Sliding
Patio Doors RepairsYour sliding glass patio doors to let in more light and increase your home's energy efficiency. However, as time passes, they could show signs of wear and tear that will require some maintenance.
Fortunately, the majority of problems with sliding
patio door repairs near me doors are simple to address. Find out how to keep your sliding
patio door handle repair near me doors looking and working like new.
Dirty or Damaged Tracks
One of the main causes of sliding
patio door repair near me doors that won't open is dirty or clogged tracks. Over time, the dust and grime of everyday use accumulates on the track and can cause the door to jam or even break down completely.
A regular cleaning of sliding doors and their tracks as part of your household chores can help to reduce the amount of build-up. Start by sweeping or vacuuming large debris off the tracks. Then apply warm water and non-abrasive cleaning products like dish soap to clean them. A little vinegar added to your cleaning product can help in removing stubborn dirt and grease stains.
If your sliding door is still not moving smoothly after you've completed these steps, it could be a sign there is more damage. This may require a professional to fix or replace the door. But, there are simple fixes you can try before calling experts to save on costly repairs or replacements.
It is essential to put a doormat near the bottom of your sliding doors in order to keep dirt out before it has a chance to reach the tracks. Make sure to trim the plants and shrubs that are located near your sliding door to reduce the amount of debris that gets tracked into the tracks. Close the door correctly to prevent damage to the rollers and wheels. You can increase the lifespan of your doors by keeping them clean and well-lubricated.
Rollers that are misaligned
Sometimes, a sliding patio door becomes unbalanced or becomes stuck. This usually happens due to dirt or other obstructions which can be easily removed. But sometimes it can also be due to bent tracks or rollers. In this instance you can re-align the rollers by taking them off by using the adjustment screws, and then cleaning with rubbing alcohol. These parts are prone to damage.
If your doors are still stuck, you can grease the rollers. This will reduce friction and allow them to slide more easily. Use a silicone-based product, since petroleum-based lubricants tend to attract dirt more quickly. It is crucial to clean the tracks and rollers before applying lubrication.
After cleaning the rollers, you can put them back in place using the adjustment screws. 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 see whether it slides more smoothly.
If the problem persists, it might be necessary to take down your door and examine the rollers and tracks for more significant problems. If the tracks or rollers are bent badly they might need to be replaced. In such a scenario it's a good idea to get an expert to install the tracks.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are ideal for bringing the outdoors and natural sunlight into a room, but they are also susceptible to damages that require repair or replacement. Some of the most common problems that arise are cracking, warping, and fading. Warping happens when the materials which make up your sliding glass patio door start to degrade due to exposure to sun, heat and other environmental factors. The most common cause of cracking is injuries caused by impact, like from a lawn mower or ball run-in, and fading generally occurs due to repeated contact with sunlight or other natural elements.
If your sliding glass patio doors are difficult to close or open it could be an indication that their rollers and tracks aren't functioning properly. This could be due to the accumulation of dirt, rust, or debris in the track, misaligned wheels or an absence of lubrication. Cleaning the tracks and rollers, removing obstructions and applying silicone spray may help solve this issue.
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 misalignment or wear and tear however, a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanisms by turning the adjustment screws that are located in the bottom of the track.
Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio doors are a typical problem that can drastically reduce their energy efficiency. These problems are usually caused by weather stripping that has worn out or poor alignment of the door. This issue can be easily resolved by replacing the weather stripping, and re-aligning your doors.
Loose Handle
If the handle of a sliding door is loose, it can be quite annoying and make it difficult for people to open the door. This problem is caused by a misaligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosening and tightening the screws that hold it in place.
A loose handle may be caused by the handle breaking off from the spindle which connects it to the interior or handles outside. This is typically the result of a variety of factors, including over use wear and tear or simply aging. If the issue isn't treated promptly, it could eventually result in the whole handle becoming loose and potentially falling off entirely.
The most effective way to address this problem is by first finding the screws that connect the handles' exterior and interior. These screws are usually hidden behind plastic tabs that can be removed with a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in certain instances) screwdriver. It's a good idea to keep these screws in a safe place so that you don't loose them.
Once the old handles have been removed and the old handles are gone, the next step is to take off the spindle that has become loose. This can be done by tapping the end with a mallet or hammer until it is free of its position within the door. The new handle can be fitted by simply putting the spindle through the hole in the interior handle, and then inserting the other end of the spindle into the hole on the exterior handle. Once the handle is installed then tighten it by screwing back the screws and then test to ensure the lock and unlock mechanism is working correctly.
Faulty weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that is damaged or cracked may let air and water seep into your
patio door repair near me door, compromising your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It could let in moisture and create drafts that will increase your cooling and heating costs. Fortunately, replacing faulty weatherstripping is an easy fix that doesn't require any assistance from a professional. First, you need to take off the old stripping by loosening its staples using the help of a screwdriver or by pinning it gently using a putty knife, and then lifting it off the door. You can then clean the area and apply an additional layer of weatherstripping that is secured with foam seal. This will prevent leaks and improve comfort.
If your sliding patio door is not functioning as it should, you have to fix the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure that they are functional for years to be. 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 might be the best option.
The most frequent issues that are encountered with sliding patio doors are filthy rollers caused by debris on the tracks, wheels that are not aligned and a loose handle. These issues can be resolved by regular cleaning and maintenance like applying lubrication and adjusting the track, and tightening the hardware. If these methods do not work then you should seek advice from a professional to make sure that your patio is working as it should. Check the warranty information before you decide to replace or repair your patio door. This will save you money in the future on repairs and replacements.