Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding glass patio doors bring natural light and improve your home's energy efficiency. However, as time passes, they may begin to show signs of wear and tear that require some attention.
Luckily, most of the problems with sliding patio doors are fairly simple to fix. Find out more about how to keep your patio doors looking and working like new:.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks
The tracks of your sliding patio door may be filthy or blocked. Over time, dirt and grime from daily use can accumulate on the track. This could cause the door jam to become damaged or even break completely.
This buildup can be minimized by incorporating regular light cleaning of tracks and sliding doors in your routine chores. Begin by brushing or vacuuming any big 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 stains.
If your sliding patio door repair service door still not moving smoothly even after you've completed these steps, it could be a sign that there is more damage. This may require a professional to repair patio door or replace the door. There are a few easy fixes you can make before calling in professionals to avoid expensive repairs or replacements.
It is essential to put a doormat on the bottom of your sliding doors to help keep dirt out before it has the chance to reach the tracks. Also, you should cut back any bushes or plants near your sliding doors to reduce the amount of debris tracked into the tracks. Make sure to close the door properly so it doesn't slam into the tracks and cause damage to the rollers and wheels. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated you will extend their life substantially.
Rollers that are not aligned
Occasionally the sliding patio door becomes unbalanced or becomes stuck. This usually happens due to dirt or other obstructions which can be easily removed. Sometimes, it's due to bent tracks or a bent roller. In this situation, you can realign the rollers by removing them using the adjustment screws, and then cleaning with rubbing alcohol. These parts can be fragile.
If your doors are sticking, you can lubricate the rollers. This will decrease friction and allow them to slide more easily. It is recommended to make use of a silicone-based lubricant since petroleum-based ones tend to attract dirt faster. It is important to clean the rollers and tracks before applying lubrication.
Once you've cleaned the rollers, you are able to reinstall them using the screws for adjustment. Use the same lubricant that you used to clean them. When reinstalling the rollers, make sure you push them completely into their channels. You can then test your door to determine whether it is now sliding smoothly.
If the problem continues it may be necessary to remove your door and examine the tracks and rollers for any more serious issues. If the rollers or tracks are badly bent, they may need to be replaced. It's best to hire a professional to install the rollers or tracks in this scenario.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are convenient to bring in the outdoors and natural sunlight into a space, but they can also be vulnerable to damage that requires repair patio doors or replacement. Cracks, warping and fading are a few of the most common problems. Warping happens when the materials that comprise your sliding glass patio door begin to degrade due to heat, sun and other environmental elements. Cracking often results from impact damage, such as from a lawn mower or ball run-in, while fading usually is caused by repeated contact with sunlight and other elements found in nature.
If you have sliding glass patio doors that are hard to open and close, this could be an indication that the rollers and tracks are not functioning correctly. This issue could be caused by accumulated dirt, rust, or debris in the wheels or track, or by a lack or lubrication. Regularly cleaning the rollers and tracks, removing obstructions and applying silicone spray may help solve this issue.
Another reason why your sliding patio doors might 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 an amalgamation of both. To fix this, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the hidden adjustment screws located at the bottom.
Drafts or air leaks that occur around your sliding patio doors are a typical issue that can greatly reduce their energy efficiency. They usually result from damaged weather stripping or poor door alignment that can be easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and aligning the doors.
Loose Handle
It can be a hassle when the handle of a sliding door becomes loose. It makes it difficult to open the door. This problem is caused by an improperly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosing and tightening the screws holding it in place.
A loose handle could be caused by the handle separating from the spindle connecting it to the inside or handles on the outside. This can be due to a variety of factors including excessive use, wear and tear or just aging. If the problem isn't resolved quickly, the handle can be loosened and fall off.
To solve this issue it is necessary to identify the screws that join the interior and exterior handles. The screws are typically hidden behind plastic tabs that can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in certain instances) screwdriver. Store these screws safely to avoid losing them.
Once the handles that were previously used have been removed, the next step is to remove the spindle that has become loose. This can be done by tapping the spindle with a hammer or mallet until it is free of its place within the door. The new handle is then fitted by putting the spindle into the handle hole inside and the other end into the hole in the handle on the outside. Once the handle is installed then tighten it by screwing back the screws, and then test to ensure the lock and unlock mechanism functions correctly.
Weatherstripping that isn't working properly
A cracked or worn weatherstripping could let water and air seep through your patio doors, compromising the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. It can allow moisture in and create drafts that will increase your cooling and heating costs. It is easy to replace damaged weatherstripping with no professional help. First, you need to remove the old stripping by loosing its staples using the help of a screwdriver or by pinning it gently with the help of a putty knife before pulling it away from the door. Then, you can clean the area and apply a layer of weatherstripping that is secured by an adhesive. This will stop leaks and improve the comfort.
If your sliding patio doors are no operating as they should, it's essential to address the issue immediately to prevent further damage and keep them functional for a long time to come. 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 choice.
The majority of sliding patio door issues are caused by dirty rollers, misaligned tracks, and a loose handle. These issues are usually addressed by regular cleaning and maintenance, such as lubricating and adjusting the track, and tightening the hardware. If these methods are not working then you should seek out professional help to make sure that your patio is working just as it should. Before you decide to replace or repair your patio door, be sure to check its warranty information to make sure that it is covered under the manufacturer's warranty. This could save you money on repairs or replacements in the near future.