The 10 Scariest Things About Patio Doors Repairs
Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio doors will bring sunlight into your home and improve the efficiency of your home's energy usage. As time passes, they could start to show signs that require some attention.
Luckily, most of the problems with sliding patio doors are fairly easy to fix. Learn more about how to keep your patio doors looking and operating like new:.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty
The tracks of your sliding patio door may be dirty or clogged. Over time, the grit and grime from daily use accumulates on the track and can cause the door to jam or even collapse completely.
This buildup can be reduced by regular light cleaning of tracks and sliding doors in your daily household chores. Start by sweeping or vacuuming large debris off the tracks. Then make use of warm water and non-abrasive cleansing products like dish soap to clean them. Add a little vinegar to your cleaning product can also aid in the removal of stubborn grease and dirt staining.
If you find that your sliding door doesn't move smoothly after following these steps, it could be a sign of more serious damage and requires a professional repair or replacement. There are a few easy solutions you can try before calling a professional to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Place a mat under your sliding doors. This will assist in catch dirt before it gets to the tracks. You should also regularly trim any plants or bushes near your sliding doors to limit the amount of debris trapped in the tracks. Make sure to close the door correctly so that it doesn't crash into the tracks and damage the wheels and rollers. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated, you can prolong their lifespan significantly.
Rollers that are not aligned
Sometimes, a patio sliding may become out of alignment. Usually, this is due to obstructions such as dirt or other that can be easily removed. Sometimes it's due bent track or a bent roller. In this instance, you can realign the rollers by taking them off by using the adjustment screws, and then cleaning with the rubbing alcohol. Be careful when working with these parts, as they can be delicate.
If your doors are still stuck and stick, you can try lubricating the rollers to reduce friction and make it easier for them to slide. Choose a silicone-based lubricant, as petroleum-based lubricants can draw dirt more quickly. It is crucial to clean the tracks and rollers prior to applying lubrication.
After cleaning the rollers you can put them back on using their adjustment screws. Make use of the same lubricant you used to clean them. Make sure you push the rollers completely into their channels when you reinstall them. Then, you can test your door to see if it now slides smoothly.
If the problem persists it could be necessary to take the door off and check the rollers and tracks. If the tracks or rollers are bent in a way they might need to be replaced. It is recommended to hire an expert to install the rollers or tracks in this situation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are great to bring in natural sunlight and the outdoors into rooms, however they can also be vulnerable to damage that requires repair or replacement. Some of the most common issues that can occur are warping, cracking and fading. Warping occurs when the components that make up your sliding glass patio door begin to degrade as a result of exposure to heat, sun and other environmental elements. Cracks are usually caused by impact damage such as the impact of a lawnmowers blade or ball that is smashed into the door. Fading typically occurs due to repeated exposure to sunlight and other elements.
If your sliding patio doors aren't easy to close or open it could be a sign that the tracks and rollers aren't functioning properly. This issue could be caused by the accumulation of dirt, rust, or debris in the track, wheels that are not aligned or an absence of lubrication. This problem can be resolved by regularly cleaning the tracks and rollers and clearing obstructions.
The locking mechanism might also be defective and make it difficult to open or close your sliding patio glass repair near me doors. This could be caused by misalignment or wear and tear, but the solution is to adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws hidden at the bottom of the track.
Drafts or air leaks that occur around your sliding patio doors are a typical issue that can significantly decrease their energy efficiency. They usually result from damaged weather stripping and poor door alignment, which can be easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and re-aligning the doors.
Loose Handle
It can be frustrating when the handle of sliding doors becomes loose. It can be difficult to open. This problem is usually caused by an incorrectly aligned locking mechanism which can be fixed by loosening the screws that secure it and then tightening them until they're snug 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 typically the result of a variety of factors, such as excessive use or wear and tear or simply the general aging. If the problem is not resolved promptly, it may eventually result in the whole handle becoming loose and eventually falling off completely.
To fix this problem it is necessary to locate the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. They are usually concealed by tabs made of plastic that can be removed with a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of some handle styles, a Phillips-head screwdriver). It is a good idea to keep these screws in a safe place so that you don't loose them.
Once the old handles have been removed and the old handles are gone, the next step is to remove the loose spindle. You can do this by pounding the end of the spindle with an hammer until removed from its place within the door. The new handle is then installed by inserting the spindle in the hole for the handle inside and the other end through the exterior handle hole. Once the handle has been installed and tightened, screw back the screws, and then check to ensure that the lock and unlock mechanism works correctly.
Unusual Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that's damaged or cracked can let air and water seep into your patio door, causing damage to your home's comfort and energy efficiency. In addition to letting in water, it can create drafts and also increase your heating or cooling costs. It's easy to replace faulty weatherstripping with no professional help. The first step is to remove the old stripping by either loosing its staples with the help of a screwdriver or by pinning it gently with a putty knife, and then pulling it off the door. Then, you can wash the area and apply a new layer of weatherstripping. This is backed by a foam seal that helps ensure that there are no leaks and to increase the comfort.
If your sliding patio door is not functioning as it should, you have to address the issue immediately to avoid further damage and keep them functional for many years to come. Depending on the severity of the issue, DIY or professional repair/replacement could be the best option.
The most frequent issues that arise with sliding patio doors are filthy rollers caused by debris on the tracks, misaligned wheels and a loose handle. These issues can usually be resolved by regular cleaning and maintenance including changing the track's lubricant and adjust, and tightening the hardware. If these measures do not work then you should seek advice from a professional to make sure that your patio is functioning just as it should. If you decide to replace or repair your patio door, be sure to check its warranty information to make sure that it's covered by the manufacturer's guarantee. This will save you money in the long run on repairs and replacements.