20 Things You Need To Know About Patio Doors Repairs
Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding glass patio doors help provide natural light and boost your home's energy efficiency. As time passes, they could begin to show signs that suggest some attention.
Fortunately, the majority of problems with sliding patio doors are fairly simple to fix. Learn more about how to keep your patio doors looking and working like new:.
Tracks that are dirty or damaged
One of the most frequent reasons for sliding patio doors that won't open is dirty or blocked tracks. Over time, the grit and grime from daily use build up on the track and can cause the door to jam or even fall apart completely.
This buildup can be minimized by regular light cleaning of sliding doors and tracks in your daily household chores. Begin by sweeping or vacuuming any large debris off the tracks and then wiping them down with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaning product like dish soap. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to help get rid of stubborn grease and dirt staining.
If you find that your sliding door still won't move smoothly after following these steps, it could be an indication of more serious damage that requires professional repair or replacement. There are a variety of simple fixes that you can try before calling the professionals to prevent costly repairs or replacements.
It is essential to put a doormat at the bottom of your sliding doors to help trap dirt before it can reach the tracks. Regularly trim any plants and bushes that are in close proximity to your sliding door to limit the amount of debris tracked into the tracks. Also, make sure you close the door correctly so that it doesn't slam into the tracks and damage the wheels and rollers. By keeping your doors clean and well-lubricated, you will extend their life significantly.
Misaligned Rollers
Sometimes, a patio can become misaligned. This is usually due to dirt or other obstructions which can be easily removed. But sometimes it can be due to a bent track or roller. In the latter scenario you might be able to realign the roller by taking them out with their adjustment screws and then cleaning them with rubbing alcohol. These parts are prone to damage.
If your doors are still sticking, you can lubricate the rollers. This will lessen friction and allow them to move more easily. It is best to apply a silicone-based lubricant as petroleum-based ones can attract dirt faster. It is essential to clean the tracks and rollers prior to applying lubricant.
After cleaning the rollers you can put them back in place using the adjustment screws. It's 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. Then, you can test your door to determine whether it is now sliding effortlessly.
If the issue persists it could be necessary to uninstall your door and examine the rollers and tracks for any other issues. If the tracks or wheels are bent in a way, you may need to replace them. In such a scenario it's a good idea to contact a professional for the installation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are great for bringing in natural sunlight and the outdoors into rooms, however they are also susceptible to damage that requires repair or replacement. Some of the most common problems that arise are cracking, warping and fading. Warping occurs when the materials that comprise your sliding glass patio door start to degrade due to exposure to heat, sun and other environmental factors. Cracking is often caused by impacts, such as the impact of a lawnmowers blade or ball that is smashed into the door. Fading usually occurs due to repeated exposure to sunlight as well as other elements.
If you have sliding glass patio doors that aren't easy to open and close, this could be a sign that the rollers and tracks are not functioning properly. This issue could be caused by the accumulation of dirt, rust, or debris in the track or wheels or due to a lack of or lubrication. Cleaning the rollers and tracks clearing obstructions and applying silicone spray may aid in resolving this issue.
The locking mechanism may also be defective and make it difficult to open or close your sliding patio doors. It could be due to misalignment or wear and tear, or an amalgamation of both. To fix this, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustable screws located at the bottom.
Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio door are a typical problem that can reduce their energy efficiency. These problems are usually caused by weather stripping that has worn out or poor door alignment. This can be easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and realigning your doors.
Loose Handle
When a sliding door's handle becomes loose, it could be quite frustrating and cause it difficult for people to open the door. patio door repairs near me is usually caused by an incorrectly aligned locking mechanism which can be corrected by loosening the screws that hold it in place and then tightening them until they fit against the door jamb.
Another common reason for a loose handle is that it is detached from the spindle that connects the handles' exterior and interior. This usually happens as a result of a mix of factors, including excessive use, wear and tear, or simply the general aging. If the issue isn't dealt with quickly, the handle may be loosened and fall off.
To resolve this issue, you should first locate the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. They are usually concealed by tabs made of plastic, which can be removed with a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of certain handles, a Phillips head screwdriver). Securely store these screws to ensure they don't get lost.
After removing the old handles, the next step will be to take off the spindle. This can be done by pounding the ends of the spindle with a hammer until it is removed from its position inside the door. The new handle is fitted by putting the spindle into the hole for the handle inside and the other end into the hole on the outside of the 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 properly.
Weatherstripping that isn't working properly
A damaged or cracked weatherstripping could let water and air get through your patio doors, compromising the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. It could let in moisture and create drafts that will increase your cooling and heating costs. It's easy to replace faulty weatherstripping without professional assistance. First, you must take off the old stripping by loosening its staples with a screwdriver or prying it gently using a putty knife and then taking it off the door. Then, you can wash the area and apply a fresh layer of weatherstripping, which is secured by a foam seal that helps ensure that there are no leaks and to increase comfort.
If your sliding patio doors aren't longer functioning as they should, it's essential to fix the issue as soon as possible to avoid further damage and keep them in good condition for the long term. Depending on how serious the issue is and the severity of the issue, a DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement could be the best choice.
The most frequent issues that arise that are encountered with sliding patio doors are dirty rollers from debris in the tracks, misaligned wheels and a loose handle. In most instances, these issues can be addressed with regular maintenance and cleaning, which includes lubricating the track, adjusting the rollers and tightening hardware. If these solutions do not work, you should seek advice from a professional 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 ensure that it is covered by the manufacturer's warranty. This can save you money on repairs or replacements later on.