Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding glass patio doors help provide natural light and boost your home's energy efficiency. In time, they might start to show signs that require some maintenance.
Luckily, the majority of problems with sliding patio doors are fairly simple to fix. 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 might be filthy or blocked. Over time, the dirt and grime of daily usage can accumulate on the track. This can cause the jam to break or to break down completely.
Including regular light cleaning of sliding doors and their tracks in your household chores can help to reduce the amount of build-up. Start by cleaning large debris off the tracks. Then, use warm water and non-abrasive cleaning products such as dish soap to wipe them down. Adding a bit of vinegar to your cleaning solution may also help remove stubborn dirt and grease stains.
If you notice that your sliding door isn't able to move smoothly after completing these steps, it could be the sign of more severe damage and requires a professional repair or replacement. There are a few basic solutions you can try before calling a professional to avoid expensive repairs or replacements.
Install a doormat underneath your sliding doors. This will help to catch dirt before it gets to the tracks. Regularly trim any plants and bushes that are near your sliding door to limit the amount of debris that gets tracked into the tracks. Finally, be sure to close the door properly so it doesn't hit the tracks and damage the rollers and wheels. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated you can extend their lifespan significantly.
Rollers that are not aligned
Sometimes it happens that a sliding patio door becomes out of alignment or becomes stuck. This is usually due to dirt, or other obstructions which can be easily removed. But sometimes it can also be the result of bent tracks or rollers. In this instance you can re-align the rollers by taking them off with the adjustment screws and then cleaning with rubbing alcohol. These parts are often fragile.
If your doors remain stuck then you could try using lubricants on the rollers to reduce friction and make it easier for them to slide. Make use of a silicone-based product since petroleum-based lubricants tend to attract dirt more quickly. It is also crucial to clean the rollers and tracks prior to applying lubricant.
After you've cleaned your rollers, you are able to reinstall them using their adjustment screws. It's also a good idea to use the same lubricant you used for cleaning them. Be sure to push the rollers all the way into their channels when you reinstall them. Then, you can test your door to determine whether it is now sliding effortlessly.
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 rollers or tracks are badly bent, they may need to be replaced. In this case it's a good idea to get an expert to install the tracks.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are ideal for bringing outside into a room and letting in natural light, but they may also be susceptible to damage that requires repair or replacement. Cracks, warping and fading are a few of the most frequent issues. Warping occurs when the materials that make up your sliding glass patio door start to degrade as a result of exposure to sun, heat and other environmental elements. Cracking often results from injuries caused by impact, like from a lawn mower or ball run-in, whereas fading typically happens due to repeated contact with sunlight or other elements of nature.
If you have sliding glass patio doors that aren't easy to close and open, this could be an indication that the rollers and tracks do not work properly. This issue could be caused by accumulated dirt or rust in the track or wheels, or by a lack or lubrication. This issue can be solved by regularly cleaning the tracks, rollers and clearing obstructions.
Another reason that sliding patio doors might be difficult to open or close is that the locking mechanism is no longer working. This could be caused by the alignment of the track or wear and tear however, a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws that are located in the bottom of the track.
Air leaks or drafts around your sliding patio door are a common issue that can decrease their energy efficiency. These issues are typically caused by worn-out weather stripping or poor door alignment. This issue can be easily resolved by replacing the weather stripping and re-aligning your doors.
Loose Handle
It can be quite frustrating when the handle of a sliding door becomes loose. It makes it difficult to open. This is due to an improperly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosing and tightening the screws holding it in place.
A loose handle can also result from the handle breaking off from the spindle that connects it to the interior or exterior handles. This can be due to a variety of factors including excessive use, wear-and-tear or just aging. If the problem is not treated promptly, it could eventually lead to the whole handle becoming loose and eventually falling off completely.
To resolve this issue to fix it, you must first find the screws that connect the handles' exterior and interior. They are usually concealed by tabs made of plastic, which can be removed using a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of certain handle styles, a Phillips-head screwdriver). It's a good idea to keep these screws safe to ensure that you don't lose them.
After removing the old handles then the next step would be to take off the spindle. This can be done by pounding the end of the spindle using an hammer until removed from its place within the door. patio door repairs can be fitted by simply putting the spindle into the hole on the interior handle and then inserting the other end of the spindle through the hole in the outside handle. Once the handle is in place it can be tightened by screwing the screws back in and then examining to confirm that the locking and unlock mechanisms function correctly.
Poor weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that's damaged or cracked can allow water and air to seep into your patio door, compromising your home's comfort and energy efficiency. In addition to allowing water, it can also cause drafts and increase your cooling or heating costs. It is good news that replacing damaged weatherstripping is an easy repair that doesn't require professional assistance. You can take off the old weatherstripping by either loosing the staples with an screwdriver, or gently prying it with the help of a putty blade, and then taking it off the door. Clean the area, and then apply a layer of weatherstripping which is secured by a foam seal. This will prevent leaks and increase the comfort.
If your sliding patio door isn't functioning as it should, you need to address the issue immediately to prevent further damage and keep them functioning for years 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 might be the best choice.
The most frequent issues with sliding patio doors are dirty rollers from debris in the tracks, misaligned wheels and a loose handle. These issues can be resolved by regular maintenance and cleaning like lubricating and adjusting the track and tightening the hardware. If these steps don't work, it's best to seek professional advice to ensure that your patio door is functioning exactly as it should. If you decide to replace or repair your patio door, make certain to verify its warranty information to ensure that it is covered under the manufacturer's guarantee. This will save you money on repairs or replacements in the near future.