Learn About Repair Patio Door While You Work From Your Home
How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door
A variety of issues can cause difficulties in operating sliding patio doors. The majority of these issues are easily fixable.
Cleaning your sliding patio door will make it easier to fix it. You'll need brushes and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. You can then lubricate the tracks to improve their performance.
1. Dirty or Damaged Tracks
Dirt and debris in the track are the most common reason for a sticky patio door. Bird droppings, pine straw and salt, sand, winter roads and other nasty things can cause a blockage in the track. It is important to regularly lubricate and scrub your sliding doors.
Start by putting on rubber gloves and a pair of safety glasses to shield your eyes. Make use of a shop vacuum or a brush to remove any gunk that has escaped. Mix equal parts of white vinegar into the spray bottle. Spray a tiny amount of the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the track and sill. Rinse and dry the area with paper towels. This will prevent scratching and further damage to the sill and track.
When the tracks are clean, take a toothbrush and get in there to scrub the tougher areas that are stuck. You can also sand off rough spots on the bottom track. You can then re-lubricate your rollers to restore smooth operation.
A misaligned door can also be the result of misaligned rollers. This can be fixed by altering the rollers' height as well as their position. It's a good idea replace the weather stripping on the door when you do this to ensure a snug fit and increase the efficiency of your energy.
Leaks from the track is also a serious problem that can cause mold growth and structural damage to your home. If the leak is limited to a particular section of the track, you might be able fix it yourself by resealing the joint. If the issue is extensive, you should call an expert to fix the patio door.
2. Broken or damaged screen
If your patio door does not allow for airflow, it will make your home feel stale and uncomfortable. It can also create a welcoming entryway for insects and mosquitoes. If you have a torn screen or notice fog growing between the panes of glass it's a good idea to call in professional help as soon as you can.
If you have a standard sliding patio door, the easiest option is to replace your existing screen with a new one. You can purchase screen material in rolls that are already measured to fit the majority of standard door sizes. You can also buy a complete screen repair kit that includes the screen, spline and roller in one package.
To put up the new screen, begin by finding a solid surface that you can work on and then lay out your replacement material on it. Then, using your scissors, cut the screen to length to ensure that an inch or two of the screen is overlapped on each side of the frame. Then, take the old spline along with any screen that's left from the window frame with your utility knife.
Now you can lay out the new screen spline, starting at the lower left corner of the frame. Then, work your way up to the edges. After the spline is put in place, use your screen rolling tool to push it into the groove. Remove any excess spline and screen using a utility blade, taking care not to cut the inner frame of the window. You should also examine the spline for distortions or ripples and adjust the screen as needed.
3. Seals that leak
If you notice water getting a foothold around the patio door or becoming trapped between the glass panes, it's a clear indication that your seals and frame are deteriorating in their quality. This can cause mold and rot and even higher energy bills due to drafts and air leakage.
Caulking and flashing that is not properly installed can result in leaky seals. It is crucial to employ an experienced professional who will install patio doors and ensure that the frame is properly caulked and flashed.
In addition to ensuring that you install the flashing, you'll also want to make sure that any cracks or gaps are sealed with caulking that is suitable for the specific weather conditions. If you reside in an area that has a humid climate, like Ontario, then you will need to choose caulking products that are able to stand up to humidity.
The shims that are placed beneath the door frame could also cause leaks. They are usually made of wood and help to keep the sheathing even with the framing, but if they're not placed correctly, they can cause a gap that allows moisture to enter your home.
One way to test your seals is by spraying the frame with the help of a garden nozzle or hose. If you notice an airborne mist escaping these areas, you should contact an expert to come and take a closer inspection of the installation. It's possible that a bit of additional caulking is all that's required, or maybe the shims require to be replaced. Whatever the case solving these issues as quickly as possible will avoid costly repairs and further damage later on. It is always better to repair your patio door or frame before it's too late to wait.
4. Warped Frame
When wood is exposed outside forces such as a fluctuation of humidity, it may absorb or lose moisture, which could cause warping. A frayed frame can make it difficult to operate the door, and eventually cause damage or even failure. This is particularly true for doors that separate garages and basements with damp living spaces.
A sagging frame can be fixed with minor repairs. Start by examining the frame to make sure that all bolts and screws are secure and tight. Replace any loose or missing screws. Replace the hinge screws by longer ones, preferably 2 inches or more. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors will allow the screw to penetrate the wall framing instead of the door jamb, and pull the frame back in place.
You can also try adding shims, which are thin pieces of wood that can be positioned behind the hinges to fine-tune the frame's position. Shims can aid in supporting the frame and spread the weight evenly across larger areas and prevent the frame from becoming stretched over time.
For more severe frame warps you might want to think about hiring a professional for repair. A professional can conduct a thorough inspection to determine the extent of the problem and offer a comprehensive repair solution. They can also put in additional bracing to reinforce the frame and prevent it from sagging in the future. This is usually the most durable and cost-effective alternative to buying new patio door components. If the frame has been significantly warped, you may require replacing the entire jamb of the door, not just the door itself.
5. Cosmetic Damage
Over time, the patio door can suffer from the effects of wear and tear. Surface damage can leave your doors looking less than attractive and affect the appearance of your home. The good news is that the majority of cosmetic damage is easily repaired with bonding fillers and paint. If the door has large cracks or dents it is best to replace it rather than trying to repair it.
Like the seal around windows, doors' weatherstripping may be less effective over time. This can result in gaps that allow air from outside to enter your home and increase energy bills. A professional door repair specialist can install new weatherstripping to decrease energy loss and increase insulation.
Moisture on the exterior of your door isn't good news, but patio doors are especially vulnerable to it. The moisture could cause wood rot, which can be difficult and expensive to fix. Water leaks should be addressed immediately by a professional.
A patio door may be misaligned over time due to foundation changes or normal usage. This could cause the doors to become jammed or difficult to open and close. A technician can adjust hinges and tracks for smooth operation. They can also replace worn-out hinges and rollers to restore functionality.