Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio doors will let in natural light to your home and improve the efficiency of your home's energy usage. However, over time they may begin to show signs of wear and tear that require a bit of maintenance.
Luckily, the majority of problems with sliding patio doors are easy to fix. Find out how you can keep your sliding patio doors looking like new.
Dirty or Damaged Tracks
The tracks of your sliding patio door may be dirty or clogged. Over time, the grit and grime of everyday use build up on the track and can cause the door to become jammed or even collapse completely.
Regularly cleaning sliding doors and their tracks as part of your household chores can help reduce the build-up. 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. A little vinegar added to your cleaning solution may also aid in the removal of stubborn dirt and grease stains.
If your sliding door is not working smoothly after you've followed these steps, it could be a sign that there is more damage. This may require a professional to repair or replace the door. But, there are easy fixes you could try before calling the professionals to save on costly repairs or replacements.
It is essential to put a doormat near the bottom of your sliding doors in order to trap dirt before it can reach the tracks. It is also important to cut any bushes or plants close to your sliding doors in order to reduce the amount of debris that gets trapped in the tracks. Close the door properly to ensure that you don't damage the rollers or wheels. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated you can extend their lifespan significantly.
Rollers that are not aligned
Occasionally the sliding patio door may become unbalanced or becomes stuck. Most often, this is due to obstructions such as dirt or other that can be easily fixed. However, it could be due to a bent track or roller. In this situation you can re-align the rollers by removing them using the adjustment screws, and then cleaning with the rubbing alcohol. Be RepairMyWindowsAndDoors when working with these parts, as they can be delicate.
If your doors remain stuck then you could try applying lubrication to the rollers to decrease friction and make it easier for them to slide. It is recommended to use a silicone-based lubricant, since petroleum-based ones tend to draw dirt more quickly. It is crucial to clean the tracks and rollers before lubricating.
After cleaning the rollers you can reinstall using their adjustment screws. Make use of the same lubricant you used to clean them. When reinstalling the rollers, make sure you push them completely into their channels. You can now test your door and see if it slides smoothly.
If the problem continues, it might be necessary to remove your door and examine the tracks and rollers for any other issues. If the wheels or tracks are bent badly they may require you to replace them. It is recommended to hire a professional to install the rollers or tracks in this scenario.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are excellent for bringing outside into a room and letting in natural sunlight but they could also be prone to damage that needs repair or replacement. Some of the most common issues that can occur are warping, cracking and fade. The materials used to make the sliding glass patio doors start to break down when exposed heat, sunlight and other environmental elements. Cracking often results from the impact of a collision, for example from a lawn mower or ball run-in, whereas fading typically happens due to repeated contact with sunlight and other natural elements.
If your sliding patio doors aren't easy to open or close, it could be a sign that the tracks and rollers aren't working properly. This problem may be caused by accumulated dirt or rust on the track or wheels or due to a lack of or lubrication. Regularly cleaning the tracks and rollers, removing obstructions and applying silicone spray can aid in resolving this issue.
Another reason that sliding patio doors might be difficult to open or close is because the locking mechanism has become faulty. This could be caused by the alignment of the track or wear and tear but the solution is to adjust the locking mechanisms by turning the adjustment screws hidden in the bottom of the track.
Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio doors are a frequent problem that can drastically decrease their energy efficiency. These problems are usually caused by weather stripping that is worn out or poor alignment of the door. This issue can be easily resolved by replacing the weather stripping, and realigning your doors.
Loose Handle
When a sliding door's handle is loose, it can be quite frustrating and cause it difficult for people to open the door. This problem is usually caused by an incorrectly aligned locking mechanism which can be corrected by loosening the screws that hold it in place and tightening them until they're snug against the jamb of the door.
Another common reason for a handle to become loose is that it is detached from the spindle that connects the handles on the exterior and interior. This is usually the result of a variety of factors, such as excessive use, wear and tear, or simply the general aging. If the problem is not treated promptly, it could eventually lead to the whole handle becoming loose and eventually falling off completely.
To fix this problem it is necessary to find the screws that connect the handles' exterior and interior. They are usually hidden by plastic tabs, which can be removed with a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of certain handle styles, a Phillips-head screwdriver). Keep these screws in a safe place to ensure they don't get lost.
After removing the old handles the next step will be to take off the spindle. This can be done by pounding the end of the spindle with the hammer until it's freed from its position within the door. The new handle can be installed by simply putting the spindle into the hole on the interior handle and then inserting the other end of the spindle into the hole in the outside handle. Once the handle is in place, it can be tightened by screwing the screws back in and then testing to ensure that the locking and unlock mechanisms function correctly.
Poor weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that is damaged or cracked can allow water and air to be able to seep into your patio door, causing damage to your home's comfort and energy efficiency. In addition to letting in water, it can also cause drafts and increase your heating or cooling costs. It is easy to replace damaged weatherstripping without professional assistance. The first step is to remove the old stripping by loosing its staples with the help of a screwdriver or by pinning it with the help of a putty knife before lifting it off the door. You can then clean the area and apply a layer of weatherstripping that is secured with a foam seal. This will stop leaks and enhance comfort.
If your sliding patio doors are no operating as they should, it's crucial 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 could be the best choice.
Most sliding patio door problems are caused by dirty rollers, faulty tracks, or a loose handle. These issues are usually resolved through regular cleaning and maintenance, such as lubricating and adjusting the track, and tightening the hardware. However, if these methods fail, it's advisable to seek advice from a professional to ensure that your patio door is operating exactly as it should. Review the warranty information before you decide to repair or replace your patio door. This can save you money on repairs or replacements later on.