Sliding Patio Doors Repairs

Your sliding patio doors can bring the outdoors in to your home, and will increase the efficiency of your home's energy usage. However, with time, they can show signs of wear and tear, which will require some attention.

Luckily, the majority of problems with sliding patio doors are fairly simple to address. Find out how to keep your sliding patio doors looking like new.

Dirty or damaged Tracks

One of the most common causes of sliding patio doors that don't open is dirty or blocked tracks. Over time, dirt and grime from everyday use can build up on the track. This can cause the door jam or even break completely.

This buildup can be minimized by incorporating regular light cleaning of sliding doors and tracks during your regular chores. Start by brushing or vacuuming any big 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 solution can also help remove stubborn grease and dirt staining.

If your sliding door is not working smoothly after you've followed these steps, it could be a sign there is more damage. This could require a professional to repair or replace the door. There are a variety of simple fixes you can try before calling the professionals to save on costly repairs or replacements.

It's important to place a doormat near the bottom of your sliding doors in order to catch dirt before it can reach the tracks. It is also important to cut any bushes or plants close to your sliding doors in order to minimize the amount of debris tracked into the tracks. Finally, be sure to close the door in a way that it doesn't hit the tracks and cause damage to the rollers and wheels. By keeping your doors clean and well-lubricated, you will extend their life substantially.

Rollers that are misaligned

Sometimes, a sliding patio could be misaligned. This usually happens due to dirt, or other obstructions which can be easily removed. However, it can be due to a bent track or roller. In this case, you can realign the rollers by removing them using the adjustment screws and then cleaning with rubbing alcohol. These parts can be fragile.

If your doors remain stuck, you can try lubricating the rollers to reduce friction and make it easier for them to slide. Choose a silicone-based lubricant, because petroleum-based lubricants may attract dirt more quickly. It is also essential to clean the rollers and tracks prior to lubricating them.

After cleaning the rollers you can put them back on using the adjustment screws. Make use of the same lubricant you used to clean them. Make sure you push the rollers all the way into their channels when you reinstall them. You can test your door now and see if it glides smoothly.

If the problem persists it may be necessary to uninstall your door and check the rollers and tracks for any more serious issues. If the tracks or rollers are bent in a way they might need to be replaced. In such a case, it's a good idea to contact an expert for the installation.

Warped Glass

Sliding glass doors are convenient to bring in 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 arise are cracking, warping, and fade. 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. Cracks are usually caused by impact damage such as the impact of a lawnmowers blade or ball that is smashed into the door. Fading usually occurs because of repeated exposure to sunlight and other elements.

If your sliding glass patio doors repairs near me doors are difficult to close or open, it could indicate that their rollers and tracks aren't functioning properly. This could be due to accumulated dirt, rust or debris in the track, misaligned wheels or the lack of lubrication. Regularly cleaning the tracks and rollers by removing obstructions, and then applying silicone spray may aid in resolving this issue.

The locking mechanism could also be faulty and make it difficult to open or close your sliding local patio door repairs doors. This could be due to misalignment 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.

Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio doors are a typical issue that can significantly reduce their energy efficiency. These issues are typically caused by weather stripping that has worn out or poor door alignment. This issue can be easily resolved by replacing the weather stripping, and realigning your 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 is typically caused by an incorrectly aligned locking mechanism which can be fixed by loosening the screws that secure it and then tightening them until they're snug against the door jamb.

Another common reason for a handle to become loose is that it is detached from the spindle that connects it to the handles on the exterior and interior. This is usually due to a variety of factors, including frequent use, wear and tear or just general aging. If the problem isn't resolved quickly, the handle can be loosened and fall off.

The best method to solve this problem is by first finding the screws that join the interior and exterior handles. They are usually concealed by tabs made of plastic that can be removed using a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of some handles, a Phillips head screwdriver). Store these screws safely to avoid losing them.

After the handles have been removed, the next step is to remove the spindle that has become loose. This can be done by tapping the spindle with a mallet or hammer until it is free of its place within the door. The new handle is then 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 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.

Unusual Weatherstripping

A cracked or worn weatherstripping can allow water and air to get through your patio doors, compromising the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. It can allow moisture in and create drafts that will increase your cooling and heating costs. The good news is that replacing the weatherstripping is a simple fix that doesn't require any assistance from a professional. You can remove the old weatherstripping by loosening the staples using the help of a screwdriver or by gently prying it with a putty knife and pulling it from the door. You can then clean the area, and then apply a layer of weatherstripping that is backed with a foam seal. This will prevent leaks and increase comfort.

If your sliding patio doors aren't longer functioning as they should, it's crucial to fix the issue as soon as possible to avoid any further damage and ensure they remain in good condition for the long term. Depending on how serious the issue is, an DIY solution or a repair/replacement by a professional may be the best choice.

The most frequent issues that arise with sliding patio door track repair doors include filthy rollers caused by debris on the tracks, wheels that are not aligned and a loose handle. In most cases these issues can be resolved with regular maintenance and cleaning, which includes oiling the track as well as adjusting the rollers and tightening hardware. If these methods don't work it is recommended that you seek professional advice in order to make sure that your patio is functioning as it should. If 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 near future.