Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding glass patio doors to let in more light and increase your home's energy efficiency. As time passes, they could begin to show signs that require some maintenance.
Luckily, the majority of problems with sliding patio doors are easy to fix. Find out how to 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, the dust and grime of everyday usage accumulates on the tracks and can cause the door to jam or even fall apart completely.
This buildup can be reduced by including regular light cleanings of tracks and sliding doors in your routine chores. Start by brushing or vacuuming large pieces of debris off the tracks. Then apply warm water and non-abrasive cleansing products such as dish soap to wipe them down. A little vinegar added to your cleaning solution may help in removing stubborn dirt and grease staining.
If your sliding door still not moving smoothly even after you have followed these steps, this could be a sign there is a more significant damage. This may require a professional to fix or replace the door. But, there are simple fixes that you can try before calling the professionals to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Install a doormat underneath your sliding doors. This will assist in catch dirt before it gets to the tracks. Regularly trim any plants and bushes that are near your sliding door to limit the amount of debris that gets tracked into the tracks. Finally, be sure to close the door properly so it doesn't hit the tracks and cause damage to the wheels and rollers. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated you can extend their lifespan substantially.
Rollers that are not aligned
Sometimes, a patio sliding can become misaligned. Usually, this is due to dirt or other obstructions that can be easily removed. Sometimes, it's due to bent track or a bent roller. In the latter case you might be able to re-align the roller by taking them out using their adjustment screws and then cleaning them with rubbing alcohol. Be cautious, as these parts can be delicate.
If your doors are still stuck, you can grease the rollers. This will lessen friction and allow them to move more easily. It is recommended to use a silicone-based lubricant, as petroleum-based ones can draw dirt more quickly. It is crucial to clean the rollers and tracks before applying lubrication.
After you've cleaned the rollers, you can reinstall them using their adjustment screws. It's recommended to use the same lubricant you used when cleaning them. Make sure you push the rollers fully in their channels when reinstalling them. You can test the door and see if it slides smoothly.
If the problem continues it could be necessary to remove your door and check the tracks and rollers for more significant problems. If the tracks or wheels are bent in a way, you may need to replace them. It is recommended to hire a professional to install the tracks or rollers in this case.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are great to bring in natural light 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 occur include cracking, warping and fading. The materials used to make the sliding glass patio doors start to break down when exposed heat, sunlight and other environmental elements. Cracks are often caused by injuries caused by impact, like from a ball or lawn mower run-in, and fading generally occurs due to repeated contact with sunlight and other natural elements.
If your sliding glass patio doors are difficult to close or open, it could indicate that the tracks and rollers aren't working properly. This problem may be caused by accumulated dirt or rust in the track or wheels or a lack or lubrication. This problem can be resolved by regularly cleaning the rollers, tracks and clearing obstructions.
Another reason your sliding patio doors are difficult to open or close is because the locking mechanism has become faulty. It could be caused by misalignment, wear and tear or the combination of both. To fix this issue, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the hidden adjustment screws on the bottom.
Air leaks or drafts around your sliding patio doors are a typical issue that can greatly decrease their energy efficiency. They usually result from damaged weather stripping or poor alignment of the doors, which can be easily fixed by replacing the old weather stripping and aligning the doors.
Loose Handle
It can be a hassle when the handle of the sliding door is loose. It becomes difficult to open. The reason for this is an incorrectly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosening and tightening the screws holding it in the correct position.
Another reason that is commonly cited for a loose handle is that it is detached from the spindle that connects it with the handles on the exterior and interior. This is usually due to a variety of reasons, including excessive use, wear and tear or just aging. If the problem isn't resolved quickly, the handle may become loose and fall off.
The best way to fix this issue is by first finding the screws that join the interior and exterior handles. They are usually hidden by tabs made of plastic that can be removed using a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of certain handle styles, 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 take off the spindle. You can do this by pounding the ends of the spindle with an hammer until removed from its position inside the door. The new handle is then fitted by placing the spindle in the handle hole inside and the other end into the hole in the handle on the outside. Once the handle is installed and tightened, screw back the screws and then test to ensure the lock and unlock mechanism is working properly.
Poor weatherstripping
A cracked or worn weatherstripping could allow water and air to be able to seep through your patio doors, compromising the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. It can allow moisture in and create drafts, which can increase your heating and cooling costs. It's easy to replace faulty weatherstripping with no professional help. You can take off the old weatherstripping by loosing the staples with a screwdriver, or gently squeezing it with a putty knife and taking it off the door. After patio door repair near me , you can clean the area and apply a new layer of weatherstripping that is backed by a foam seal that helps stop leaks and improve the comfort.
If your sliding patio door isn't functioning as it should, you must to fix the issue as soon as possible to avoid further damage and to keep them functional for many years to come. Depending on the severity of the issue, DIY or professional repair/replacement could be the best option.
The most frequent issues with sliding patio doors are dirty rollers due to debris in the tracks, wheels that are not aligned and a loose handle. These issues are usually solved by regular maintenance and cleaning like lubricating and adjusting the track and tightening the hardware. If these methods are not working then you should seek out professional help to make sure that your patio is working as it should. Make sure to check the warranty information prior to you decide to replace or repair your patio door. This will save you money in the future on repairs and replacements.