This Is The New Big Thing In Patio Doors Repairs
Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding glass patio doors provide natural light and boost your home's energy efficiency. However, with time, they could show signs of wear and tear that will require some attention.
Fortunately, the majority of issues with sliding patio doors are fairly simple to fix. Find out how you can keep your sliding patio doors looking and functioning like new.
Dirty or Damaged Tracks
The tracks of your sliding patio door might be dirty or clogged. Over time, the dust and grime from daily use accumulates on the track and can cause the door to become jammed or even break down completely.
The buildup can be slowed by including regular light cleanings of tracks and sliding doors during your regular chores. Begin by cleaning large debris off the tracks. Then, use warm water and non-abrasive cleansing products like dish soap to wipe them down. Adding a bit of vinegar to your cleaning solution can help in removing stubborn grease and dirt staining.
If your sliding door doesn't move smoothly after completing these steps, it could be an indication of more serious damage that requires professional repair or replacement. However, there are many easy fixes you can try before calling the professionals to prevent costly repairs or replacements.
It's important to place a doormat on the bottom of your sliding doors in order to keep dirt out before it can reach the tracks. Also, you should trim any plants or bushes near your sliding doors to reduce the amount of debris that gets 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 will extend their life substantially.
Rollers that are misaligned
Occasionally, a sliding patio door may become misaligned or gets stuck. This usually happens due to dirt or other obstructions which can be easily removed. Sometimes it's due to a bent roller or track. In this case you can re-align the rollers by taking them off with the adjustment screws and then cleaning with rubbing alcohol. These parts can be fragile.
If your doors are sticking, you can lubricate the rollers. This will decrease friction and allow them to slide more easily. Make use of a silicone-based product as petroleum-based lubricants can draw dirt more quickly. It is also essential to clean the rollers and tracks prior to lubricating them.
After cleaning the rollers, you can reinstall using the adjustment screws. Use the same lubricant that you used to clean them. Make sure to push the rollers all the way into their channels before reinstalling them. You can test your door now and see if it moves smoothly.
If the problem persists it could be necessary to remove the door and inspect the rollers and tracks. If the tracks or rollers are bent in a way, they may need to be replaced. In such a case it's a good idea to contact an expert for the installation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are ideal to bring the outdoors into the room and letting in natural light but they could also be prone to damage that requires repair or replacement. The most frequent problems that occur include cracking, warping and fade. Warping occurs when the components that make up your sliding glass patio door start to degrade as a result of exposure to heat, sun and other environmental factors. Cracking often results from impact damage, such as from a lawn mower or ball run-in, while fading usually occurs due to repeated contact with sunlight or other elements of nature.
If you have sliding glass patio doors that are hard to open and close, this could be a sign that the rollers and tracks do not work correctly. This issue could be caused by accumulated dirt, rust, or debris in the wheels or track or due to a lack of or lubrication. This issue can be solved by cleaning the rollers, tracks and removing obstructions.
The locking mechanism could also be faulty, making it difficult to open and shut your sliding patio doors. It could be due to misalignment, wear and tear or the combination of both. To fix this issue, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws located at the bottom.
Drafts or air leaks that surround your sliding patio door are a common issue that can affect the efficiency of your home's energy usage. These problems are usually caused by worn-out weather stripping or poor alignment of the door. This issue can be fixed easily by replacing the weather stripping, and realigning your doors.
Loose Handle
It can be frustrating when the handle of sliding doors becomes loose. It makes it difficult to open. This problem is usually caused by an improperly aligned locking mechanism, which can be corrected by loosening the screws that secure it and then tightening them until they fit against the jamb of the door.
Another common reason for a loose handle is that it is detached from the spindle that connects it with the handles' 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 treated promptly, it could eventually lead to the entire handle becoming loose and possibly falling off completely.
To solve this issue to fix it, you must first identify the screws that join the interior and exterior handles. These screws are usually hidden behind tabs made of plastic that can be removed with a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver, in some instances) screwdriver. Keep these screws in a safe place to avoid losing them.
After removing the handles then the next step would be to remove the spindle. This can be done by tapping the spindle with a hammer or mallet until it falls free from its position inside the door. Then, the new handle can be installed by simply putting the spindle through the hole on the interior handle, and then putting the other end of the spindle through the hole on the exterior handle. After the handle is installed, tighten it by screwing back the screws, and then test to make sure the lock and unlock mechanism functions properly.
Faulty Weatherstripping
A cracked or worn weatherstripping may allow air and water to get through your patio screen door repair doors, compromising the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. It can let in moisture and create drafts that will increase your heating and cooling costs. Fortunately, replacing faulty weatherstripping is a simple repair that doesn't require assistance from a professional. First, you must remove the old stripping by either loosing its staples using the help of a screwdriver or by pinning it gently with a putty knife, and then taking it away from the door. Then, you can wash the area and apply a fresh layer of weatherstripping, which is backed by a foam seal that helps prevent leaks and enhance the comfort.
If your sliding patio door isn't working as it should, you have to address the issue immediately to avoid further damage and to keep them functioning for years to come. Depending on how severe the issue is and the severity of the issue, a DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement could be the best choice.
The majority of sliding patio door issues are caused by dirty rollers, misaligned tracks, or 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 the hardware. However, if these methods fail, it's advisable to seek advice from a professional to make sure that your patio door is operating just as it should. If you decide to replace or repair your patio door, be sure to verify the warranty information to confirm that it is covered under the manufacturer's warranty. This could save you money on repairs or replacements later on.