Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding glass patio doors help bring natural light and improve your home's energy efficiency. However, over 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. Find out how to keep your sliding patio doors looking and functioning like new.
Tracks that are dirty or damaged
One of the most frequent reasons for sliding patio doors that do not open is dirty or clogged tracks. Over time, dirt and grime from everyday usage can accumulate on the track. This can cause the door jam or break completely.
This buildup can be minimized by including regular light cleanings of sliding doors and tracks in your routine chores. Begin by brushing or vacuuming any big debris from the tracks, and then wipe them clean using warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner like dish soap. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to remove stubborn dirt and grease staining.
If your sliding door is not working smoothly after you've followed these steps, this could be a sign there is more serious damage. This could need a professional's help to repair or replace the door. There are a few basic solutions you can try before calling in professionals to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
It's important to place a doormat on the bottom of your sliding doors to help catch dirt before it can reach the tracks. Regularly trim any plants and shrubs that are located near your sliding door to limit the amount of debris that is tracked into the tracks. Close the door in a timely manner to prevent damage to the rollers and wheels. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated you can extend their lifespan considerably.
Rollers that are not aligned
Occasionally it happens that a sliding patio door may become unbalanced or becomes 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 instance you can re-align the rollers by removing them with the adjustment screws and cleaning with ruby alcohol. Be click this link because these parts are fragile.
If your doors are still stuck, you can grease the rollers. This will lessen friction and allow them to move more easily. Make use of a silicone-based product as petroleum-based lubricants can draw dirt more quickly. It is crucial to clean the tracks and rollers before lubricating.
After cleaning the rollers you can reinstall using the adjustment screws. It is recommended to make use of the same lubricant as you used when cleaning them. Be sure to push the rollers fully in their channels when reinstalling them. You can test your door now and see if it glides smoothly.
If the problem persists it is possible to remove the door and check the rollers and tracks. If the tracks or rollers are badly bent they might need to be replaced. It is recommended to hire an expert to install the rollers or tracks in this scenario.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are ideal for bringing the outdoors and natural sunlight into a room, but they are also susceptible to damages that require repair or replacement. Some of the most common problems that occur include cracking, warping, and fading. The materials used to make the sliding glass patio doors begin to break down when exposed heat, sunlight and other environmental factors. Cracks are usually caused by impact damage such as a lawnmower or ball smacking into the door. Fading is usually due to repeated exposure to sunlight and other elements.
If you have sliding glass patio doors that are difficult to open and close it could be a sign that the tracks and rollers are not functioning properly. This issue could be caused by the accumulation of dirt, rust, or debris in the wheels or track, or by a lack or lubrication. This issue can be solved by regularly cleaning the rollers, tracks and removing obstructions.
The locking mechanism might also be faulty which makes it difficult to open and shut your sliding patio doors. This could be due to misalignment or wear and tear but a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanisms by using the adjustment screws located on the bottom of the track.
Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio doors are a common issue that can significantly reduce their energy efficiency. These issues are typically caused by weather stripping that is worn out or poor alignment of the door. This can be fixed easily 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 becomes difficult to open. This issue is usually caused by an incorrectly aligned locking mechanism which can be corrected by loosening the screws that secure it and tightening them until they are snug against the jamb of the door.
Another reason for a handle to become loose is that it is detached from the spindle that connects it with the interior and exterior handles. This usually happens as a result of a mix of factors, such as excessive use, wear and tear, or simply the general aging. If the problem is not treated promptly, it could eventually result in the whole handle becoming loose and possibly falling off completely.
To solve this issue it is necessary to locate the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. These screws are usually hidden behind tabs of plastic that can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver, in some instances) screwdriver. Securely store these screws to prevent them from being lost.
Once the handles that were previously used have been removed and the old handles are gone, the next step is to remove the spindle that is loose. This can be done by tapping the end of the spindle with an hammer until freed from its position within the door. The new handle is fitted by putting the spindle inside the interior handle hole and the other end through the exterior handle hole. After the handle is installed then tighten it by screwing back the screws and then test to ensure the lock and unlock mechanism functions correctly.
Unusual Weatherstripping
A worn or cracked weatherstripping may allow air and water to seep through your patio doors, which can compromise the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. In addition to allowing moisture, it can also cause drafts and increase your heating or cooling costs. Fortunately, replacing faulty weatherstripping is an easy fix that doesn't require any professional help. First, you must take off 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. After that, you can clean the area and apply a new layer of weatherstripping that is backed by a foam seal that helps ensure that there are no leaks and to increase comfort.
If your sliding patio doors aren't longer functioning as they should, it's essential to address the issue immediately to avoid any further damage and ensure they remain functional for years to come. Depending on how serious the problem is and the severity of the issue, it's possible to choose a DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement could be the best choice.
The most frequent issues that arise with sliding patio doors include dirty rollers due to debris in the tracks, misaligned wheels and a loose handle. These issues are usually addressed by regular cleaning and maintenance, such as changing the track's lubricant and adjust and tightening the hardware. However, if these measures don't work, it's best to seek professional advice to make sure that your patio door is functioning exactly as it should. If you decide to replace or repair your patio door, make sure to check its warranty information to confirm that it is covered under the manufacturer's warranty. This will save you money in the long run on repairs and replacements.