5 Laws Everybody In Patio Doors Repairs Should Know
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 maintenance.
Luckily, the majority of problems with sliding patio doors are simple to address. Find out how to keep your sliding patio doors looking and functioning like new.
Tracks that are dirty or damaged
One of the most common reasons for sliding patio doors that won't open is dirty or clogged tracks. Over time, the dust and grime from daily use accumulates on the track and can cause the door to become jammed or even collapse completely.
A regular cleaning of sliding doors and tracks as part of your household chores can help minimize this accumulation. Start by sweeping or vacuuming large debris off the tracks. Then, use warm water and non-abrasive cleaning products like dish soap to wipe them down. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to get rid of stubborn grease and dirt stains.
If you find that your sliding door still won't move smoothly after completing these steps, it may be a sign of more serious damage that requires a professional repair or replacement. But, there are easy fixes you could try before calling the experts to prevent costly repairs or replacements.
Install a doormat underneath your sliding doors. This will help to trap dirt before it reaches the tracks. It is also important to cut back any bushes or plants near your sliding doors to limit the amount of debris trapped in the tracks. Close the door properly to avoid damaging the rollers and wheels. You can increase the lifespan of your doors by keeping them clean and well-lubricated.
Rollers that are misaligned
Occasionally it happens that a sliding patio door may become misaligned or gets stuck. glass door repairs is usually due to dirt or other obstructions which can be easily removed. However, it can be due to a bent track or roller. In the latter scenario, you may be able to re-align the roller by removing them with their adjustment screws and cleaning them using rubbing alcohol. These parts are prone to damage.
If your doors are still stuck then you could try applying lubrication to the rollers to decrease friction and make it easier for them to slide. Make use of a silicone-based product as petroleum-based lubricants can draw dirt more quickly. It is also crucial to clean the tracks and rollers prior to lubricating them.
After you've cleaned your rollers, you are able to reinstall them using the screws for adjustment. It is also a good idea to apply the same lubricant that you used when cleaning them. When you are reinstalling the rollers make sure you push them all the way into their channels. You can then test your door to see whether it slides more smoothly.
If the problem continues it could be necessary to remove your door and inspect the tracks and rollers for more significant problems. If the wheels or tracks are bent in a way 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 doors are excellent for bringing the outdoors into your home and letting in natural light but they could also be susceptible to damage that needs repair or replacement. Cracking, warping, and fading are some of the most common problems. Warping occurs when the materials that comprise your sliding glass patio door start to degrade as a result of exposure to sun, heat and other environmental factors. Cracking often results from impact damage, such as from a ball or lawn mower run-in, while fading usually is caused by repeated contact with sunlight or other elements of nature.
If your sliding glass patio doors are difficult to close or open, it could indicate that the tracks and rollers are not functioning correctly. This issue could be caused by accumulated dirt, rust or debris in the track, or misaligned wheels or a lack of lubrication. This problem can be resolved by regularly cleaning the rollers, tracks and clearing obstructions.
Another reason why your sliding patio doors may be difficult to open or close is that the locking mechanism has become faulty. It could be due to misalignment, wear and tear or the combination of both. To fix this, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the hidden adjustment screws located at the bottom.
Air leaks or drafts around your sliding patio doors are a typical problem that can drastically decrease their energy efficiency. They typically originate from damaged weather stripping or an improper alignment of the door, which can be easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and realigning the doors.
Loose Handle
It can be quite frustrating when the handle of sliding doors becomes loose. It makes it difficult to open the door. This is due to an improperly aligned lock mechanism. It can be repaired by tightening and loosening the screws holding it in place.
A loose handle could be caused by the handle becoming detached from the spindle connecting it to the inside or handles on the outside. This is often the result of a number of factors, including frequent use, wear and tear or just general aging. If the issue isn't addressed quickly, the handle may become loose and fall off.
To fix this problem it is necessary to identify the screws that join the interior and exterior handles. They are typically hidden by tabs made of plastic that can be removed using a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of some handle styles, a Phillips-head screwdriver). Keep these screws in a safe place to ensure they don't get lost.
Once the old handles have been removed the next step is to remove the spindle that has become loose. This can be done by tapping the spindle with a mallet or hammer until it is free of its position within the door. The new handle is fitted by placing the spindle inside the handle hole inside and the other end through the hole on the outside of the handle. Once the handle is in place, it can be tightened by screwing the screws back into place and then testing to ensure that the locking and unlock mechanisms function correctly.
Poor weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that is damaged or cracked can let air and water get into your patio door, compromising your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It can allow moisture in and create drafts, which can increase your cooling and heating costs. Fortunately, replacing faulty weatherstripping is an easy repair that doesn't require assistance from a professional. You can take off the old weatherstripping by loosing the staples with a screwdriver, or gently prying it with the help of a putty blade, and then pulling it from the door. Clean the area, and apply an additional layer of weatherstripping that is backed with foam seal. This will stop leaks and increase the 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 prevent further damage and to keep them functional for years to come. Depending on the severity of the issue is, it's possible to choose a DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement could be the best option.
The most frequent issues that arise with sliding patio doors are dirty rollers due to debris in the tracks, wheels that are not aligned and a loose handle. These issues are usually resolved by regular cleaning and maintenance, such as lubricating and adjusting the track, and tightening the hardware. If these steps aren't working, it's best consult a professional for advice to ensure that your patio door is operating as it should. If you decide to replace or repair your patio door, be certain to verify its warranty information to confirm that it is covered by the manufacturer's guarantee. This can save you money on repairs or replacements in the near future.