The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Patio Doors Repairs
Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio doors can bring in natural light to your home and increase its energy efficiency. As time passes, they could start to show signs that require some maintenance.
Fortunately, the majority of problems with sliding patio doors are easy to fix. Find out how you can keep your sliding patio doors looking and working like new.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks
One of the most common causes of sliding patio doors that do not open is dirty or blocked tracks. Over time, dirt and grime from daily usage can accumulate on the track. This can cause the door jam or break completely.
Regularly cleaning sliding doors and their tracks in your chores at home can help reduce the build-up. Begin by sweeping or vacuuming any large debris from the tracks and then wipe them clean using warm water and a non-abrasive cleaning product like dish soap. A little vinegar added to your cleaning product can also aid in the removal of stubborn grease and dirt stains.
If your sliding door isn't able to move smoothly after completing these steps, it could be the sign of more severe damage that requires professional repair or replacement. There are a few basic solutions you can try before calling a professional to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Place a doormat under your sliding doors. This will help keep dirt out of the tracks. Make sure to trim the plants and shrubs that are located near your sliding door to reduce the amount of debris that gets tracked into the tracks. Close the door properly to prevent damage to the rollers and wheels. By keeping your doors clean and well-lubricated, you can prolong their lifespan substantially.
Rollers that are not aligned
Sometimes, a patio sliding may become out of alignment. This usually happens due to dirt, or other obstructions which can be easily removed. However, it could also be the result of a bent track or roller. In this situation you can straighten the rollers by removing them with 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 still stick, you can try using lubricants on the rollers to reduce friction and make it easier for them to slide. Make use of a silicone-based product as petroleum-based lubricants can attract dirt more quickly. It is important to clean the tracks and rollers before applying lubrication.
After cleaning the rollers you can put them back on using the adjustment screws. It's recommended to use the same lubricant you used for cleaning them. When you are reinstalling the rollers be sure to push them all the way into their channels. You can test the door and see if it moves smoothly.
If the problem persists it could be necessary to take down your door and check the tracks and rollers for any more serious issues. If the tracks or wheels are badly bent, you may need to replace them. In such a scenario it's a good idea to contact an expert for the installation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass door are great for bringing the outdoors into your home and letting in natural sunlight, but they may also be prone to damage that requires repair or replacement. Warping, cracking, and fading are some of the most frequent issues. Warping occurs when the materials which make up your sliding glass patio door repairs door start to degrade as a result of exposure to heat, sun and other environmental factors. Cracking often results from the impact of a collision, for example from a lawn mower or ball run-in, while fading usually is caused by repeated contact with sunlight and other elements of nature.
If your sliding glass patio doors are difficult to close or open, it could be an indication that the tracks and rollers aren't working properly. This issue may result from accumulation of dirt, rust or debris in the track, wheels that are not aligned or the lack of lubrication. This issue can be solved by regularly cleaning the rollers, tracks and removing obstructions.
Another reason your sliding patio doors may be 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 mechanism by turning the adjustment screws that are located in the bottom of the track.
Drafts or air leaks that occur around your sliding patio doors are a frequent issue that can greatly decrease their energy efficiency. These problems are usually caused by weather stripping that has worn out or poor door alignment. This issue can be fixed easily by replacing the weather stripping, and re-aligning your doors.
Loose Handle
If the handle of a sliding doors becomes loose, it could be quite frustrating and make it difficult for people to open the door. The reason for this is an improperly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosening and tightening the screws holding it in place.
Another reason that is commonly cited for a loose handle is that it has separated from the spindle that connects the handles on the exterior and interior. This is often due to a variety of factors, including frequent use, wear-and-tear or just general aging. If the problem isn't resolved promptly, the handle could be loosened and fall off.
To resolve this issue it is necessary to identify the screws that join the interior and exterior handles. The screws are typically hidden behind tabs of plastic that can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in some cases) screwdriver. Securely store these screws to prevent them from being lost.
After the handles have been removed and the old handles are gone, the next step is to take off the loose spindle. You can do this by tapping the end of the spindle with the hammer until it's freed from its position within the door. The new handle is then installed by inserting the spindle into the interior handle hole and the other end into the hole in the handle on the outside. Once the handle has been installed then tighten it by screwing back the screws and then check to ensure that the lock and unlock mechanism works correctly.
Afflicted Weatherstripping
A damaged or cracked weatherstripping could allow water and air to be able to seep through your patio doors, compromising the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. It could let in moisture and create drafts that will increase the cost of cooling and heating. It's easy to replace faulty weatherstripping without professional assistance. You can remove the old weatherstripping by either loosing the staples using the help of a screwdriver or by gently squeezing it with a putty blade and then pulling it from the door. Clean the area and apply an additional layer of weatherstripping that is secured by foam seal. This will prevent leaks and increase the comfort of your.
If your sliding patio door isn't functioning as it should, you have to fix the problem immediately to prevent further damage and keep them functioning for years to come. Depending on how serious the issue is the best option is an DIY solution or a repair/replacement by a professional may be the best option.
The most frequent issues with sliding patio doors include dirty rollers from debris in the tracks, misaligned wheels and a loose handle. In the majority of cases these issues can be addressed with regular maintenance and cleaning, which includes lubricating the track and rollers, as well as adjusting them and tightening hardware. If these solutions don't work, you should seek advice from a professional to make sure that your emergency patio door repair is operating exactly as it should. Review the warranty information before you decide to replace or repair patio doors your patio door. This will save you money in the long run on repairs and replacements.