Sliding Patio Doors Repairs

Your sliding patio doors will let in natural light to your home, and will increase the efficiency of your home's energy usage. However, with time, they can show signs of wear and tear, which will require some attention.

Fortunately, the majority of problems with sliding patio doors are fairly simple to address. Find out how to keep your sliding patio doors looking and working like new.

Dirty or Damaged Tracks

One of the most frequent causes of sliding patio doors that won't open is dirty or clogged tracks. Over time, the dust and grime of daily use accumulates on the track and can cause the door to become jammed or even fall apart completely.

Regularly cleaning sliding doors and tracks in your chores at home can help reduce the accumulation. Begin by cleaning any large debris from the tracks and then wiping them down with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaning product, such as dish soap. Add a little vinegar to your cleaning product can help in removing stubborn dirt and grease staining.

If your sliding door not working smoothly after you have followed these steps, it could be a sign that there is more damage. This may require a professional to fix or replace the door. There are a few simple fixes you can do before calling in professionals to avoid expensive repairs or replacements.

It is important to put a doormat at the bottom of your sliding doors to help keep dirt out before it has a chance to reach the tracks. Also, you should cut any bushes or plants close to your sliding doors in order to limit the amount of debris that gets trapped in the tracks. Also, make sure you close the door correctly so that it doesn't hit the tracks and damage the wheels and rollers. By keeping your doors clean and well-lubricated, you can extend their lifespan considerably.

Rollers that are misaligned

Sometimes, a sliding patio could be misaligned. Usually, this is due to dirt or other obstructions which can be easily removed. Sometimes, it's due to bent track or a bent roller. In this situation you can re-align the rollers by taking them off by using the adjustment screws and cleaning with the rubbing alcohol. Be cautious because these parts are delicate.

If your doors are still stuck, you can apply lubrication to the rollers. This will reduce friction and allow them to move more easily. Use a silicone-based product, since petroleum-based lubricants tend to attract dirt more quickly. It is also important to clean the rollers and tracks before applying lubricant.

After cleaning the rollers you can put them back on using the adjustment screws. Use the same lubricant that you used to clean them. Make sure to push the rollers all the way in their channels when reinstalling them. You can then test your door to determine whether it slides more effortlessly.

If the issue persists it may be necessary to uninstall your door and inspect the tracks and rollers for any more serious issues. If the tracks or wheels are bent in a way they may require you to replace them. In this case it's best to call in an expert to install the tracks.

Warped Glass

Sliding glass doors are convenient for bringing natural sunlight and the outdoors into a room, but they can also be susceptible to damages that require repair patio door or replacement. Cracking, warping, and fading are some of the most frequently encountered issues. Warping occurs when the components which make up your sliding glass patio door start to degrade due to sun, heat and other environmental elements. Cracking often results from impact damage, such as from a lawn mower or ball run-in, and fading generally occurs due to repeated contact with sunlight and other natural elements.

If you have sliding glass patio door glass repair doors that aren't easy to close and open it could be an indication that the rollers and tracks are not functioning correctly. This could be due to accumulated dirt, rust or debris in the track, wheels that are not aligned or the lack of lubrication. This issue can be solved by regularly cleaning the tracks and rollers and removing obstructions.

Another reason why your sliding patio doors may be difficult to open or close is that the locking mechanism has gone out of date. It could be due to misalignment, wear and tear or an amalgamation of both. To fix this issue, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws on the bottom.

Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio doors are a typical issue that can greatly reduce their energy efficiency. They are usually caused by worn weather stripping and poor alignment of the doors that is easily fixed by replacing the old weather stripping and realigning the doors.

Loose Handle

It can be frustrating when the handle of a sliding door becomes loose. It becomes difficult to open the door. This problem is caused by an improperly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosening and tightening the screws that hold it in place.

A loose handle could be caused by the handle breaking off from the spindle which connects it to the inside or exterior handles. This usually happens as a result of a combination of factors, including excessive use wear and tear or just general ageing. If the issue isn't treated promptly, it could eventually lead to the entire handle becoming loose, and potentially falling off entirely.

To fix this problem to fix it, you must first identify the screws that join the interior and exterior handles. They are typically hidden behind plastic tabs that can be removed with a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver, in some cases) screwdriver. Securely store these screws to prevent them from being lost.

After the handles have been removed, the next step is to remove the loose spindle. This can be accomplished by tapping on the end using a mallet or hammer until it is free of its position inside the door. The new handle is then fitted by placing the spindle inside the interior handle hole and the other end into the hole on the outside of the handle. Once the handle has been installed and tightened, screw back the screws. Then, test to make sure the lock and unlock mechanism functions properly.

Faulty weatherstripping

Weatherstripping that's damaged or cracked can let air and water get into your patio door, causing damage to your home's comfort and energy efficiency. In addition to allowing water, it can also create drafts and increase your heating or cooling costs. It is good news that replacing damaged weatherstripping is an easy repair that doesn't require assistance from a professional. You can take off the old weatherstripping by loosing the staples with an screwdriver, or gently prying it off with the help of a putty blade, and then taking it off the door. Then, you can wash the area and apply a new layer of weatherstripping. This is backed by a foam seal that helps ensure that there are no leaks and to increase comfort.

If your sliding patio doors aren't working as they should, it's essential to take action immediately to avoid further damage and to keep them in good condition for the long term. Depending on how severe the problem is the best option is it's possible to choose a DIY solution or a repair/replacement by a professional may be the best option.

Most problems with sliding patio doors are caused by dirty rollers, misaligned tracks, or a loose handle. These issues can usually be addressed through regular cleaning and maintenance including applying lubrication and adjusting the track, and tightening the hardware. If these solutions are not working then you should seek advice from a professional to make sure that your patio is operating just as it should. If you decide to replace or repair your patio door, be sure to check its warranty information to confirm that it is covered by the manufacturer's warranty. This could save you money on who repairs sliding patio doors or replacements later on.