, such as dish soap, to clean them. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to help remove stubborn grease and dirt stains.
If your sliding door still not moving smoothly after you have followed these steps, it could indicate that there is a more significant damage. This may require a professional to fix or replace the door. There are a few easy solutions you can try before calling a professional to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Install a doormat underneath your sliding doors. This will assist in trap dirt before it reaches the tracks. Regularly trim any plants and bushes that are in close proximity to your sliding door to reduce the amount of debris that is tracked into the tracks. Close the door properly to ensure that you don't damage the rollers or wheels. You can prolong the life of your doors by keeping them clean and well-lubricated.
Rollers that are misaligned
Occasionally the sliding patio door can become misaligned or gets stuck. Usually, this is due to obstructions such as dirt or other which can be easily removed. Sometimes, it's due to a bent roller or track. In the latter scenario it is possible to re-align the roller by extracting them with their adjustment screws and then cleaning them using ruby alcohol. These parts can be fragile.
If your doors are stuck, you can grease the rollers. This will decrease friction and allow them to slide more easily. It is best to apply a silicone-based lubricant because petroleum-based lubricants can attract dirt faster. It is also important to clean the tracks and rollers before lubricating them.
After you've cleaned your rollers, you are able to reinstall them with the adjustment screws. It's recommended to apply the same lubricant that you used for cleaning them. When reinstalling the rollers, be sure to push them all the way into their channels. Then, you can test your door to see whether it is now sliding effortlessly.
If the problem persists it could be necessary to remove the door and inspect the tracks and rollers. If the tracks or wheels are bent badly they may require you to replace them. In such a case, it's a good idea to call in a professional for the installation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are ideal for bringing natural sunlight and the outdoors into a room, but they can also be susceptible to damage that requires repair or replacement. Warping, cracking and fading are just a few of the most frequently encountered issues. The materials that make up the sliding glass patio doors start to deteriorate when exposed to heat, sunlight and other environmental factors. Cracks are usually caused by the impact of the impact of a lawnmowers or ball hitting into the door. Fading usually occurs because of repeated exposure to sunlight and other elements.
If you have sliding glass patio doors that are difficult to open and close, this could indicate that the tracks and rollers do not work correctly. This problem may be caused by accumulated dirt, rust, or debris on the track or wheels or due to a lack of or lubrication. This issue can be solved by regularly cleaning the tracks and rollers and removing obstructions.
Another reason your sliding patio doors might be difficult to open or close is that the locking mechanism has gone out of date. This could be due to the alignment of the track or wear and tear, but a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws hidden on the bottom of the track.
Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio doors are a frequent issue that can greatly decrease their energy efficiency. These problems are usually caused by weather stripping that has worn out or poor door alignment. This issue can be easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and re-aligning your doors.
Loose Handle
If the handle of a sliding door becomes loose, it can be quite frustrating and make it difficult for people to open the door. The reason for this is an incorrectly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosening and tightening the screws holding it in the correct position.
Another common reason for a handle to become loose is that it is detached from the spindle that connects it with the handles on the exterior and interior. This is usually the result of a variety of factors, including excessive use, wear and tear, or just general ageing. If the issue isn't dealt with quickly, the handle can become loose and fall off.
The best way to fix this issue is by first finding the screws that join the handles' exterior and interior. They are usually hidden 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 prevent them from being lost.
After removing the old handles then the next step would be to remove the spindle. This can be done by tapping the spindle with a hammer or mallet until it comes loose from its place within the door. The new handle can be fitted by simply putting the spindle through the hole in the interior handle and then putting 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 in and then examining to confirm that the locking and unlock mechanisms function properly.
Weatherstripping that isn't working properly
Weatherstripping that's cracked or worn can let air and water get into your patio door, causing damage to your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It can let in moisture and create drafts, which will increase the cost of cooling and heating. The good news is that replacing the weatherstripping is a simple fix that doesn't require any professional assistance. You can take off the old weatherstripping by either loosing the staples with a screwdriver, or gently prying it with a putty blade and then taking it off the door. Clean the area, and apply a layer of weatherstripping which is secured with foam seal. This will prevent leaks and increase the comfort.
If your sliding patio door is not functioning as it should, you have to fix the issue as soon as possible to avoid further damage and ensure that they are functional for years to be. Depending on the nature of the problem, DIY or professional repair/replacement could be the best option.
Most problems with sliding patio doors are caused by dirty rollers, faulty tracks, or an untidy handle. In most instances these issues can be addressed by regular maintenance and cleaning, including oiling the track and rollers, as well as adjusting them and tightening the hardware. If Repair My Windows And Doors do not work it is recommended that you seek advice from a professional to ensure that your patio is functioning just as it should. Review the warranty information before you decide to replace or repair your patio door. This will save you money on repairs or replacements later on.