Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio doors will bring sunlight into your home, and will increase the efficiency of your home's energy usage. As time passes, they could start to show signs that need some attention.
Fortunately, the majority of issues with sliding patio doors are fairly simple to fix. Learn more about how to keep your patio doors looking and working like new:.
Dirty or Damaged Tracks
One of the most common causes of sliding patio doors that won't open is dirty or blocked tracks. Over time, the dust and grime of everyday use accumulates on the track and can cause the door to become jammed or even collapse completely.
This buildup can be reduced by incorporating regular light cleaning of tracks and sliding doors in your daily household chores. Begin by sweeping or vacuuming large debris off the tracks. Then apply warm water and non-abrasive cleaning products such as dish soap to clean them. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to get rid of stubborn grease and dirt stains.
If your sliding door is still not moving smoothly after you've completed these steps, it could be a sign that there is a more significant damage. This may require a professional to repair or replace the door. There are a few easy fixes you can do before calling in professionals to avoid expensive repairs or replacements.
Place a mat under your sliding doors. This will help to catch dirt before it gets to the tracks. You should also regularly cut any bushes or plants close to your sliding doors in order to minimize the amount of debris that gets trapped in the tracks. Close the door in a timely manner to ensure that you don't damage the rollers or wheels. You can prolong the life of your doors by maintaining them clean and lubricated.
Misaligned Rollers
Occasionally the sliding patio door may become misaligned or gets stuck. This is usually due to dirt or other obstructions which can be easily removed. Sometimes it's due a bent roller or track. In this instance you can re-align the rollers by removing them by using the adjustment screws and cleaning with ruby alcohol. Be careful when working with these parts, as they are delicate.
If your doors are still stuck, you can apply lubrication to the rollers. This will reduce friction and allow them to move more easily. It is recommended to make use of a silicone-based lubricant since petroleum-based ones tend to draw dirt more quickly. It is crucial to clean the rollers and tracks prior to applying lubrication.
After cleaning the rollers you can reinstall using their adjustment screws. It is also a good idea to make use of the same lubricant as you used when cleaning them. Be sure to push the rollers all the way into their channels when you reinstall them. You can test your door now and see if it moves smoothly.
If the issue persists it could be necessary to remove your door and inspect the tracks and rollers for any more serious issues. If the rollers or tracks are bent badly or bent, they may have to be replaced. It's best to hire an expert to install the rollers or tracks in this case.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass door are great for bringing the outdoors into your home and letting in natural light however, they can also be prone to damage that needs repair or replacement. Some of the most common problems that arise are cracking, warping, and fading. Warping occurs when the materials which make up your sliding glass patio door begin to degrade due to exposure to heat, sun and other environmental elements. Cracking is often caused by impacts, such as the impact of a lawnmowers or ball hitting into the door. Fading is usually due to repeated exposure to sunlight and other elements.
If you have sliding glass patio doors that are hard to close and open, this could be an indication that the tracks and rollers do not work correctly. This problem may be caused by accumulated dirt or rust on the track or wheels or due to a lack of or lubrication. This problem can be resolved by cleaning the rollers, tracks and clearing obstructions.
Another reason that sliding patio doors might be difficult to open or close is because the locking mechanism has gone out of date. It could be due to misalignment or 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 doors are a typical problem that can drastically reduce their energy efficiency. These issues are typically caused by worn-out weather stripping or poor door alignment. This issue can be fixed easily by replacing the weather stripping, and re-aligning your doors.
Loose Handle
It can be a hassle when the handle of a sliding door becomes loose. It becomes difficult to open. This is typically caused by an improperly aligned locking mechanism, which can be corrected by loosening the screws that secure it and tightening them until they fit against the jamb of the door.
A loose handle can also be caused by the handle separating from the spindle connecting it to the inside or handles outside. This can be caused by a variety of reasons, including excessive use, wear-and-tear or just aging. If the problem is not treated promptly, it could eventually lead to the whole handle becoming loose and potentially falling off entirely.
sliding patio door lock repair to fix this issue is to start by locating the screws that attach the handles' exterior and interior. They are usually concealed by tabs made of plastic, which can be removed using a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of certain handle styles, a Phillips-head screwdriver). It's a good idea store these screws somewhere safe so that you don't loose 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 freed from its position within the door. Then, the new handle can be installed by simply placing the spindle into the hole on the handle inside and inserting the other end of the spindle through the hole on the exterior handle. 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 can let air and water get into your patio door, causing damage to your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It can let in moisture and create drafts, which will increase your heating and cooling costs. It is good news that replacing damaged weatherstripping is an easy fix that doesn't require any assistance from a professional. You can remove the old weatherstripping by either loosing the staples with a screwdriver, or gently prying it off with a putty blade and then pulling it from the door. Then, you can wash the area and apply a new layer of weatherstripping, which is secured by a foam seal to ensure that there are no leaks and to increase comfort.
If your sliding patio door is not functioning 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 the severity of the problem is the best option is it's possible to choose a DIY solution or a repair/replacement by a professional may be the best option.
The most frequent issues that are encountered with sliding patio doors are dirty rollers due to debris in the tracks, wheels that are not aligned and a loose handle. In most cases, these issues can be resolved with regular maintenance and cleaning, including fluidizing the track, adjusting the rollers and tightening the hardware. If these measures are not working then you should seek advice from a professional to ensure that your patio is working exactly as it should. If you decide to replace or repair your patio door, make sure to verify the warranty information to confirm that it is covered under the manufacturer's warranty. This could save you money on repairs or replacements in the near future.