Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding glass patio doors help bring natural light and improve your home's energy efficiency. However, with time, they can show signs of wear and tear, which will require some maintenance.
Luckily, most of the issues with sliding patio doors are simple to fix. Find out more about how to keep your patio doors looking and functioning like new:.
Dirty or damaged tracks
One of the most frequent reasons for sliding patio doors that do not open is dirty or blocked tracks. Over time, dirt and grime from everyday use can build up on the track. This can cause the jam to break or to break down completely.
The buildup can be slowed by incorporating regular light cleaning of tracks and sliding doors during your regular chores. Start by sweeping or vacuuming any large debris from the tracks, and then wipe them clean with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner, such as dish soap. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to remove stubborn grease and dirt stains.
If you find that your sliding door doesn't move smoothly after following these steps, it may be the sign of more severe damage that requires professional repair or replacement. However, there are many simple fixes that you could try before calling experts to save on costly repairs or replacements.
It is essential to put a doormat on the bottom of your sliding doors to help 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. Close the door correctly to prevent damage to the rollers and wheels. You can increase the lifespan of your doors by keeping them clean and well-lubricated.
sliding patio door repair near me that are not aligned
Occasionally it happens that a sliding patio door can become out of alignment or becomes stuck. Most often, this is due to obstructions or dirt that can be easily fixed. However, it could be due to a bent track or roller. In this instance you can re-align the rollers by removing them by using the adjustment screws and then cleaning with ruby alcohol. These parts are often fragile.
If your doors are still stuck, you can try lubricating the rollers to reduce friction and make it easier for them to slide. It is best to make use of a silicone-based lubricant as petroleum-based ones can draw dirt more quickly. It is crucial to clean the rollers and tracks before lubricating.
After cleaning the rollers you can put them back in place using their adjustment screws. It's also a good idea to make use of the same lubricant as you used when cleaning them. When reinstalling the rollers, be sure to push them all the way into their channels. You can then check your door to see whether it is now sliding smoothly.
If the issue persists, it is possible to take the door off and check the tracks and rollers. If the rollers or tracks are bent badly they might need to be replaced. In such a scenario it's a good idea to get a professional for the installation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are great to bring in natural sunlight and the outdoors into a space, but they are also susceptible to damages that require repair or replacement. Some of the most common problems that arise are warping, cracking and fading. Warping happens when the materials which make up your sliding glass patio door start to degrade as a result of exposure to heat, sun and other environmental elements. The most common cause of cracking is impact damage, such as from a ball or lawn mower run-in, and fading generally happens due to repeated contact with sunlight and other elements found in nature.
If you have sliding glass patio doors that are difficult to open and close it could be an indication that the tracks and rollers are not functioning correctly. This could be due to accumulated dirt, rust or debris in the track, wheels that are not aligned or an absence of lubrication. This issue can be solved by regularly cleaning the tracks, rollers and removing obstructions.
Another reason that sliding patio doors may be difficult to open or close is that the locking mechanism has become faulty. It could be due to misalignment, wear and tear or an amalgamation of both. To fix this issue, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustable screws at the bottom.
Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio door are a common problem that can reduce their energy efficiency. They typically originate from damaged weather stripping or poor door alignment and can be easily corrected by replacing the weather stripping and aligning the doors.
Loose Handle
It can be a hassle when the handle of the sliding door is loose. It can be difficult to open. This problem is usually caused by an improperly aligned locking mechanism, which can be corrected by loosening the screws that hold it in place and then tightening them until they're snug against the jamb of the door.
Another reason that is commonly cited for a handle to become loose is that it has separated from the spindle that connects it to the handles' exterior and interior. This is usually the result of a variety of factors, such as excessive use wear and tear or just general ageing. If the problem isn't resolved quickly, the handle can be loosened and fall off.
To fix this problem it is necessary to locate the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. They are typically hidden by plastic tabs, which can be removed using a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of some handles, a Phillips head screwdriver). It's a good idea to store these screws somewhere safe so that you don't loose them.
After removing the handles the next step will be to remove the spindle. This can be done by tapping on the end with a mallet or hammer until it comes loose from its place inside the door. The new handle is installed by inserting the spindle in the handle hole 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 testing to ensure that the locking and unlock mechanisms function correctly.
Weatherstripping that isn't working properly
Weatherstripping that's damaged or cracked may allow water and air to get into your patio door, compromising your home's comfort and energy efficiency. In addition to allowing moisture, it can also cause drafts and increase your heating or cooling costs. It's simple to replace defective weatherstripping, even without the assistance of a professional. You can remove the old weatherstripping by loosening the staples using a screwdriver, or gently squeezing it with the help of a putty blade, and then pulling it away from the door. Then, you can wash the area and apply a fresh layer of weatherstripping that is secured by a foam seal that helps prevent leaks and enhance comfort.
If your sliding patio door is not working as it should, you must to address the issue immediately to prevent further damage and keep them functional for many years to be. Depending on how severe the issue is, an DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement might be the best option.
The majority of sliding patio door issues are caused by dirty rollers, faulty tracks, or a loose handle. In the majority of instances, these issues can be resolved with regular maintenance and cleaning, which includes oiling the track as well as adjusting the rollers and tightening the hardware. If these methods don't work then you should seek professional advice in order to ensure that your patio is working exactly 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 for repairs and replacements.