Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio doors will bring the outdoors in to your home and improve its energy efficiency. However, with time, they could show signs of wear and tear that will require some attention.
Luckily, most of the issues with sliding patio doors are fairly easy to fix. Learn more about how you can keep your patio doors looking and operating like new:.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks
One of the main causes of sliding patio doors that don't open is clogged or dirty tracks. Over time, the dust and grime of everyday use accumulates on the track and can cause the door to jam or even break down completely.
This buildup can be reduced by including regular light cleanings of sliding doors and tracks in your routine chores. Start by brushing or vacuuming any big debris from the tracks and then wiping them down 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 staining.
If your sliding door still not moving smoothly even after you've completed these steps, this could be a sign there is more damage. This could require a professional to fix or replace the door. There are a few easy fixes you can do before calling a professional to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
It's important to place a doormat near the bottom of your sliding doors to trap dirt before it has the chance to get to the tracks. Regularly trim any plants and shrubs that are located near your sliding door to reduce the amount of debris tracked into the tracks. Finally, be sure to close the door correctly so that it doesn't crash into the tracks and cause damage to the rollers and wheels. You can prolong the life of your doors by keeping them clean and well-lubricated.
Rollers that are not aligned
Occasionally the sliding patio door may become out of alignment or becomes stuck. This is usually due to dirt, or other obstructions which can be easily removed. Sometimes, it's due to a bent roller or track. In the latter scenario it is possible to straighten the roller by taking them out using their adjustment screws and cleaning them with rubbing alcohol. Be cautious because these parts are delicate.
If your doors are stuck, you can grease the rollers. This will reduce friction and allow them to slide more easily. It is recommended to use a silicone-based lubricant, since petroleum-based ones tend to draw dirt more quickly. It is essential to clean the rollers and tracks prior to lubricating.
After cleaning the rollers you can put them back on using the adjustment screws. It's also a good idea to use the same lubricant you used to clean them. When you are reinstalling the rollers ensure that you push them all the way into their channels. You can test your door now and see if it moves smoothly.
If the problem continues, it is possible to remove the door and inspect the rollers and tracks. If the tracks or rollers are badly bent, they may need to be replaced. In such a scenario, it's a good idea to contact a professional for the installation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are ideal for bringing the outdoors into your home and letting in natural sunlight but they could also be vulnerable to damage that requires repair or replacement. Some of the most common problems that arise are cracking, warping and fading. The materials that compose the sliding glass patio doors begin to deteriorate when exposed to heat, sunlight and other environmental elements. Cracks are usually caused by the impact of the impact of a lawnmowers blade or ball that is smashed into the door. Fading is usually because of repeated exposure to sunlight as well as other elements.
If your sliding glass patio doors are difficult to open or close, it could be a sign that their rollers and tracks are not functioning correctly. This issue could be caused by accumulated dirt or rust in the track or wheels or a lack or lubrication. This issue can be solved by regularly cleaning the tracks and rollers and clearing obstructions.
The locking mechanism could be faulty and make it difficult to open or close your sliding patio doors. This could be caused by an issue with alignment or wear and tear, however, a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws that are located at the bottom of the track.
Drafts or air leaks that occur around your sliding patio doors are a common issue that can significantly decrease their energy efficiency. These issues are typically caused by worn-out weather stripping or poor alignment of the door. This can be easily resolved by replacing the weather stripping and realigning your doors.
Loose Handle
It can be a hassle when the handle of sliding doors becomes loose. It becomes difficult to open. The reason for this is an improperly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosing and tightening the screws that hold it in the correct position.
A loose handle may be caused by the handle becoming detached from the spindle connecting it to the interior or exterior handles. This usually happens as a result of a combination of factors, such as excessive use wear and tear or simply the general aging. If the issue isn't addressed quickly, the handle can be loosened and fall off.
To fix sliding patio door lock repair Repair My Windows And Doors , you should first identify the screws that join the handles' exterior and interior. These screws are usually hidden behind tabs of plastic that can be removed with a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in some instances) screwdriver. It's a good idea to keep these screws safe so that you don't lose them.
After removing the old handles, the next step will be to take off the spindle. This can be done by pounding the end of the spindle with the hammer until it's removed from its position inside the door. The new handle can be put in place by simply placing the spindle through the hole on the interior handle, and then putting the other end of the spindle through the hole in the outside handle. Once the handle is in place it can be tightened by screwing the screws back in and then ensuring that the locking and unlock mechanisms function correctly.
Faulty Weatherstripping
A worn or cracked weatherstripping could let water and air get through your patio doors, which can compromise the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. It can allow moisture in and create drafts that will increase your cooling and heating costs. It's easy to replace faulty weatherstripping without professional assistance. You can take off the old weatherstripping by either loosing the staples using a screwdriver, or gently prying it off with the help of a putty blade, and then pulling it away from the door. Then, you can clean the area and apply a layer of weatherstripping that is backed with foam seal. This will prevent leaks and enhance the comfort.
If your sliding patio door isn't functioning as it should, you must to fix the problem immediately to prevent further damage and to keep them functional for many years to be. Depending on how severe the issue is the best option is it's possible to choose a DIY solution or a repair/replacement by a professional may be the best choice.
The most frequent issues that arise that are encountered with sliding patio doors are dirty rollers due to debris in the tracks, wheels that are not aligned and a loose handle. These issues can be addressed by regular maintenance and cleaning, such as applying lubrication and adjusting the track, and tightening the hardware. However, if these measures fail, it's advisable consult a professional for advice to make sure that your patio door is working just as it should. Make sure to check the warranty information prior to you decide to replace or repair your patio door. This could save you money on repairs or replacements in the future.