10 Things We Hate About Patio Doors Repairs
Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio doors will let in natural light to your home and improve its energy efficiency. However, with time, they may begin to show signs of wear and tear that require a bit of maintenance.
The majority of problems with sliding patio doors are fairly easy to repair. Learn more about how you can keep your patio doors looking and functioning like new:.
Dirty or Damaged Tracks
One of the main causes of sliding patio doors that don't open is dirty or blocked tracks. Over time, the dust and grime from daily usage accumulates on the tracks and can cause the door to jam or even fall apart completely.
The buildup can be slowed by including regular light cleanings of tracks and sliding doors in your daily household chores. Start by brushing or vacuuming large pieces of debris off the tracks. Then make use of warm water and non-abrasive cleaning products, such as dish soap, to wipe them down. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to help get rid of stubborn grease and dirt stains.
If you notice that your sliding door still won't move smoothly after following these steps, it could be the sign of more severe damage and requires a professional repair or replacement. But, there are simple fixes that you can try before calling the experts to prevent costly repairs or replacements.
It is essential to put a doormat on the bottom of your sliding doors to help trap dirt before it has the chance to reach the tracks. Regularly trim any plants and bushes that are near your sliding door to limit the amount of debris that is tracked into the tracks. Make sure to close the door properly so it doesn't hit the tracks and damage the rollers and wheels. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated, you can extend their lifespan considerably.
Misaligned Rollers
Sometimes the sliding patio door may become misaligned or gets stuck. It is usually due to obstructions or dirt which can be easily removed. Sometimes it's due a bent roller or track. In this instance, you can realign the rollers by removing them using the adjustment screws, and then cleaning with the rubbing alcohol. These parts are often fragile.
If your doors are still stuck, you can grease the rollers. This will lessen friction and allow them to slide more easily. It is recommended to apply a silicone-based lubricant since petroleum-based ones tend to attract dirt faster. It is also crucial to clean the tracks and rollers prior to applying lubricant.
Once you've cleaned the rollers, you can reinstall them using the screws for adjustment. Use the same lubricant that you used to clean them. When reinstalling the rollers, be sure to push them completely into their channels. 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 rollers and tracks for any other issues. If the tracks or wheels are bent in a way they may require you to replace them. It's best to hire an expert to install the rollers or tracks in this case.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are ideal for bringing outside into the room and letting in natural light but they could also be susceptible to damage that requires repair or replacement. Cracks, warping and fading are just a few of the most frequent issues. Warping happens when the materials that make up your sliding glass patio door start to degrade due to exposure to heat, sun and other environmental elements. The most common cause of cracking is impact damage, such as from a lawn mower or ball run-in, whereas fading typically is caused by repeated contact with sunlight or other natural elements.
If your sliding glass patio doors are difficult to open or close it could be an indication that the tracks and rollers aren't working properly. This problem may be caused by accumulated dirt or rust in the wheels or track, or by a lack or lubrication. This issue can be fixed by regularly cleaning the rollers, tracks and removing obstructions.
The locking mechanism may also be defective which makes it difficult to open or close your sliding patio doors. It could be due to misalignment, wear and tear, or the combination of both. To fix this issue, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the hidden adjustment screws at the bottom.
Drafts or air leaks that occur around your sliding patio doors are a common problem that can drastically decrease their energy efficiency. They usually result from damaged weather stripping or poor alignment of the doors and is easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and realigning the doors.
Loose Handle
If the handle of a sliding doors becomes loose, it can be quite frustrating and cause it difficult for people to open the door. This is due to an improperly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosening and tightening the screws that hold it in the correct position.
A loose handle may be caused by the handle breaking off from the spindle connecting it to the interior or exterior handles. This is typically the result of a mix of factors, including over use or wear and tear or simply aging. If the problem is not treated promptly, it could eventually lead to the whole handle becoming loose and possibly falling off completely.
To fix this problem to fix it, you must first identify the screws that join 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 certain handles, a Phillips-head screwdriver). It's a good idea keep these screws safe to ensure that you don't lose them.
Once the handles that were previously used have been removed and the old handles are gone, the next step is to remove the spindle that is loose. This can be done by pounding the end of the spindle using a hammer until it is removed from its place within the door. The new handle can be installed by simply placing the spindle into the hole on the interior handle, and then putting the other end of the spindle through the hole in the exterior handle. Once the handle is installed then tighten it by screwing back the screws, and then test to make sure the lock and unlock mechanism is working properly.
Poor weatherstripping
A damaged or cracked weatherstripping could let water and air be able to seep through your patio doors, which can compromise the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. It can allow moisture in and create drafts that will increase your cooling and heating costs. The good news is that replacing the weatherstripping is a simple repair that doesn't require professional assistance. First, you must take off the old stripping by loosening its staples with the help of a screwdriver or by pinning it gently using a putty knife and then taking it off the door. You can then clean the area, and apply a layer of weatherstripping which is backed with a foam seal. This will prevent leaks and enhance the comfort of your.
If your sliding patio doors aren't longer functioning as they should, it's crucial to take action immediately to avoid further damage and to keep them in good condition for the long term. Depending on the degree of the issue, DIY or professional repair/replacement could be the best option.
The most frequent issues that are encountered with sliding patio doors are filthy rollers caused by debris on the tracks, wheels that are not aligned and a loose handle. In patio door lock repair of instances these issues can be addressed through regular maintenance and cleaning, including fluidizing the track as well as adjusting the rollers and tightening hardware. If these steps fail, it's advisable consult a professional for advice to make sure that your patio door is functioning exactly as it should. Review the warranty information before you decide to replace or repair your patio door. This will save you money in the long run on repairs and replacements.