Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio doors can bring sunlight into your home and improve the efficiency of your home's energy usage. In time, they might start to show signs that need some attention.
Most sliding patio door problems are fairly easy to fix. Find out how to keep your sliding patio doors looking and working like new.
Dirty or Damaged Tracks
The tracks of your sliding patio door could be filthy or blocked. Over time, the grit and grime of everyday use build up on the track and can cause the door to become jammed or even collapse completely.
Including regular light cleaning of sliding doors and their tracks in your household chores can help reduce the build-up. Start 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. A little vinegar added to your cleaning product can help in removing stubborn grease and dirt stains.
If your sliding door is still not moving smoothly even after you have followed these steps, it could indicate that there is more serious damage. This could require a professional to fix or replace the door. But, there are simple fixes you can try before calling in experts to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
It is important to put a doormat on the bottom of your sliding doors in order to catch dirt before it has the chance to get to the tracks. Regularly trim any plants or bushes that are near your sliding door to reduce the amount of debris that gets tracked into the tracks. Close the door properly to avoid damaging the rollers and wheels. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated you will extend their life substantially.
Rollers that are misaligned
Occasionally the sliding patio door becomes out of alignment or becomes stuck. Most often, this is due to dirt or other obstructions that can be easily fixed. However, it can be due to bent tracks or rollers. In the latter case you might be able to straighten the roller by extracting them by using their adjustment screws and then cleaning them using ruby alcohol. These parts are often fragile.
If your doors still stick, you can try using lubricants on the rollers to reduce friction and make it easier for them to slide. It is best to use a silicone-based lubricant, since petroleum-based ones tend to draw dirt more quickly. It is crucial to clean the tracks and rollers before applying lubricant.
After cleaning the rollers, you can put them back on using their adjustment screws. It's recommended to make use of the same lubricant as you used when cleaning them. When you reinstall the rollers, make sure you push them all the way into their channels. You can test the door and see if it glides smoothly.
If the problem continues, it is possible to remove the door and examine the tracks and rollers. If the wheels or tracks are badly bent they may require you to replace them. In such a scenario, it's a good idea to contact an expert to install the tracks.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are ideal for bringing natural sunlight and the outdoors into a space, but they can also be vulnerable to damage that requires repair or replacement. Cracks, warping, and fading are some of the most frequent issues. Warping occurs when the components which make up your sliding glass patio door begin to degrade due to exposure to heat, sun and other environmental factors. Cracks are usually caused by impact damage such as a lawnmower or ball smacking 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 open and close it could be a sign that the tracks and rollers do not work properly. This issue may result from accumulation of dirt, rust or debris in the track, misaligned wheels or a lack of lubrication. This issue can be solved by regularly cleaning the tracks and rollers and removing obstructions.
Another reason why your sliding patio doors might be difficult to open or close is that the locking mechanism has gone out of date. This could be caused by misalignment or wear and tear but the solution is to adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws hidden on the bottom of the track.
Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio doors are a typical problem that can drastically decrease their energy efficiency. They typically originate from damaged weather stripping and poor door alignment that can be easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and re-aligning the doors.
Loose Handle
If the handle of a sliding door becomes loose, it can be quite frustrating and make it difficult for people to open the door. 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.
sliding patio door lock repair RepairMyWindowsAndDoors may result from the handle breaking off from the spindle connecting it to the inside or exterior handles. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including excessive use, wear and tear, or simply general ageing. If the issue isn't addressed quickly, the handle can become loose and fall off.
To fix this problem, you should first find the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. They are usually hidden by plastic tabs, which can be removed with a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of some handles, a Phillips head screwdriver). It is a good idea to keep these screws safe to ensure that you don't lose them.
After removing the handles, the next step will be to remove the spindle. You can do this by pounding the ends of the spindle using the hammer until it's removed from its position inside the door. The new handle is fitted by putting the spindle into the handle hole inside and the other end into the exterior handle hole. Once the handle is in place, it can be tightened by screwing the screws back in and then examining to confirm that the lock and unlock mechanisms work correctly.
Faulty weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that's damaged or cracked may 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 can increase your cooling and heating costs. Fortunately, replacing faulty weatherstripping is an easy fix that doesn't require professional assistance. First, you need to take off the old stripping by loosing its staples with the help of a screwdriver or by pinning it gently with a putty knife and then lifting it away from the door. Then, you can clean the area, and apply a layer of weatherstripping that is backed with a foam seal. This will prevent leaks and increase the comfort.
If your sliding patio doors are no working as they should, it's essential to fix the issue as soon as possible to avoid any further damage and ensure they remain functional for a long time to come. Depending on the severity of the issue is the best option is a DIY solution or a repair/replacement by a professional may be the best option.
The majority of sliding patio door issues are caused by dirty rollers, faulty tracks, or a loose handle. In most instances these issues can be resolved by regular maintenance and cleaning, such as oiling the track, adjusting the rollers and tightening hardware. If these measures do not work, you should seek advice from a professional to ensure that your patio is working just as it should. Check the warranty information before you decide to replace or repair your patio door. This could save you money on repairs or replacements in the future.
