The 10 Most Scariest Things About Patio Doors Repairs
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 need some maintenance.
Luckily, the majority of issues with sliding patio doors repairs patio doors are fairly simple to fix. Find out how to keep your sliding patio doors looking and working like new.
Dirty or damaged Tracks
The tracks of your sliding patio door could be filthy or blocked. Over time, the dirt and grime of daily use can build up on the track. This can cause the jam to break or even break completely.
This buildup can be minimized 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 cleansing products, such as dish soap, to wipe them down. A little vinegar added to your cleaning product can also help remove stubborn grease and dirt stains.
If you notice that your sliding door doesn't move smoothly after following these steps, it may be a sign of more serious damage that requires a professional repair or replacement. But, there are easy fixes you can try before calling the experts to prevent costly repairs or replacements.
It is essential to put a doormat at the bottom of your sliding doors to trap dirt before it can reach the tracks. Regularly trim any plants or shrubs that are located near the sliding door to decrease the amount of debris that is tracked into the tracks. Also, make sure you close the door correctly so that it doesn't slam into the tracks and damage the rollers and wheels. You can extend the life of your doors by maintaining them clean and lubricated.
Rollers that are not aligned
Occasionally, a sliding patio door can become out of alignment or becomes stuck. This is usually due to dirt, or other obstructions that can be easily removed. Sometimes it's due to bent track or a bent roller. In this case, you can realign the rollers by removing them with the adjustment screws and then cleaning with the rubbing alcohol. Be careful, as these parts are fragile.
If your doors are stuck, you can apply lubrication to the rollers. This will reduce friction and allow them to move more easily. Make use of a silicone-based product because petroleum-based lubricants may draw dirt more quickly. It is crucial to clean the rollers and tracks prior to lubricating.
After cleaning the rollers, you can put them back in place using the adjustment screws. It's also a good idea to use the same lubricant you used to clean them. Make sure you push the rollers all the way into their channels before reinstalling them. You can then test your door to see if it now slides effortlessly.
If the problem continues it could be necessary to uninstall your door and check the tracks and rollers for any other issues. If the tracks or wheels are bent in a way they may require you to replace them. In such a case it's best to call in a professional for the installation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are ideal for bringing natural sunlight and the outdoors into a space, but they can also be vulnerable to damage that requires repair or replacement. Some of the most frequent problems that occur include cracking, warping and fading. The materials that make up the sliding glass patio doors start to break down when exposed sunlight, heat and other environmental factors. Cracks are often caused by impact damage, such as from a ball or lawn mower run-in, and fading generally occurs due to repeated contact with sunlight and other elements of nature.
If your sliding patio doors aren't easy to open or close, it could be a sign that their rollers and tracks are not functioning correctly. This could be due to accumulated dirt, rust or debris in the track, or misaligned wheels or the lack of lubrication. Cleaning the tracks and rollers, removing obstructions and applying silicone spray can aid in resolving this issue.
The locking mechanism might be faulty, making it difficult to open or shut your sliding patio doors. It could be caused by misalignment, wear and tear or an amalgamation of both. To fix this, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustable screws located at the bottom.
Drafts or air leaks that occur around your sliding patio doors repair doors are a common issue that can significantly decrease their energy efficiency. These issues are typically caused by worn-out weather stripping or poor door alignment. This issue can be easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and realigning your doors.
Loose Handle
If the handle of a sliding doors becomes loose, it could be quite frustrating and make 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 secure it and tightening them until they are snug against the jamb of the door.
Another reason that is commonly cited for a handle to become loose is that it has become detached from the spindle that connects it with the handles' exterior and interior. This is typically the result of a mix of factors, including excessive use, wear and tear, or simply the general aging. If the issue isn't addressed quickly, the handle can be loosened and fall off.
To solve this issue to fix it, you must first find the screws that connect the handles' exterior and interior. They are typically hidden behind tabs of plastic that can be removed with a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in some instances) screwdriver. Keep these screws in a safe place to prevent them from being lost.
Once the handles that were previously used have been removed and the old handles are gone, the next step is to remove the spindle that has become loose. You can do this by tapping the end of the spindle using a hammer until it is removed from its position inside the door. The new handle is fitted by placing the spindle in the interior handle hole and the other end into the hole on the outside of the handle. After the handle is installed and tightened, screw back the screws, and then check to ensure that the lock and unlock mechanism is working correctly.
Afflicted Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that's damaged or cracked can let air and water get into your patio door, which can compromise 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. Fortunately, replacing faulty weatherstripping is an easy repair that doesn't require professional help. The first step is to remove the old stripping by either loosing its staples with an screwdriver or pinning it gently using a putty knife and then pulling it off the door. Then, you can wash the area and apply a fresh layer of weatherstripping. This is secured by a foam seal that helps stop leaks and improve comfort.
If your sliding patio doors are no working as they should, it's important to fix the issue as soon as possible to prevent any further damage and ensure they remain functional for a long time to come. Depending on how to repair tilt and slide patio door serious the problem is and the severity of the issue, it's possible to choose a DIY solution or a repair/replacement by a professional may be the best choice.
Most sliding patio door problems are caused by dirty rollers, faulty tracks, or a loose handle. These issues are usually solved by regular cleaning and maintenance including applying lubrication and adjusting the track, and tightening the hardware. If these methods are not working it is recommended that you seek advice from a professional to ensure that your patio is functioning exactly as it should. Review the warranty information before you decide to replace or repair your patio door. This can save you money on repairs or replacements later on.