Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding glass patio doors to let in more light and increase your home's energy efficiency. As time passes, they could start to show signs that require some maintenance.
Luckily, the majority of issues with sliding patio doors are fairly easy to fix. Learn more about how to keep your patio doors looking and operating like new:.
Dirty or Damaged Tracks
One of the main causes of sliding patio doors that won't open is dirty or blocked tracks. Over time, dirt and grime of daily usage can accumulate on the track. This can cause the door jam or to break down completely.
This buildup can be minimized by regular light cleaning of sliding doors and tracks in your daily household chores. Start by sweeping or vacuuming any large debris from the tracks, and then wipe them clean using warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner, such as dish soap. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to remove stubborn dirt and grease staining.
If you notice that your sliding door doesn't move smoothly after completing these steps, it may be an indication of more serious damage and requires a professional repair or replacement. There are a few simple fixes you can do before calling in professionals to avoid expensive repairs or replacements.
Place a mat under your sliding doors. This will help catch dirt before it gets to the tracks. Make sure to trim the plants and bushes that are in close proximity to the sliding door to decrease the amount of debris that gets tracked into the tracks. Also, make sure you close the door correctly so that it doesn't hit the tracks and cause damage to the wheels and rollers. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated you will extend their life considerably.
Rollers that are misaligned
Sometimes, a sliding patio door may become misaligned or gets stuck. This is usually due to dirt or other obstructions that can be easily removed. Sometimes it's due bent track or a bent roller. In the latter case you might be able to straighten the roller by taking them out by using their adjustment screws and then cleaning them using rubbing alcohol. These parts can be fragile.
If your doors are still stuck, you can grease the rollers. This will lessen friction and allow them to slide more easily. It is best to use a silicone-based lubricant, as petroleum-based ones can draw dirt more quickly. It is essential to clean the tracks and rollers before applying lubrication.
After cleaning the rollers, you can reinstall using the adjustment screws. Make use of the same lubricant you used to clean them. When you reinstall the rollers, ensure that you push them all the way into their channels. You can now test your door and see if it glides smoothly.
If the problem continues it could be necessary to uninstall your door and inspect the tracks and rollers for any other issues. If the tracks or rollers are badly bent, they may need to be replaced. It is best to engage an expert to install the tracks or rollers in this situation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are excellent to bring the outdoors into your home and letting in natural sunlight but they could also be prone to damage that requires repair or replacement. The most frequent issues that can occur are cracking, warping, and fade. The materials that make up the sliding glass patio doors begin to deteriorate when exposed to heat, sunlight and other environmental elements. Cracking is often caused by the impact of the impact of a lawnmowers blade or ball that is smashed 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 are hard to close and open, this could indicate that the tracks and rollers are not functioning correctly. This issue could be caused by accumulation of dirt, rust or debris in the track, misaligned wheels or a lack of lubrication. Cleaning the rollers and tracks clearing obstructions and applying silicone spray may help solve this issue.
Another reason that sliding patio doors are difficult to open or close is that the locking mechanism has gone out of date. This could be caused by an issue with alignment or wear and tear, but the solution is to adjust the locking mechanisms by using the adjustment screws located at the bottom of the track.
Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio door are a common issue that can decrease their energy efficiency. These issues are typically caused by worn-out weather stripping or poor alignment of the door. This issue can be easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and realigning your doors.
Loose Handle
It can be quite frustrating when the handle of the sliding door is loose. It can be difficult to open the door. The reason for this is an incorrectly aligned lock mechanism. patio door repairs near me can be fixed by loosening and tightening the screws holding it in place.
Another reason that is commonly cited 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 typically the result of a variety of factors, such as excessive use, wear and tear, or simply the general aging. If the issue isn't addressed promptly, the handle could be loosened and fall off.
To resolve this issue, you should first identify the screws that join 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). It's a good idea to keep these screws in a safe place so that you don't lose them.
After removing the old handles, the next step will be to remove the spindle. This can be done by tapping the end with a hammer or mallet until it falls free from its position inside the door. Then, the new handle can be put in place by simply putting the spindle into the hole on the interior handle, and then placing the other end of the spindle through the hole in the exterior handle. Once the handle is installed, tighten it by screwing back the screws and then test to ensure the lock and unlock mechanism works properly.
Faulty weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that is damaged or cracked can let air and water be able to seep into your patio door, causing damage to your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It can let in moisture and create drafts, which will increase the cost of cooling and heating. It's simple to replace defective weatherstripping, even without the assistance of a professional. You can take off the old weatherstripping by either loosing the staples with a screwdriver, or gently squeezing it with the help of a putty blade, and then taking it off the door. Clean the area, and then apply an additional layer of weatherstripping that is secured with a foam seal. This will prevent leaks and enhance comfort.
If your sliding patio door isn't functioning as it should, you must to address the issue immediately to avoid further damage and ensure that they are functional for years to be. Depending on how serious the problem is and the severity of the issue, an DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement might be the best choice.
The most common issues with sliding patio doors include dirty rollers from debris in the tracks, wheels that are not aligned and a loose handle. In the majority of cases, these issues can be resolved by regular maintenance and cleaning, such as oiling the track and rollers, as well as adjusting them and tightening hardware. If these measures do not work then you should seek advice from a professional to ensure that your patio is functioning as it should. If you decide to replace or repair your patio door, make certain to verify its warranty information to ensure that it is covered by the manufacturer's guarantee. This will save you money on repairs or replacements in the near future.