10 Top Facebook Pages Of All Time About Patio Doors Repairs
Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio doors will let sunlight into your home and improve its energy efficiency. In time, they might start to show signs that need some maintenance.
Luckily, most of the problems with sliding patio doors are fairly simple to address. Find out how you can keep your sliding patio doors looking like new.
Tracks that are dirty or damaged
One of the most common reasons for sliding patio doors that do not open is dirty or blocked tracks. Over time, the dirt and grime from daily usage can accumulate on the track. This can cause the door jam or even break completely.
Including regular light cleaning of sliding doors and their tracks in your chores at home can help to reduce the amount of accumulation. Start by brushing or vacuuming large pieces of debris off the tracks. Then apply warm water and non-abrasive cleaning products, such as dish soap, to clean them. Add a little vinegar to your cleaning product can also help remove stubborn dirt and grease staining.
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 that requires professional repair or replacement. There are a variety of simple fixes you could try before calling the professionals to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
It's important to place a doormat on the bottom of your sliding doors to help keep dirt out before it has the chance to reach the tracks. Make sure to trim the plants and bushes that are near your sliding door to reduce the amount of debris that is tracked into the tracks. Close the door properly to ensure that you don't damage the rollers or wheels. You can increase the lifespan of your doors by keeping them clean and well-lubricated.
Misaligned Rollers
Occasionally it happens that a sliding patio door can become unbalanced or becomes stuck. This usually happens due to dirt, or other obstructions which can be easily removed. Sometimes it's due bent tracks or a bent roller. In the latter scenario you might be able to re-align the roller by taking them out using their adjustment screws and then cleaning them using ruby alcohol. These parts are often fragile.
If your doors are still stuck, you can try applying lubrication to the rollers to decrease friction and allow them to slide. It is best to apply a silicone-based lubricant because petroleum-based lubricants can attract dirt faster. It is essential to clean the tracks and rollers prior to applying lubrication.
After you've cleaned your rollers, you can reinstall them with the adjustment screws. It's also a good idea to use the same lubricant you used to clean them. Make sure to push the rollers all the way into their channels when you reinstall them. You can then test your door to see if it now slides effortlessly.
If the issue persists, it may be necessary to remove the door and check the rollers and tracks. If the wheels or tracks are bent badly they may require you to replace them. It's best to hire an expert to install the tracks or rollers in this situation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass door are great for bringing outside into the room and letting in natural sunlight but they could also be susceptible to damage that requires repair or replacement. Cracks, warping and fading are a few of the most frequently encountered issues. The materials that compose the sliding glass patio doors start to break down when exposed sunlight, heat and other environmental factors. The most common cause of cracking is impact damage, such as from a ball or lawn mower run-in, whereas fading typically occurs due to repeated contact with sunlight or other natural 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 are not functioning properly. This issue could be caused by accumulated dirt or rust in the track or wheels or a lack or lubrication. Cleaning the tracks and rollers, removing obstructions and applying silicone spray can aid in resolving this issue.
Another reason your sliding patio doors are difficult to open or close is that the locking mechanism has become faulty. upvc patio door repairs RepairMyWindowsAndDoors could be due to an issue with alignment or wear and tear, however, a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanisms by using the adjustment screws located on the bottom of the track.
Air leaks or drafts around your sliding patio doors are a common issue that can greatly reduce their energy efficiency. They usually result from damaged weather stripping and an improper alignment of the door and can be easily corrected by replacing the weather stripping and aligning the doors.
Loose Handle
If the handle of a sliding door is loose, it can be quite frustrating and cause it difficult for people to open the door. This problem is caused by a misaligned lock mechanism. It can be repaired by tightening and loosening the screws that hold it in the correct position.
A loose handle can also be caused by the handle separating from the spindle which connects it to the inside or handles outside. This usually happens as a result of a combination of factors, including over use or wear and tear or simply aging. 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 behind tabs made of plastic that can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in certain cases) screwdriver. It's a good idea keep these screws safe so that you don't loose them.
After the handles have been removed and the old handles are gone, the next step is to remove the spindle that is loose. This can be accomplished by tapping on the end using a mallet or hammer until it comes loose from its position inside the door. The new handle is then installed by inserting the spindle into the hole for the handle inside and the other end through the exterior handle hole. Once the handle is installed then tighten it by screwing back the screws, and then test to ensure the lock and unlock mechanism works correctly.
Weatherstripping that isn't working properly
Weatherstripping that is damaged or cracked can let air and water seep into your patio door, causing damage to your home's comfort and energy efficiency. In addition to letting in moisture, it could also cause drafts and increase your cooling or heating costs. The good news is that replacing the weatherstripping is a simple fix that doesn't require assistance from a professional. You can remove the old weatherstripping by loosing the staples using a screwdriver, or gently squeezing it with a putty blade and then pulling it from the door. Then, you can wash the area and apply a fresh layer of weatherstripping that is backed by a foam seal to prevent leaks and enhance comfort.
If your sliding patio door is not functioning as it should, you need to address the issue immediately to avoid further damage and ensure that they are functional for years to come. Depending on the severity of the problem is, an DIY solution or a repair/replacement by a professional may be the best choice.
The most frequent issues that arise that are encountered with sliding patio doors are filthy rollers caused by debris on the tracks, misaligned wheels and a loose handle. These issues can be solved by regular cleaning and maintenance like applying lubrication and adjusting the track and tightening the hardware. If these solutions don't work then you should seek professional advice in order to make sure that your patio is working as it should. If you decide to replace or repair your patio door, be sure to check its warranty information to confirm that it is covered under the manufacturer's warranty. This can save you money on repairs or replacements in the future.