Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio doors will bring the outdoors in to your home and increase the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Over time, they may start to show signs that require some maintenance.
Luckily, the majority of issues with sliding patio doors are simple to fix. Learn more about how you can keep your patio doors looking and functioning like new:.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty
The tracks of your sliding patio door may be dirty or clogged. Over time, the dirt and grime from daily use can build up on the track. This can cause the jam to break or to break down completely.
Including regular light cleaning of sliding doors and tracks in your chores at home can help minimize this accumulation. Start by sweeping or vacuuming large debris off the tracks. Then apply warm water and non-abrasive cleaning products, such as dish soap, to clean them. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to remove stubborn dirt and grease stains.
If RepairMyWindowsAndDoors find that your sliding door doesn't move smoothly after following these steps, it may be an indication of more serious damage that requires a professional repair or replacement. There are a few easy solutions you can try before calling in professionals to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
It is important to put a doormat at the bottom of your sliding doors to catch dirt before it has the chance to reach the tracks. You should also regularly cut any bushes or plants near your sliding doors to minimize the amount of debris that gets tracked into the tracks. Close the door correctly to ensure that you don't damage the rollers or wheels. By keeping your doors clean and well-lubricated, you can prolong their lifespan substantially.
Misaligned Rollers
Sometimes, a patio sliding may become out of alignment. This usually happens due to dirt, or other obstructions which can be easily removed. However, it could also be due to bent tracks or rollers. In this situation you can re-align the rollers by taking them off with the adjustment screws and then cleaning with ruby alcohol. Be careful because these parts are fragile.
If your doors remain stuck then you could try lubricating the rollers to reduce friction and allow them to slide. It is recommended to use a silicone-based lubricant, because petroleum-based lubricants can attract dirt faster. It is also crucial to clean the rollers and tracks before lubricating them.
After cleaning the rollers, you can reinstall using the adjustment screws. It is also a good idea to make use of the same lubricant as you used to clean them. When you are reinstalling the rollers be sure to push them all the way into their channels. You can test your door now and see if it glides smoothly.
If the problem persists, it might be necessary to uninstall your door and check the rollers and tracks for any more serious issues. If the tracks or wheels are badly bent, you may need to replace them. In this case, it's a good idea to get an expert for the installation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are ideal to bring the outdoors into the room and letting in natural sunlight but they could also be prone to damage that needs repair or replacement. Warping, cracking and fading are just a few of the most frequent issues. The materials that make up the sliding glass patio doors start to break down when exposed sunlight, heat and other environmental elements. Cracking is often caused by impact damage such as the impact of a lawnmowers blade or ball that is smashed into the door. Fading typically occurs because of repeated exposure to sunlight as well as other elements.
If you have sliding glass patio doors that are difficult to open and close, this could be an indication that the rollers and tracks do not work correctly. This could be due to the accumulation of dirt, rust, or debris in the track, misaligned wheels or an absence of lubrication. This issue can be fixed by cleaning the rollers, tracks and removing obstructions.
The locking mechanism may be faulty and make it difficult to open or close your sliding patio doors. This could be due to an issue with alignment or wear and tear but the solution is to adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws that are located at the bottom of the track.
Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio door are a typical issue that can decrease the efficiency of your home's energy usage. These problems are usually caused by weather stripping that is worn out or poor alignment of the door. This can be easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping, and re-aligning your doors.
Loose Handle
It can be frustrating when the handle of a sliding door becomes loose. It becomes difficult to open. This problem is caused by a misaligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosening and tightening the screws that hold it in the correct position.
Another reason that is commonly cited for a loose handle is that it has separated from the spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles. This usually happens as a result of a combination of factors, including over use wear and tear or simply aging. If the issue isn't addressed promptly, the handle could be loosened and fall off.
To solve this issue it is necessary to locate the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. The screws are typically hidden behind tabs of plastic which can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in some instances) screwdriver. Keep these screws in a safe place to prevent them from being lost.
Once the handles that were previously used have been removed the next step is to take off the loose spindle. You can do this by pounding the end of the spindle with a hammer until it is removed from its position inside the door. The new handle is then fitted by putting the spindle into the handle hole inside and the other end into the hole on the outside of the handle. Once the handle is in place it can be tightened by screwing the screws back into place and then testing to ensure that the lock and unlock mechanisms work properly.
Faulty Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that's cracked or worn can allow water and air to seep into your patio door, which can compromise your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It could let in moisture and create drafts that will increase the cost of cooling and heating. 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 with an screwdriver, or gently squeezing it with a putty blade and then pulling it away from the door. Then, you can clean the area and apply a new layer of weatherstripping, which is secured by a foam seal that helps prevent leaks and enhance comfort.
If your sliding patio door isn't working as it should, you must to fix the problem immediately to prevent further damage and keep them functional for many years to come. Depending on how severe the problem is, a DIY solution or a repair/replacement by a professional may be the best choice.
The majority of sliding patio door issues are caused by dirty rollers, faulty tracks, or a loose handle. These issues can be addressed through regular cleaning and maintenance like lubricating and adjusting the track, and tightening the hardware. If these steps don't work, it's best consult a professional for advice to ensure that your patio door is operating just as it should. Make sure to check the warranty information prior to you decide to replace or repair your patio door. This can save you money on repairs or replacements later on.