Patio Doors Repairs The Process Isn't As Hard As You Think
Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio doors will let sunlight into your home, and will increase its energy efficiency. However, as time passes, they may begin to show signs of wear and tear that require some attention.
Most sliding patio door problems are fairly easy to repair. Find out how you can keep your sliding patio doors looking like new.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty
One of the most common reasons for sliding patio doors that won't open is dirty or clogged tracks. Over time, the grit and grime of everyday use accumulates on the track and can cause the door to become jammed or even collapse completely.
A regular cleaning of sliding doors and their tracks in your chores at home can help minimize this accumulation. Begin by sweeping or vacuuming large debris off the tracks. Then make use of warm water and non-abrasive cleaning products, such as dish soap, to wipe them down. Adding a bit of vinegar to your cleaning solution may also aid in the removal of stubborn dirt and grease stains.
If you notice that your sliding door doesn't move smoothly after completing these steps, it may be an indication of more serious damage that requires a professional repair or replacement. There are a few easy solutions you can try before calling in professionals to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
It's important to place a doormat on the bottom of your sliding doors in order to trap dirt before it has the chance to reach the tracks. Make sure to trim the plants and shrubs that are located near your sliding door to reduce the amount of debris that gets tracked into the tracks. Close the door in a timely manner to prevent damage to the rollers and wheels. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated you can extend their lifespan considerably.
Misaligned Rollers
Sometimes it happens that a sliding patio door may become misaligned or gets stuck. Usually, this is due to dirt or other obstructions that can be easily fixed. Sometimes it's due bent tracks or a bent roller. In this case, you may be able to realign the roller by removing them with their adjustment screws and cleaning them with ruby alcohol. These parts are often fragile.
If your doors are still sticking, you can lubricate the rollers. This will lessen friction and allow them to slide more easily. It is best to use a silicone-based lubricant, because petroleum-based lubricants can draw dirt more quickly. It is also crucial to clean the tracks and rollers prior to applying lubricant.
After cleaning the rollers, you can reinstall using the adjustment screws. Use the same lubricant you used to clean them. Make sure you push the rollers fully into their channels when you reinstall them. Then, you can test your door to see if it now slides smoothly.
If the issue persists, it may be necessary to take the door off and check the tracks and rollers. If the wheels or tracks are bent badly, you may need to replace them. In such a scenario it's a good idea to call in a professional for the installation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass door are great to bring the outdoors into the room and letting in natural sunlight however, they can also be vulnerable to damage that needs repair or replacement. Cracking, warping and fading are a few of the most frequently encountered issues. Warping happens when the materials that make up your sliding glass patio door begin to degrade as a result of exposure to heat, sun and other environmental factors. The most common cause of cracking is impacts, such as the impact of a lawnmowers or ball hitting into the door. Fading usually occurs because of repeated exposure to sunlight as well as other elements.
If you have sliding glass patio doors that aren't easy to close and open, this could be a sign that the tracks and rollers do not work correctly. This problem may be caused by the accumulation of dirt, rust, or debris in the track or wheels, or by a lack or lubrication. This problem can be resolved by cleaning the tracks, rollers and clearing obstructions.
The locking mechanism might also be defective which makes it difficult to open and close your sliding patio doors. This could be due to the alignment of the track or wear and tear however, a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws hidden at the bottom of the track.
Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio doors are a common issue that can significantly decrease their energy efficiency. These problems are usually caused by worn-out weather stripping or poor alignment of the door. patio door lock repair near me can be easily resolved by replacing the weather stripping, and re-aligning your doors.
Loose Handle
It can be quite frustrating when the handle of sliding doors becomes loose. It becomes difficult to open the door. This is typically caused by an incorrectly aligned locking mechanism which can be corrected by loosening the screws that hold it in place and tightening them until they fit against the door jamb.
Another reason for a handle to become loose is that it has become detached from the spindle that connects it to the handles on the exterior and interior. This is usually the result of a mix of factors, including over use, wear and tear, or simply the general aging. If the problem is not resolved promptly, it may eventually result in the entire handle becoming loose, and potentially falling off entirely.
To resolve this issue, you should first identify the screws that join the handles' exterior and interior. These screws are usually hidden behind tabs of plastic which can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in certain cases) screwdriver. Keep these screws in a safe place to avoid losing them.
After the handles have been removed and the old handles are gone, the next step is to take off the spindle that is loose. You can do this by pounding the end of the spindle using an hammer until freed from its position within the door. The new handle is installed by inserting the spindle into the hole for the handle inside and the other end through the exterior handle hole. After the handle is installed then tighten it by screwing back the screws. Then, check to ensure that the lock and unlock mechanism is working properly.
Afflicted Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that's damaged or cracked can let air and water seep into your patio door, compromising your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It could let in moisture and create drafts that will increase the cost of cooling and heating. It's easy to replace faulty weatherstripping, even without the assistance of a professional. You can take off the old weatherstripping by loosing the staples using an screwdriver, or gently prying it off with the help of a putty blade, and then taking it off the door. Clean the area, and then apply a layer of weatherstripping that is secured by an adhesive. This will stop leaks and enhance comfort.
If your sliding patio doors are no longer functioning as they should, it's important to fix the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage and keep them in good condition for the long term. Depending on the severity of the issue, DIY or professional repair/replacement may be the best solution.
Most sliding patio door problems are caused by dirty rollers, misaligned tracks, or an untidy handle. These issues can usually be solved by regular maintenance and cleaning including lubricating and adjusting the track, and tightening the hardware. If these measures are not working it is recommended that you seek out professional help to ensure that your patio is working as it should. Review the warranty information before you decide to replace or repair your patio door. This can save you money on repairs or replacements later on.