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 could show signs of wear and tear that will require some attention.
The majority of problems with sliding patio doors are fairly simple to fix. Find out how to keep patio door repairs sliding patio doors looking like new.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks
One of the most common causes of sliding patio doors that do not open is dirty or blocked tracks. Over time, the dust and grime from daily usage accumulates on the tracks and can cause the door to jam or even break down completely.
Regularly cleaning sliding doors and tracks in your chores at home can help minimize this accumulation. Begin by sweeping or vacuuming large debris off the tracks. Then, use warm water and non-abrasive cleaning products like dish soap to clean them. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to help get rid of stubborn grease and dirt staining.
If your sliding door still not moving smoothly even after you've followed these steps, it could be a sign that there is more serious damage. This could require a professional to fix or replace the door. However, there are many simple fixes that you can try before calling the professionals to prevent costly repairs or replacements.
Place a mat under your sliding doors. This will help to catch dirt before it gets to the tracks. Regularly trim any plants or bushes that are in close proximity to your sliding door to limit the amount of debris that is tracked into the tracks. Also, make sure you close the door correctly so that it doesn't crash into the tracks and cause damage to the wheels and rollers. You can increase the lifespan of your doors by maintaining them clean and lubricated.
Rollers that are misaligned
Occasionally it happens that a sliding patio door becomes unbalanced or becomes stuck. It is usually due to obstructions such as dirt or other which can be easily removed. However, it can also be due to bent tracks or rollers. In the latter scenario, you may be able to re-align the roller by taking them out using their adjustment screws and then cleaning them with rubbing alcohol. These parts are often fragile.
If your doors are still stuck, you can grease the rollers. This will lessen friction and allow them to move more easily. It is best to make use of a silicone-based lubricant as petroleum-based ones can attract dirt faster. It is also important to clean the tracks and rollers prior to applying lubricant.
After you've cleaned your rollers, you can put them back in place them using the screws for adjustment. Use the same lubricant that you used to clean them. Be sure to push the rollers fully into their channels when you reinstall them. You can then check your door to see whether it slides more effortlessly.
If the problem continues it may be necessary to uninstall your door and check the rollers and tracks for any other issues. If the rollers or tracks are bent in a way or bent, they may have to be replaced. It's best to hire an expert to install the rollers or tracks in this case.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are convenient 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 some of the most frequent issues. The materials that compose the sliding glass patio doors begin to break down when exposed sunlight, heat and other environmental factors. Cracking often results from impact damage, such as from a lawn mower or ball run-in, while fading usually is caused by repeated contact with sunlight and other elements of nature.
If your sliding glass patio doors are difficult to close or open, it could be an indication that the tracks and rollers are not functioning correctly. This issue could be caused by accumulated dirt or rust on the track or wheels, or by a lack or lubrication. Regularly cleaning the rollers and tracks by removing obstructions, and then applying silicone spray can help resolve this problem.
The locking mechanism may be faulty, making it difficult to open and 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 using the adjustment screws located on the bottom of the track.
Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio door are a frequent issue that can decrease the efficiency of your home's energy usage. They usually result from damaged weather stripping or an improper alignment of the door and can be easily corrected by replacing the old weather stripping and aligning the doors.
Loose Handle
If the handle of a sliding doors becomes loose, it can 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 fixed by loosening the screws that hold it in place and tightening them until they're snug against the door jamb.
Another common reason for a loose handle is that it has become detached from the spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles. This is usually the result of a variety of factors, including excessive use or wear and tear or simply the general aging. If the problem is not treated promptly, it could eventually lead to the entire handle becoming loose and eventually falling off completely.
To solve this issue it is necessary to locate the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. These screws are usually hidden behind tabs made of plastic that can be removed with a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in some instances) screwdriver. Securely store these screws to ensure they don't get lost.
Once the handles that were previously used have been removed and the old handles are gone, the next step is to take off the spindle that is loose. This can be done by pounding the ends of the spindle with the hammer until it's freed from its position within the door. The new handle is fitted by placing the spindle in the hole for the handle inside and the other end through the hole in the handle on the outside. Once the handle has been installed and tightened, screw back the screws, and then test to make sure the lock and unlock mechanism is working correctly.
Unusual Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that is cracked or worn can allow water and air to get into your patio door, which can compromise your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It can let in moisture and create drafts, which will increase the cost of cooling and heating. It's easy to replace faulty weatherstripping without professional assistance. You can remove the old weatherstripping by loosening the staples with the help of a screwdriver or by gently prying it with a putty knife and pulling it from the door. Then, you can wash the area and apply a fresh layer of weatherstripping, which is backed by a foam seal that helps ensure that there are no leaks and to increase comfort.
If your sliding patio doors are no working as they should, it's essential to address the issue immediately to avoid further damage and keep them functional for years to come. Depending on how serious the problem 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 an untidy handle. These issues can usually be resolved through regular cleaning and maintenance, such as changing the track's lubricant and adjust, and tightening the hardware. However, if these measures fail, it's advisable consult a professional for advice to ensure that your patio door is working as it should. If you decide to replace or repair your patio door, be sure to check its warranty information to ensure that it's covered by the manufacturer's guarantee. This will save you money in the long run on repairs and replacements.