Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio doors will let sunlight into your home, and will increase the efficiency of your home's energy usage. However, as time passes, they can show signs of wear and tear that will require a bit of maintenance.
The majority of problems with sliding patio doors are fairly easy to fix. Learn more about how you can keep your patio doors looking and working like new:.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty
The tracks of your sliding patio door might 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 to break down completely.
This buildup can be minimized by incorporating regular light cleaning of sliding doors and tracks in your daily household chores. Begin by sweeping or vacuuming any large debris from the tracks and then wipe them clean using warm water and a non-abrasive cleaning product like dish soap. Add a little vinegar to your cleaning product can help in removing stubborn dirt and grease stains.
If you notice that your sliding door doesn't move smoothly after completing these steps, it may be an indication of more serious damage that requires a professional repair or replacement. There are a few basic solutions you can try before calling a professional to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Place a doormat under your sliding doors. This will assist in catch dirt before it gets to the tracks. You should also regularly cut back any bushes or plants near your sliding doors to limit the amount of debris that gets tracked into the tracks. Finally, be sure to close the door in a way that it doesn't slam into the tracks and damage the rollers and wheels. You can prolong the life of your doors by maintaining them clean and lubricated.
Rollers that are misaligned
Sometimes, a patio could be misaligned. Most often, this is due to dirt or other obstructions that can be easily removed. Sometimes it's due bent track or a bent roller. In the latter scenario, you may be able to realign the roller by taking them out by using the adjustment screws and cleaning them with rubbing alcohol. Be cautious when working with these parts, as they are delicate.
If your doors are still stuck, you can apply lubrication to the rollers. This will reduce friction and allow them to move more easily. Choose a silicone-based lubricant, because petroleum-based lubricants may attract dirt more quickly. It is also important to clean the tracks and rollers before lubricating them.
After cleaning the rollers you can put them back on using the adjustment screws. Use the same lubricant you used to clean them. When reinstalling the rollers, make sure you push them completely into their channels. Then, you can check your door to see if it now slides effortlessly.
If the problem persists it may be necessary to remove your door and examine the tracks and rollers for any other issues. If the tracks or rollers are bent badly they might need to be replaced. It is recommended to hire a professional to install the tracks or rollers in this situation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are excellent for bringing the outdoors into a room and letting in natural light however, they can also be susceptible to damage that needs 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 begin to deteriorate when exposed to sunlight, heat and other environmental elements. The most common cause of cracking is impact damage such as the impact of a lawnmowers blade or ball that is smashed into the door. Fading typically occurs due to repeated exposure to sunlight and other elements.
If your sliding glass patio doors are difficult to open or close it could be a sign that their rollers and tracks aren't functioning properly. This problem may be caused by the accumulation of dirt or rust in the wheels or track or due to a lack of or lubrication. Cleaning the tracks and rollers clearing obstructions and applying silicone spray may aid in resolving this issue.
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 mechanism by using the adjustment screws located on the bottom of the track.
Air leaks or drafts around your sliding patio doors are a common issue that can significantly reduce their energy efficiency. They usually result from damaged weather stripping and poor alignment of the doors and is easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and aligning the doors.
Loose Handle
It can be frustrating when the handle of a sliding door becomes loose. It can be difficult to open the door. This is due to an incorrectly aligned lock mechanism. It can be repaired by tightening and loosening the screws holding it in place.
Another common reason for a loose handle is that it has separated from the spindle that connects the handles' exterior and interior. patio door refurbishment is often the result of a number of factors, including frequent use, wear and tear or just aging. If the issue isn't addressed quickly, it could eventually lead to the whole handle becoming loose and potentially falling off entirely.
The best way to fix this issue is to start by locating the screws that attach the interior and exterior handles. These screws are usually hidden behind plastic tabs that can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver, in some cases) screwdriver. Store these screws safely to avoid losing them.
After removing the old handles the next step will be to remove the spindle. You can do this by pounding the ends of the spindle using the hammer until it's removed from its place within the door. The new handle can be put in place by simply placing the spindle into the hole on the interior handle and then inserting the other end of the spindle through the hole in the exterior handle. Once the handle is installed and tightened, screw back the screws. Then, test to make sure the lock and unlock mechanism functions properly.
Faulty weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that's cracked or worn can allow water and air to seep into your patio door, compromising your home's comfort and energy efficiency. In addition to allowing moisture, it could also cause drafts and increase your cooling or heating costs. It's easy to replace faulty weatherstripping with no professional help. The first step is to remove the old stripping by loosening its staples with the help of a screwdriver or by pinning it with a putty knife and then lifting it off the door. Clean the area, and apply a layer of weatherstripping that is secured by foam seal. This will prevent leaks and increase comfort.
If your sliding patio doors are no longer functioning as they should, it's important to take action immediately to avoid further damage and keep them functional for years to come. Depending on how serious the problem is the best option is a DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement could be the best option.
The majority of sliding patio door issues are caused by dirty rollers, misaligned tracks, and an untidy handle. These issues are usually resolved through regular cleaning and maintenance like changing the track's lubricant and adjust 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 just as it should. Before you decide to replace or repair your patio door, be certain to verify its warranty information to ensure that it is covered under the manufacturer's guarantee. This could save you money on repairs or replacements in the future.