Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding glass patio doors to let in more light and increase your home's energy efficiency. However, over time they can show signs of wear and tear that require some maintenance.
Most sliding patio door problems are relatively easy to repair. Find out how you can keep your sliding patio doors looking and functioning like new.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks
The tracks of your sliding patio door could be filthy or clogged. Over time, the dirt and grime from everyday use can accumulate on the track. This can cause the door jam or break completely.
The buildup can be slowed by including regular light cleanings of sliding doors and tracks in your daily household chores. Start by cleaning large debris off the tracks. Then apply warm water and non-abrasive cleaning products like dish soap to wipe them down. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to get rid of stubborn grease and dirt staining.
If you notice that your sliding door doesn't move smoothly after completing these steps, it may be the sign of more severe damage and requires a professional repair or replacement. There are a few easy fixes you can make before calling a professional to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
It is important to put a doormat on the bottom of your sliding doors to help keep dirt out before it has a chance to get to 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 correctly to prevent damage to the rollers and wheels. By keeping your doors clean and well-lubricated, you can prolong their lifespan substantially.
Rollers that are misaligned
Occasionally the sliding patio door can become out of alignment or becomes stuck. This usually happens due to dirt or other obstructions which can be easily removed. But sometimes it can be due to bent tracks or rollers. In the latter case it is possible to re-align the roller by extracting them using their adjustment screws and then cleaning them with ruby alcohol. These parts are often fragile.
If your doors are still stuck, you can try lubricating the rollers to reduce friction and make it easier for them to slide. Choose a silicone-based lubricant, as petroleum-based lubricants can draw dirt more quickly. It is also essential to clean the tracks and rollers before applying lubricant.
After you've cleaned the rollers, you can put them back in place them with the adjustment screws. Use the same lubricant you used to clean them. Make sure to push the rollers fully in their channels when reinstalling them. You can then test your door to determine whether it is now sliding smoothly.
If the problem persists, it might be necessary to uninstall your door and examine the tracks and rollers for any other issues. If the rollers or tracks are bent in a way or bent, they may have to be replaced. In this case it's a good idea to call in an expert to install the tracks.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are great for bringing natural light and the outdoors into a room, but they can also be vulnerable to damages that require repair or replacement. Warping, cracking and fading are a few of the most frequent issues. The materials that make up the sliding glass patio doors start to degrade when exposed to heat, sunlight and other environmental factors. Cracking often results from injuries caused by impact, like from a ball or lawn mower run-in, and fading generally occurs due to repeated contact with sunlight and other elements found in nature.
If your sliding patio doors aren't easy to close or open, it could be a sign that the tracks and rollers aren't working properly. This issue could be caused by the accumulation of dirt, rust, or debris in the track, wheels that are not aligned or a lack of lubrication. Cleaning the tracks and rollers by removing obstructions, and then applying silicone spray can help resolve this problem.
The locking mechanism could also be faulty and make it difficult to open or shut your sliding patio doors. 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 common issue that can greatly reduce their energy efficiency. They usually result from worn weather stripping and an improper alignment of the door and is easily fixed by replacing the old weather stripping and aligning the doors.
Loose Handle
When a sliding door's handle is loose, it can be quite annoying and make it difficult for people to open the door. This is due to a misaligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosening and tightening the screws holding it in the correct position.
Another common reason for a loose handle is that it is detached from the spindle that connects it to the interior and exterior handles. This usually happens as a result of a variety of factors, including over use, wear and tear, or simply aging. If the issue isn't addressed quickly, the handle may become loose and fall off.
The best method to solve this issue is by first finding the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. They are typically hidden by plastic tabs, which can be removed using a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of certain handles, a Phillips head screwdriver). sliding patio door repair near me 's a good idea to keep these screws in a safe place to ensure that you don't lose them.
Once the old handles have been removed, the next step is to take off the spindle that has become loose. You can do this by pounding the end of the spindle with an hammer until removed from its position inside the door. The new handle is fitted by putting the spindle in the hole for the handle inside and the other end into the hole in the handle on the outside. Once the handle is in place, it can be tightened by screwing the screws back in and then examining to confirm that the lock and unlock mechanisms work properly.
Faulty Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that is cracked or worn can allow water and air to be able to seep into your patio door, causing damage to your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It can let in moisture and create drafts, which can increase your heating and cooling costs. It is good news that replacing damaged weatherstripping is an easy fix that doesn't require assistance from a professional. First, you need to take off the old stripping by loosing its staples using an screwdriver or pinning it with a putty knife and then taking it off the door. After that, you can clean the area and apply a new layer of weatherstripping. This is secured by a foam seal to prevent leaks and enhance comfort.
If your sliding patio doors are no longer functioning as they should, it's crucial to address the issue immediately to avoid further damage and keep them in good condition for the long term. Depending on how severe the problem is the best option is 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, or an untidy handle. In most instances these issues can be addressed through regular maintenance and cleaning, such as lubricating the track and rollers, as well as adjusting them and tightening the hardware. However, if these measures aren't working, it's best to seek advice from a professional to ensure that your patio door is operating as it should. Before you decide to replace or repair your patio door, be sure to check its warranty information to ensure that it is covered under the manufacturer's warranty. This will save you money in the long run on repairs and replacements.
