Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio doors will let the outdoors in to your home and improve the efficiency of your home's energy usage. However, over time they could show signs of wear and tear, which will require some attention.
Luckily, the majority of issues with sliding patio doors are simple to address. Find out how you can keep your sliding patio doors looking like new.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty
The tracks of your sliding patio door could be filthy or blocked. Over time, dirt and grime of daily use can accumulate on the track. This can cause the door jam or to break down completely.
Including regular light cleaning of sliding doors and their tracks in your household chores can help minimize this accumulation. Start by brushing or vacuuming any big debris from the tracks, and then wiping them down with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner, such as dish soap. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to get rid of stubborn grease and dirt staining.
If your sliding door still not moving smoothly after you have followed these steps, this could be a sign there is more serious damage. This could require a professional to repair or replace the door. There are a few easy fixes you can do before calling a professional to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
It is essential to put a doormat on the bottom of your sliding doors to catch dirt before it has the chance to reach the tracks. Regularly trim any plants or shrubs that are located near the sliding door to decrease the amount of debris that gets tracked into the tracks. Finally, be sure to close the door in a way that it doesn't hit the tracks and damage the rollers and wheels. You can extend the life of your doors by keeping them clean and lubricated.
Misaligned Rollers
Sometimes, a patio sliding can become misaligned. Usually, this is due to obstructions or dirt that can be easily fixed. Sometimes, it's due to bent tracks or a bent roller. In this situation, you can realign the rollers by removing them using the adjustment screws, and then cleaning with rubbing alcohol. Be cautious because these parts are delicate.
If your doors are still sticking, you can lubricate the rollers. This will reduce friction and allow them to slide more easily. Use a silicone-based product, because petroleum-based lubricants may attract dirt faster. It is also crucial to clean the rollers and tracks prior to applying lubricant.
After cleaning the rollers, you can put them back in place using the adjustment screws. It is recommended to use the same lubricant you used when cleaning them. When you reinstall the rollers, make sure you push them completely into their channels. You can test the door and see if it slides smoothly.
If the problem continues, it is possible to take the door off and inspect the tracks and rollers. If the tracks or wheels are badly bent it could be necessary to replace them. In such a scenario it's best to contact a professional for the installation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are great for bringing in natural light and the outdoors into a space, but they can also be susceptible to damage that requires repair or replacement. Warping, cracking and fading are just a few of the most common problems. The materials that make up the sliding glass patio doors start to break down when exposed sunlight, heat and other environmental elements. Cracking is often caused by the impact of the impact of a lawnmowers or ball hitting into the door. Fading usually occurs due to repeated exposure to sunlight as well as other elements.
If your sliding patio doors aren't easy to close or open, it could indicate that their rollers and tracks aren't working properly. This issue could be caused by the accumulation of dirt, rust, or debris on the track or wheels or a lack or lubrication. This issue can be solved by regularly cleaning the rollers, tracks and clearing obstructions.
The locking mechanism may also be defective which makes it difficult to open and shut your sliding patio doors. This could be due to an issue with alignment or wear and tear however, a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws that are located on the bottom of the track.
Air leaks or drafts around your sliding patio doors are a frequent issue that can greatly 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 fixed easily by replacing the weather stripping and re-aligning your doors.
Loose Handle
When a sliding door's handle is loose, it can be quite annoying and make it difficult for people to open the door. The reason for this is an improperly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosing and tightening the screws holding it in place.
A loose handle could be caused by the handle breaking off from the spindle which connects it to the interior or handles outside. This is often caused by a variety of factors including excessive use, wear-and-tear, or simply general ageing. If the problem is not resolved promptly, it may eventually result in the entire handle becoming loose, and potentially falling off entirely.
To solve this issue to fix it, you must first find the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. The screws are typically hidden behind tabs made of plastic which can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver, in some cases) screwdriver. It is a good idea to keep these screws safe so that you don't lose them.
Once the handles that were previously used have been removed the next step is to remove the loose spindle. This can be done by tapping the end of the spindle using an hammer until removed from its position inside the door. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors is then fitted by placing the spindle in the hole for the handle inside and the other end through the exterior handle hole. Once the handle is installed, tighten it by screwing back the screws, and then check to ensure that the lock and unlock mechanism functions correctly.
Afflicted Weatherstripping
A worn or cracked weatherstripping could allow air and water to get through your patio doors, compromising the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. It can let in moisture and create drafts that will increase your cooling and heating costs. It is good news that replacing damaged weatherstripping is a simple fix that doesn't require professional help. You can take off the old weatherstripping by loosening the staples with the help of a screwdriver or by gently prying it with a putty blade and then pulling it from the door. Then, you can wash the area and apply a new layer of weatherstripping. This is secured by a foam seal to stop leaks and improve the comfort.
If your sliding patio doors aren't working as they should, it's essential to take action immediately to avoid further damage and to keep them functional for years to come. Depending on how serious the issue is, a DIY solution or a repair/replacement by a professional may be the best option.
The most frequent issues that arise with sliding patio doors include filthy rollers caused by debris on the tracks, misaligned wheels and a loose handle. In the majority of cases these issues can be resolved with regular maintenance and cleaning, which includes oiling the track and rollers, as well as adjusting them and tightening hardware. If these methods are not working, you should seek advice from a professional to ensure that your patio is operating exactly as it should. Check the warranty information before you decide to replace or repair your patio door. This will save you money in the future for repairs and replacements.