Patio Doors Repairs: 11 Thing That You re Failing To Do
Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio doors will bring sunlight into your home and increase its energy efficiency. However, as time passes, they can show signs of wear and tear that will require some maintenance.
Luckily, most of the issues with sliding patio doors are fairly easy to fix. Find out more about how to keep your patio doors looking and operating like new:.
Dirty or damaged Tracks
The tracks of your sliding patio door could be filthy or clogged. Over time, the dust and grime from daily use build up on the track and can cause the door to become jammed or even collapse completely.
This buildup can be minimized by incorporating regular light cleaning of sliding doors and tracks in your routine chores. Begin by sweeping or vacuuming large debris off the tracks. Then make use of warm water and non-abrasive cleansing products like dish soap to wipe them down. Add a little vinegar to your cleaning solution can also help remove stubborn dirt and grease stains.
If your sliding door is still not moving smoothly after you've completed these steps, it could be a sign there is a more significant damage. This could need a professional's help to repair or replace the door. There are a variety of simple fixes that you could try before calling the experts to save on costly repairs or replacements.
It is essential to put a doormat near the bottom of your sliding doors in order to keep dirt out before it can get 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 tracked into the tracks. Finally, be sure to close the door in a way that it doesn't hit the tracks and cause damage to the rollers and wheels. You can increase the lifespan of your doors by keeping them clean and lubricated.
Rollers that are misaligned
Sometimes, a sliding patio can become misaligned. This is usually due to dirt, or other obstructions which can be easily removed. But sometimes it can also be the result of a bent track or roller. In the latter case it is possible to straighten the roller by extracting them by using their adjustment screws and then cleaning them with ruby alcohol. These parts are prone to damage.
If your doors remain stuck, you can try lubricating the rollers to reduce friction and make it easier for them to slide. Use a silicone-based product, as petroleum-based lubricants can attract dirt more quickly. It is crucial to clean the tracks and rollers prior to applying lubrication.
After cleaning the rollers, you can reinstall using the adjustment screws. It is also a good idea to use the same lubricant you used when cleaning them. When you are reinstalling the rollers ensure that you push them completely into their channels. You can then test your door to see whether it is now sliding smoothly.
If the problem continues, it is possible to remove the door and inspect the rollers and tracks. If the wheels or tracks are bent badly they may require you to replace them. In this case it's best to get an expert for the installation.
Warped Glass
sliding patio door repair service glass doors are convenient to bring in the outdoors and natural sunlight into rooms, however they can also be vulnerable to damage that requires repair or replacement. Cracks, warping and fading are a few of the most frequent issues. Warping occurs when the components that make up your sliding glass patio door start to degrade due to exposure to sun, heat and other environmental elements. Cracking is often caused by impacts, such as the impact of a lawnmowers or ball hitting into the door. Fading typically occurs due to repeated exposure to sunlight as well as other elements.
If you have sliding glass patio doors that are hard to close and open it could be an indication that the rollers and tracks are not functioning correctly. This issue could be caused by accumulated dirt or rust in the wheels or track or due to a lack of or lubrication. Cleaning the tracks and rollers clearing obstructions and applying silicone spray can help solve this issue.
Another reason why your sliding patio doors might be difficult to open or close is that the locking mechanism is no longer working. This could be caused by an issue with alignment or wear and tear, but a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanisms by turning the adjustment screws that are located on the bottom of the track.
Air leaks or drafts around your sliding patio door are a common problem that can reduce the efficiency of your home's energy usage. These issues are typically caused by weather stripping that is worn out or poor alignment of the door. This issue can be easily resolved by replacing the weather stripping, and re-aligning your doors.
Loose Handle
It can be a hassle when the handle of the sliding door is loose. It makes it difficult to open the door. This problem is usually caused by an improperly aligned locking mechanism, which can be corrected by loosening the screws that secure it and tightening them until they are snug against the door jamb.
Another reason that is commonly cited for a loose handle 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 variety of factors, such as excessive use, wear and tear, or just general ageing. If the issue isn't addressed quickly, the handle can become loose and fall off.
The best method to solve this issue is by first locating the screws that attach the handles' exterior and interior. They are usually hidden by tabs made of plastic, which can be removed with a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of some handles, a Phillips-head screwdriver). Securely store these screws to avoid losing them.
Once the handles that were previously used 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 ends of the spindle using a hammer until it is freed from its position within the door. Then, the new handle can be fitted by simply placing the spindle into the hole on the interior handle and then placing the other end of the spindle through the hole on the exterior handle. Once the handle has been installed, tighten it by screwing back the screws. Then, test to ensure the lock and unlock mechanism works properly.
Faulty weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that's 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 could let in moisture and create drafts, which will increase the cost of cooling and heating. Fortunately, replacing faulty weatherstripping is an easy fix that doesn't require any professional help. You can remove the old weatherstripping by loosing the staples using an screwdriver, or gently prying it off with a putty knife and pulling it away from the door. You can then clean the area, and apply an additional layer of weatherstripping that is backed with a foam seal. This will prevent leaks and increase comfort.
If your sliding patio doors are no working as they should, it's crucial to address the issue immediately to prevent further damage and keep them in good condition for the long term. Depending on how severe the issue is, it's possible to choose a DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement might be the best option.
The most common issues with sliding patio doors are filthy rollers caused by debris on the tracks, misaligned wheels and a loose handle. These issues can be addressed through regular cleaning and maintenance including changing the track's lubricant and adjust and tightening the hardware. If these methods do not work it is recommended that you seek advice from a professional to make sure that your patio is working exactly 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 in the near future.