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 can show signs of wear and tear, which will require some maintenance.
The majority of sliding patio door issues are relatively easy to repair. Learn more about how to keep your patio doors looking and working like new:.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks
The tracks of your sliding patio door might be filthy or clogged. Over time, dirt and grime from everyday use can accumulate on the track. This could cause the door jam to become damaged or to break down completely.
This buildup can be reduced by regular light cleaning of tracks and sliding doors in your routine chores. Begin by brushing or vacuuming any big debris from the tracks and then wiping them down with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaning product like dish soap. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to help remove stubborn dirt and grease stains.
If you find that your sliding door isn't able to move smoothly after following these steps, it could be an indication of more serious damage that requires a professional repair or replacement. But, there are easy fixes you could try before calling experts to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
It is important to put a doormat near the bottom of your sliding doors to keep dirt out before it has the chance to reach the tracks. Make sure to trim the plants and shrubs that are located near the sliding door to decrease the amount of debris that gets tracked into the tracks. Close the door in a timely manner to prevent damage to the rollers and wheels. You can extend the life of your doors by maintaining them clean and lubricated.
Rollers that are not aligned
Sometimes, a sliding patio could be misaligned. This is usually due to dirt, or other obstructions which can be easily removed. Sometimes, it's due to bent tracks or a bent roller. In this case you might be able to straighten the roller by extracting them by using the adjustment screws and cleaning them using rubbing alcohol. Be cautious because these parts are delicate.
If your doors remain stuck then you could try lubricating the rollers to reduce friction and make it easier for them to slide. It is best to use a silicone-based lubricant, as petroleum-based ones can draw dirt more quickly. It is important to clean the tracks and rollers prior to applying lubricant.
After cleaning the rollers you can put them back in place using the adjustment screws. Use patio door glass replacement used to clean them. When you are reinstalling the rollers be sure to push them completely into their channels. You can now test your door and see if it moves smoothly.
If the problem continues, it could be necessary to take the door off and examine the rollers and tracks. If the rollers or tracks are bent badly, they may need to be replaced. In such a case, it's a good idea to call in a professional for the installation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are ideal to bring the outdoors into your home and letting in natural light but they could also be susceptible to damage that requires repair or replacement. Some of the most frequent issues that can occur are warping, cracking and fading. Warping happens when the materials which make up your sliding glass patio door begin to degrade due to heat, sun and other environmental elements. Cracks are often caused by the impact of a collision, for example from a lawn mower or ball run-in, while fading usually happens due to repeated contact with sunlight or other natural elements.
If you have sliding glass patio doors that aren't easy to open and close, this could indicate that the rollers and tracks are not functioning correctly. This could be due to accumulation of dirt, rust or debris in the track, wheels that are not aligned or an absence of lubrication. Regularly cleaning the rollers and tracks clearing obstructions and applying silicone spray can aid in resolving this issue.
Another reason your sliding patio doors are difficult to open or close is that the locking mechanism is no longer working. It could be due to misalignment or wear and tear or an amalgamation of both. To fix this, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws on the bottom.
Air leaks or drafts around your sliding patio doors are a typical problem that can drastically reduce their energy efficiency. They typically originate from worn weather stripping and poor alignment of the doors, which is easily fixed by replacing the old weather stripping and re-aligning the doors.
Loose Handle
It can be frustrating when the handle of a sliding door becomes loose. It becomes difficult to open the door. This is due to a misaligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosening and tightening the screws that hold it in place.
A loose handle could be caused by the handle breaking off from the spindle that connects it to the interior or handles on the outside. This is usually the result of a variety of factors, including over use, wear and tear, or simply aging. If the problem isn't resolved promptly, the handle could be loosened and fall off.
To solve this issue it is necessary to locate the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. They are usually hidden by plastic tabs, which can be removed using a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of certain handles, a Phillips head screwdriver). Keep these screws in a safe place to avoid losing them.
After removing the old handles, the next step will be to remove the spindle. This can be done by pounding the ends of the spindle with an hammer until freed from its position within the door. Then, the new handle can be put in place by simply placing the spindle through the hole on the interior handle and then inserting the other end of the spindle into the hole on the exterior handle. Once the handle has been installed and tightened, screw back the screws, and then test to ensure the lock and unlock mechanism works correctly.
Faulty weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that is damaged or cracked can allow water and air to be able to seep into your patio door, causing damage to your home's comfort and energy efficiency. In addition to allowing moisture, it could also create drafts and increase your heating or cooling costs. It is easy to replace damaged weatherstripping, even without the assistance of a professional. You can remove the old weatherstripping by loosing the staples using a screwdriver, or gently prying it with the help of a putty blade, and then pulling it from the door. Then, you can clean the area and apply a new layer of weatherstripping, which is backed by a foam seal that helps prevent leaks and enhance the comfort.
If your sliding patio door is not functioning as it should, you need to fix the problem immediately to prevent further damage and to keep them functioning for years to be. Depending on the severity of the problem is, an DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement might be the best choice.
The most common issues with sliding patio doors include dirty rollers due to debris in the tracks, misaligned wheels and a loose handle. These issues are usually addressed by regular maintenance and cleaning including lubricating and adjusting the track and tightening the hardware. If these steps don't work, it's best consult a professional for advice to make sure that your patio door is operating 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 warranty. This will save you money in the future on repairs and replacements.