Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio doors will let in natural light to your home, and will increase the efficiency of your home's energy usage. However, as visit , they could show signs of wear and tear, which will require a bit of maintenance.
The majority of problems with sliding patio doors are relatively easy to repair. Learn more about how you can keep your patio doors looking and operating like new:.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks
The tracks of your sliding patio door might be filthy or clogged. Over time, the dust and grime of daily use build up on the track and can cause the door to become jammed or even break down completely.
This buildup can be minimized by incorporating regular light cleaning of tracks and sliding doors in your routine chores. Begin by cleaning any large debris from the tracks and then wipe them clean with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaning product, such as dish soap. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to remove stubborn dirt and grease stains.
If your sliding door isn't able to move smoothly after completing these steps, it may be an indication of more serious damage and requires a professional repair or replacement. However, there are many easy fixes you can try before calling the professionals to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
It's important to place a doormat near the bottom of your sliding doors in order to trap dirt before it can reach the tracks. You should also regularly cut any bushes or plants near your sliding doors to minimize the amount of debris that gets tracked into the tracks. Make sure to close the door properly so it doesn't slam into the tracks and cause damage to the rollers and wheels. You can prolong the life of your doors by keeping them clean and lubricated.
Rollers that are misaligned
Sometimes, a patio can become misaligned. It is usually due to dirt or other obstructions which can be easily removed. Sometimes it's due bent track or a bent roller. In this situation, you can realign the rollers by taking them off with the adjustment screws and cleaning with ruby alcohol. Be cautious, as these parts are delicate.
If your doors are still stuck, you can apply lubrication to the rollers. This will decrease 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 also crucial to clean the tracks and rollers prior to lubricating them.
Once you've cleaned the rollers, you can put them back in place them using the screws for adjustment. It is recommended to make use of the same lubricant as you used to clean them. When reinstalling the rollers, be sure to push them completely 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 tracks and rollers. If the tracks or rollers are bent in a way they might need to be replaced. In such a case it's best to get an expert for the installation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass door are great for bringing the outdoors into your home and letting natural light in but they could also be prone to damage that requires repair or replacement. Some of the most frequent problems that occur include warping, cracking and fade. Warping happens when the materials which make up your sliding glass patio door begin to degrade due to sun, heat and other environmental elements. The most common cause of cracking is impact damage, such as from a ball or lawn mower run-in, while fading usually occurs due to repeated contact with sunlight or other elements found in nature.
If your sliding patio doors aren't easy to close or open, it could be an indication that their rollers and tracks are not functioning correctly. This problem may be caused by the accumulation of dirt or rust in the wheels or track or due to a lack of or lubrication. Regularly cleaning the rollers and tracks by removing obstructions, and then applying silicone spray can help resolve this problem.
The locking mechanism could be faulty, making it difficult to open and close your sliding patio doors. This could be caused by misalignment or wear and tear, but a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws that are located in the bottom of the track.
Air leaks or drafts around your sliding patio door are a common issue that can decrease their energy efficiency. They are usually caused by worn weather stripping and poor door alignment and can be easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and aligning the doors.
Loose Handle
If the handle of a sliding door is loose, it can be quite annoying and make it difficult for people to open the door. This is due to an incorrectly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosing and tightening the screws that hold it in the correct position.
A loose handle may result from the handle separating from the spindle which connects it to the inside or handles on the outside. This is often caused by a variety of reasons, including excessive use, wear-and-tear or just general aging. If the issue isn't addressed quickly, the handle may be loosened and fall off.
To resolve this issue it is necessary to locate the screws that connect the handles' exterior and interior. The screws are typically hidden behind tabs of plastic that can be removed with a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in some instances) screwdriver. Store these screws safely to prevent them from being lost.
After removing the old handles, the next step will be to take off the spindle. This can be done by tapping the spindle using a mallet or hammer until it comes loose from its position within the door. The new handle is then fitted by placing the spindle into the interior handle hole and the other end through the hole on the outside of the handle. Once the handle has been installed and tightened, screw back the screws. Then, test to ensure the lock and unlock mechanism works correctly.
Afflicted Weatherstripping
A cracked or worn weatherstripping could let water and air get through your patio doors, which can compromise the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. In addition to allowing moisture, it could also cause drafts and increase your cooling or heating costs. The good news is that replacing the weatherstripping is an easy fix that doesn't require professional assistance. First, you need to remove the old stripping by either loosing its staples using an screwdriver or pinning it with a putty knife, and then lifting it away from the door. Clean the area, and apply an additional layer of weatherstripping that is secured by foam seal. This will prevent leaks and improve comfort.
If your sliding patio door is not working as it should, you must to fix the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure that they are functional for years to come. Depending on how severe the problem is and the severity of the issue, an DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement could be the best choice.
Most sliding patio door problems are caused by dirty rollers, misaligned tracks, and a loose handle. These issues can usually be addressed by regular cleaning and maintenance including lubricating and adjusting the track, and tightening the hardware. If these steps aren't working, it's best consult a professional for advice to ensure that your patio door is operating exactly as it should. If you decide to replace or repair your patio door, make sure to check its warranty information to make sure that it's covered by the manufacturer's warranty. This will save you money on repairs or replacements in the near future.