Patio Doors Repairs: It's Not As Expensive As You Think
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 begin to show signs that suggest some attention.
Most sliding patio door problems are relatively easy to repair. Learn more about how to keep your patio doors looking and working like new:.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks
One of the most common causes of sliding patio doors that don't open is dirty or clogged tracks. Over time, the dust and grime of everyday use accumulates on the track and can cause the door to jam or even break down completely.
Including regular light cleaning of sliding doors and tracks as part of your household chores can help to reduce the amount of accumulation. Start by brushing or vacuuming any big debris off the tracks and then wipe them clean using warm water and a non-abrasive cleaning product, such as dish soap. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to remove stubborn grease and dirt staining.
If your sliding door doesn't move smoothly after following these steps, it could be the sign of more severe damage that requires professional repair or replacement. But, there are simple fixes that you could try before calling the professionals to save on costly repairs or replacements.
Place a mat under your sliding doors. This will assist in keep dirt out of the tracks. Regularly trim any plants and bushes that are in close proximity to your sliding door to limit the amount of debris that gets tracked into the tracks. Close the door correctly to ensure that you don't damage the rollers or wheels. You can increase the lifespan of your doors by maintaining them clean and lubricated.
Rollers that are misaligned
Sometimes it happens that a sliding patio door may become unbalanced or becomes stuck. This usually happens due to dirt or other obstructions that can be easily removed. Sometimes, it's due to bent track or a bent roller. In the latter scenario you might be able to realign the roller by taking them out by using their adjustment screws and cleaning them with rubbing alcohol. These parts are prone to damage.
If your doors are stuck, you can grease the rollers. This will reduce friction and allow them to move more easily. Choose a silicone-based lubricant, because petroleum-based lubricants may attract dirt more quickly. It is also crucial to clean the tracks and rollers prior to lubricating them.
After cleaning the rollers, you can put them back on using the adjustment screws. Make use of the same lubricant you used to clean them. Be sure to push the rollers all the way into their channels before reinstalling them. You can now test your door and see if it glides smoothly.
If the problem persists it may be necessary to uninstall your door and check the rollers and tracks for any more serious issues. If the rollers or tracks are bent in a way they might need to be replaced. It is recommended to hire an expert to install the tracks or rollers in this scenario.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are ideal to bring the outdoors into your home and letting in natural sunlight however, they can also be susceptible to damage that needs repair or replacement. Cracking, warping and fading are just a few of the most frequent issues. Warping occurs when the components that make up your sliding glass patio door begin to degrade as a result of exposure to sun, heat and other environmental factors. 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 and other elements of nature.
If your sliding patio doors aren't easy to close or open, it could be a sign that their rollers and tracks aren't functioning properly. This issue could be caused by the accumulation of dirt or rust in the wheels or track or due to a lack of or lubrication. Regularly cleaning the rollers and tracks clearing obstructions and applying silicone spray can help solve this issue.
Another reason that sliding patio doors may be difficult to open or close is because the locking mechanism has become faulty. This could be caused by the alignment of the track 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.
Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio door are a frequent problem that can reduce the efficiency of your home's energy usage. They are usually caused by damaged weather stripping or poor door alignment that is easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and aligning the doors.
Loose Handle
When a sliding door's handle is loose, it can be quite frustrating and make it difficult for people to open the door. patio door repairs near me is due to an improperly aligned lock mechanism. It can be repaired by tightening and loosening the screws that hold it in place.
Another common reason for a loose handle is that it has become detached from the spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles. This is usually the result of a number of factors including excessive use, wear and tear or just general aging. If the issue isn't treated promptly, it could eventually lead to the whole handle becoming loose and possibly falling off completely.
The best way to fix this issue is to start by finding the screws that connect the handles' exterior and interior. They are usually concealed by tabs made of plastic, which can be removed using a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of certain handle styles, a Phillips-head screwdriver). It's a good idea to keep these screws in a safe place so that you don't lose them.
After the handles have been removed and the old handles are gone, the next step is to remove the spindle that is loose. You can do this by pounding the ends of the spindle with a hammer until it is freed from its position within the door. Then, the new handle can be put in place by simply putting the spindle through the hole in the interior handle and then putting the other end of the spindle through the hole in the outside handle. After the handle is installed and tightened, screw back the screws and then test to ensure the lock and unlock mechanism works properly.
Unusual Weatherstripping
A damaged or cracked weatherstripping could allow water and air to seep through your patio doors, which can compromise the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. It can let in moisture and create drafts, which can increase your heating and cooling costs. Fortunately, replacing faulty weatherstripping is a simple repair that doesn't require professional assistance. You can remove the old weatherstripping by loosening the staples with an screwdriver, or gently prying it with the help of 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 secured by a foam seal to ensure that there are no leaks and to increase comfort.
If your sliding patio doors are no working as they should, it's crucial to take action immediately to avoid any further damage and ensure they remain in good condition for the long term. Depending on how serious the problem is and the severity of the issue, an DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement could be the best option.
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. These issues can usually be resolved by regular cleaning and maintenance, such as lubricating and adjusting the track and tightening the hardware. However, if these measures don't work, it's best consult a professional for advice to ensure that your patio door is operating exactly as it should. Before you decide to replace or repair your patio door, be certain to verify its warranty information to confirm that it is covered under the manufacturer's guarantee. This will save you money in the long run on repairs and replacements.