Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding glass patio doors to let in more light and increase your home's energy efficiency. However, with time, they may begin to show signs of wear and tear that will require a bit of maintenance.
Luckily, the majority of issues with sliding patio doors are easy to fix. Find out how to keep your sliding patio doors looking like new.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty
One of the most frequent reasons for sliding patio doors that do not open is dirty or clogged tracks. Over time, the dirt and grime of daily use can accumulate on the track. This can cause the jam to break or even break completely.
A regular cleaning of sliding doors and their tracks as part of your household chores can help reduce the build-up. Start by sweeping or vacuuming large debris off the tracks. Then apply warm water and non-abrasive cleaning products like dish soap to wipe them down. Add a little vinegar to your cleaning product can help in removing stubborn grease and dirt staining.
If your sliding door still not moving smoothly even after you have followed these steps, this could indicate that there is more damage. This could need a professional's help to repair or replace the door. There are a few simple fixes you can make 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. Regularly trim any plants or bushes that are in close proximity to your sliding door to reduce the amount of debris that gets tracked into the tracks. Close the door properly to avoid damaging the rollers and wheels. You can extend the life of your doors by maintaining them clean and lubricated.
Misaligned Rollers
Occasionally the sliding patio door may become misaligned or gets stuck. It is usually due to dirt or other obstructions which can be easily removed. However, it could be due to a bent track or roller. In the latter scenario you might be able to straighten the roller by taking them out with their adjustment screws and cleaning them with rubbing alcohol. These parts are often fragile.
If your doors are still stuck, you can apply lubrication to the rollers. This will lessen friction and allow them to slide more easily. Make use of a silicone-based product because petroleum-based lubricants may draw dirt more quickly. It is also crucial to clean the tracks and rollers prior to applying lubricant.
After cleaning the rollers you can put them back in place using their adjustment screws. It is also a good idea to make use of the same lubricant as you used to clean them. When you reinstall the rollers, ensure that you push them completely into their channels. You can test the door and see if it slides smoothly.
If the problem continues, it may be necessary to take the door off and examine the tracks and rollers. If the tracks or rollers are badly bent they might need to be replaced. In this case it's best to contact an expert for the installation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are ideal for bringing in the outdoors and natural sunlight into a room, but they are also susceptible to damage that requires repair or replacement. Cracking, warping and fading are a few of the most frequently encountered issues. The materials that make up the sliding glass patio doors start to degrade when exposed to sunlight, heat and other environmental factors. Cracking often results from the impact of a collision, for example from a ball or lawn mower run-in, whereas fading typically occurs due to repeated contact with sunlight or other natural elements.
If your sliding patio doors aren't easy to open or close, it could be a sign that the tracks and rollers aren't functioning properly. This issue may result from accumulated dirt, rust or debris in the track, or misaligned wheels or an absence of lubrication. This issue can be fixed by regularly cleaning the tracks, rollers and clearing obstructions.
Another reason why your sliding patio doors are difficult to open or close is that the locking mechanism is no longer working. This could be due to misalignment or wear and tear however, a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanisms by using the adjustment screws located at the bottom of the track.
Air leaks or drafts around your sliding patio door are a common problem that can reduce their energy efficiency. They are usually caused by damaged weather stripping and poor door alignment and is easily fixed by replacing the old weather stripping and re-aligning the doors.
Loose Handle
It can be frustrating when the handle of a sliding door becomes loose. It becomes difficult to open the door. The reason for this is a misaligned lock mechanism. It can be repaired by tightening and loosening the screws that hold it in the correct position.
Another reason for a loose handle is that it has become detached from the spindle that connects it to the handles' exterior and interior. This usually happens as a result of a variety of factors, including excessive use wear and tear or simply aging. If the problem is not resolved promptly, it may eventually lead to the entire handle becoming loose, and eventually falling off completely.
To resolve this issue it is necessary to identify the screws that join the interior and exterior handles. They are usually hidden by tabs made of plastic that can be removed using a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of some handles, a Phillips head screwdriver). Securely store these screws to prevent them from being lost.
After removing the old handles, the next step will be to remove the spindle. This can be done by pounding the end of the spindle with a hammer until it is removed from its place within the door. replacing patio door is then fitted by putting the spindle inside the handle hole inside and the other end through the hole on the outside of the handle. Once the handle is in place it can be tightened by screwing the screws back into place and then testing to ensure that the lock and unlock mechanisms work properly.
Faulty Weatherstripping
A worn or cracked weatherstripping could allow water and air to be able to seep through your patio doors, which can compromise the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. It can let in moisture and create drafts, which will increase your cooling and heating costs. It's easy to replace faulty weatherstripping with no professional help. First, you need to take off the old stripping by loosing its staples with a screwdriver or prying it with a putty knife, and then lifting it off the door. Then, you can clean the area, and apply an additional layer of weatherstripping that is secured with an adhesive. This will stop leaks and increase the comfort of your.
If your sliding patio door is not functioning as it should, you need to fix the issue as soon as possible to avoid further damage and keep them functioning for years to be. Depending on the severity of the problem is the best option is an DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement might be the best option.
The most frequent issues that arise with sliding patio doors include dirty rollers from debris in the tracks, wheels that are not aligned and a loose handle. These issues can be resolved through regular cleaning and maintenance including lubricating and adjusting the track and tightening the hardware. However, if these methods fail, it's advisable to seek professional advice to make sure that your patio door is functioning as it should. Make sure to check the warranty information prior to you decide to replace or repair your patio door. This will save you money on repairs or replacements in the future.