Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding glass patio doors to let in more light and increase your home's energy efficiency. However, as time passes, they can show signs of wear and tear that require some maintenance.
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 functioning like new:.
Tracks that are dirty or damaged
One of the main reasons for sliding patio doors that do not open is clogged or dirty tracks. Over time, the dirt and grime from everyday use can build up on the track. This could cause the door jam to become damaged or break completely.
A regular cleaning of sliding doors and tracks as part of your household chores can help reduce the build-up. Start by brushing or vacuuming large pieces of debris off the tracks. Then make use of warm water and non-abrasive cleansing products such as dish soap to clean them. Add a little vinegar to your cleaning solution can also aid in the removal of stubborn dirt and grease stains.
If you notice that your sliding door doesn't move smoothly after completing these steps, it could be the sign of more severe damage and requires a professional repair or replacement. But, there are simple fixes that you could try before calling experts to prevent costly repairs or replacements.
It is essential to put a doormat at the bottom of your sliding doors to help catch dirt before it can get to the tracks. Regularly trim any plants and bushes that are in close proximity to your sliding door to limit the amount of debris tracked into the tracks. Close the door correctly to prevent damage to the rollers and wheels. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated, you can prolong their lifespan substantially.
Rollers that are misaligned
Sometimes, a patio could be misaligned. Usually, this is due to dirt or other obstructions that can be easily removed. However, it could be due to a bent track or roller. In the latter case it is possible to straighten the roller by taking them out using their adjustment screws and cleaning them using ruby alcohol. Be sliding patio door repairs near me , as these parts are fragile.
If your doors are still stuck and stick, you can try applying lubrication to the rollers to decrease friction and allow them to slide. Use a silicone-based product, as petroleum-based lubricants can draw dirt more quickly. It is essential to clean the rollers and tracks prior to applying lubrication.
After you've cleaned your rollers, you can put them back in place them using their adjustment screws. Use the same lubricant that you used to clean them. Make sure you push the rollers fully in their channels when reinstalling them. You can test the door and see if it moves smoothly.
If the problem persists it may be necessary to take the door off and inspect the tracks and rollers. If the tracks or wheels are bent in a way they may require you to replace them. In such a scenario it's a good idea to contact a professional for the installation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are ideal to bring in the outdoors and natural sunlight into a space, but they can also be susceptible to damages that require repair or replacement. Some of the most common problems that occur include cracking, warping and fade. Warping occurs when the components that make up your sliding glass patio door start to degrade as a result of exposure to heat, sun and other environmental factors. The most common cause of cracking is injuries caused by impact, like from a ball or lawn mower run-in, whereas fading typically is caused by repeated contact with sunlight or other elements of nature.
If you have sliding glass patio doors that aren't easy to open and close it could be a sign that the tracks and rollers do not work properly. This issue could be caused by accumulated dirt or rust in the wheels or track or a lack or lubrication. Cleaning the tracks and rollers clearing obstructions and applying silicone spray may help resolve this problem.
Another reason why your sliding patio doors might be difficult to open or close is because the locking mechanism has become faulty. This could be caused by an issue with alignment or wear and tear, however, a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanisms by turning the adjustment screws hidden on the bottom of the track.
Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio doors are a frequent issue that can greatly reduce their energy efficiency. They are usually caused by damaged weather stripping and poor alignment of the doors, which is easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and realigning the 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. This is typically caused by an incorrectly aligned locking mechanism which can be fixed by loosening the screws that hold it in place and tightening them until they are snug against the door jamb.
Another reason for a handle to become loose is that it has become detached from the spindle that connects it to the handles on the exterior and interior. This is usually the result of a variety of factors, including excessive use, wear and tear, or simply aging. If the problem is not addressed quickly, it could eventually result in the entire handle becoming loose, and eventually falling off completely.
The most effective way to address this issue is by first locating the screws that attach the handles' exterior and interior. They are typically hidden behind plastic tabs which can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in some instances) screwdriver. It's a good idea to store these screws somewhere safe so that you don't loose them.
After removing the 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 place within the door. Then, the new handle can be fitted by simply putting the spindle into the hole on the handle inside and placing the other end of the spindle into the hole on the exterior handle. Once the handle is installed and tightened, screw back the screws. Then, test to ensure the lock and unlock mechanism works correctly.
Afflicted Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that is damaged or cracked may allow water and air to seep into your patio door, causing damage to your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It can let in moisture and create drafts, which can increase your cooling and heating costs. Fortunately, replacing faulty weatherstripping is a simple repair that doesn't require professional assistance. First, you need to remove the old stripping by loosening its staples with the help of a screwdriver or by pinning it gently using a putty knife and then pulling it off the door. You can then clean the area and apply a layer of weatherstripping that is backed with a foam seal. This will stop leaks and improve comfort.
If your sliding patio door isn't working as it should, you have to fix the issue as soon as possible to avoid further damage and to keep them functional for many years to be. Depending on the severity of the issue, DIY or professional repair/replacement could be the best option.
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 including lubricating and adjusting the track, and tightening the hardware. If these methods are not working then you should seek professional advice in order to make sure that your patio is functioning just as it should. Before you decide to replace or repair your patio door, be sure to check its warranty information to ensure that it is covered under the manufacturer's warranty. This could save you money on repairs or replacements in the future.