The 10 Scariest Things About Patio Doors Repairs

Sliding Patio Doors Repairs

Your sliding glass patio doors help provide natural light and boost your home's energy efficiency. Over time, they may begin to show signs that require some attention.

Luckily, the majority of problems with sliding patio doors are easy to fix. Find out how to keep your sliding patio sliding doors repair doors looking and working like new.

Tracks that are dirty or damaged

The tracks of your sliding patio door may be filthy or blocked. Over time, dirt and grime from everyday use can build up on the track. This could cause the door jam to become damaged or even break completely.

The buildup can be slowed by regular light cleaning of sliding doors and tracks in your daily household chores. Start by cleaning any large debris from the tracks, and then wipe them clean with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner like dish soap. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to help remove stubborn dirt and grease stains.

If your sliding door is still not moving smoothly after you've followed these steps, it could be a sign there is more serious damage. This may require a professional to fix or replace the door. However, there are many simple fixes you can try before calling in 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. Also, you should cut back any bushes or plants near your sliding doors to minimize the amount of debris tracked into the tracks. Close the door properly to ensure that you don't damage the rollers or wheels. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated, you can extend their lifespan significantly.

Rollers that are not aligned

Sometimes, a sliding patio may become out of alignment. 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 may be able to straighten the roller by taking them out by using their adjustment screws and cleaning them with rubbing alcohol. These parts can be fragile.

If your doors are still stuck, you can apply lubrication to the rollers. This will decrease friction and allow them to move more easily. It is best to make use of a silicone-based lubricant as petroleum-based ones can draw dirt more quickly. It is also important to clean the rollers and tracks before lubricating them.

After you've cleaned the rollers, you can put them back in place them using the screws for adjustment. Use the same lubricant you used to clean them. When you are reinstalling the rollers be sure to push them all the way into their channels. You can test the door and see if it moves smoothly.

If the problem continues, it is possible to take the door off and examine the tracks and rollers. If the tracks or rollers are bent badly they might need to be replaced. In such a case, it's a good idea to get an expert for the installation.

Warped Glass

sliding patio door repair service near me glass doors are ideal for bringing outside into the room and letting in natural light but they could also be susceptible to damage that requires repair or replacement. The most frequent problems that occur include warping, cracking and fading. The materials used to make the sliding glass patio doors begin to degrade when exposed to sunlight, heat and other environmental factors. Cracking often results from injuries caused by impact, like from a ball or lawn mower run-in, whereas fading typically is caused by repeated contact with sunlight and other elements of nature.

If you have sliding glass patio doors repair doors that are difficult to open and close it could indicate that the tracks and rollers are not functioning properly. This issue may result from the accumulation of dirt, rust, or debris in the track, wheels that are not aligned or the lack of lubrication. Cleaning the rollers and tracks by removing obstructions, and then applying silicone spray can help resolve this problem.

Another reason that sliding patio doors are difficult to open or close is that the locking mechanism has become faulty. It could be caused by misalignment, wear and tear or the combination of both. To fix this issue, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the hidden adjustment screws at the bottom.

Drafts or air leaks that surround your sliding patio door are a typical issue that can decrease the efficiency of your home's energy usage. They are usually caused by worn weather stripping and an improper alignment of the door, which is easily fixed by replacing the old weather stripping and aligning the doors.

Loose Handle

It can be a hassle when the handle of the sliding door is loose. It can be difficult to open. This problem is usually caused by a misaligned locking mechanism, which can be corrected by loosening the screws that hold it in place and then tightening them until they fit against the jamb of the door.

Another reason for a loose handle is that it is detached from the spindle that connects the handles on the exterior and interior. This is often due to a variety of factors including excessive use, wear-and-tear or just aging. If the problem is not resolved promptly, it may eventually result in the entire handle becoming loose and possibly falling off completely.

The most effective way to address this issue is to start by finding the screws that connect the handles' exterior and interior. They are usually hidden by plastic tabs, which can be removed using a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of certain handles, a Phillips-head screwdriver). Securely store these screws to prevent them from being lost.

After removing the handles, the next step will be to take off the spindle. This can be done by tapping the end with a mallet or hammer until it comes loose from its position inside the door. The new handle can be fitted by simply placing the spindle through the hole on the interior handle, and then placing the other end of the spindle into the hole on the exterior handle. After the handle is installed and tightened, screw back the screws, and then test to make sure the lock and unlock mechanism is working properly.

Faulty Weatherstripping

A damaged or cracked weatherstripping may allow air and water to be able to seep through your patio doors, compromising the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. It can allow moisture in and create drafts that will increase your heating and cooling costs. Fortunately, replacing faulty weatherstripping is a simple repair that doesn't require professional help. You can remove the old weatherstripping by loosening the staples using an screwdriver, or gently prying it off with a putty knife and pulling it from the door. After that, you can clean the area and apply a new layer of weatherstripping. This is backed by a foam seal to ensure that there are no leaks and to increase the comfort.

If your sliding patio door isn't working as it should, you need to fix the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage and to ensure that they are functional for years to come. Depending on the nature of the problem, DIY or professional repair/replacement may be the best solution.

The most common issues with sliding patio doors are dirty rollers due to debris in the tracks, misaligned wheels and a loose handle. In the majority of instances these issues can be resolved through regular maintenance and cleaning, which includes oiling the track as well as adjusting the rollers and tightening hardware. If these steps aren't working, it's best consult a professional for advice to ensure that your patio door is functioning just as it should. Before you decide to replace or repair your patio door, make certain to verify its warranty information to confirm that it's covered by the manufacturer's guarantee. This will save you money in the future on repairs and replacements.