The 10 Most Scariest Things About Patio Doors Repairs

Sliding Patio Doors Repairs

Your sliding glass patio doors help bring natural light and improve your home's energy efficiency. However, over time they can show signs of wear and tear that require some attention.

Fortunately, the majority of issues with sliding patio doors are simple to fix. Find out how to keep your sliding patio doors looking and working like new.

Dirty or damaged Tracks

One of the main causes of sliding patio doors that won't open is clogged or dirty tracks. Over time, dirt and grime from everyday use can accumulate on the track. This can cause the door jam or even break completely.

This buildup can be reduced by including regular light cleanings of tracks and sliding doors in your routine chores. Begin by sweeping or vacuuming large debris off the tracks. Then make use of warm water and non-abrasive cleaning products like dish soap to clean them. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to help get rid of stubborn grease and dirt stains.

If you find that your sliding door still won't move smoothly after following these steps, it could be the sign of more severe damage and requires a professional repair or replacement. There are a variety of simple fixes you could try before calling experts to save on costly repairs or replacements.

Place a mat under your sliding doors. This will assist in keep dirt out of the tracks. Regularly trim any plants or bushes that are near the sliding door to decrease 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. You can extend the life of your doors by keeping them clean and well-lubricated.

Rollers that are not aligned

Sometimes, a patio sliding can become misaligned. This is usually 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 instance you can straighten the rollers by taking them off with the adjustment screws, and then cleaning with rubbing alcohol. Be careful because these parts are delicate.

If your doors are stuck, you can grease the rollers. This will lessen friction and allow them to move more easily. Use a silicone-based product, as petroleum-based lubricants can attract dirt faster. It is also important to clean the tracks and rollers before applying lubricant.

Once you've cleaned the rollers, you can put them back in place them with the adjustment screws. It is recommended to apply the same lubricant that you used to clean them. When reinstalling the rollers, make sure you push them all the way into their channels. You can now test your door and see if it slides smoothly.

If the problem continues, it may be necessary to take the door off and inspect the tracks and rollers. If the wheels or tracks are bent badly it could be necessary to replace them. It's best to hire a professional to install the rollers or tracks in this case.

Warped Glass

Sliding glass door are great for bringing outside into a room and letting in natural sunlight, but they may also be susceptible to damage that requires repair or replacement. Some of the most frequent issues that can occur are warping, cracking and fade. Warping occurs when the components that comprise your sliding glass patio door begin to degrade due to sun, heat and other environmental factors. The most common cause of cracking is impact damage such as a lawnmower or ball smacking into the door. Fading usually occurs due to repeated exposure to sunlight and other elements.

If you have sliding glass patio doors that are hard to close and open it could indicate that the rollers and tracks are not functioning properly. This issue could be caused by accumulation of dirt, rust or debris in the track, misaligned wheels or the lack of lubrication. Cleaning the rollers and tracks, removing obstructions and applying silicone spray can help solve this issue.

Another reason why your sliding patio doors may be difficult to open or close is because the locking mechanism has become faulty. It could be due to misalignment or wear and tear or a combination of both. To fix this, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustable screws located at the bottom.

Drafts or air leaks that surround your sliding patio door repair patio door are a frequent issue that can decrease the efficiency of your home's energy usage. They are usually caused by damaged weather stripping or poor alignment of the doors that is easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and realigning the doors.

Loose Handle

It can be a hassle when the handle of sliding doors becomes loose. It becomes difficult to open. The reason for this is an improperly aligned lock mechanism. It can be repaired by tightening and loosening the screws holding it in place.

Another common reason for a loose handle is that it has separated from the spindle that connects the handles on the exterior and interior. This is usually the result of a combination of factors, including over use wear and tear or simply aging. If the issue isn't addressed quickly, the handle can become loose and fall off.

To fix this problem it is necessary to locate the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. They are typically hidden by tabs made of plastic, which can be removed using a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of certain handles, a Phillips head screwdriver). It is a good idea to keep these screws in a safe place so that you don't loose them.

After removing the handles the next step will be to remove the spindle. This can be done by pounding the ends of the spindle with a hammer until it is freed from its position within the door. The new handle can be put in place by simply placing the spindle into the hole on the handle inside and inserting the other end of the spindle into the hole on the exterior handle. Once the handle is installed then tighten it by screwing back the screws, and then test to make sure the lock and unlock mechanism functions properly.

Afflicted Weatherstripping

A worn or cracked weatherstripping can allow water and air to seep through your patio doors, which can compromise the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. In addition to letting in moisture, it can create drafts and also increase your heating or cooling costs. The good news is that replacing the weatherstripping is a simple repair that doesn't require professional help. You can remove the old weatherstripping by loosing the staples using a screwdriver, or gently prying it off with a putty blade and then taking it off the door. Then, you can clean the area, and then apply an additional layer of weatherstripping that is backed with an adhesive. This will prevent leaks and increase the comfort.

If your sliding patio doors are no working as they should, it's essential to address the issue immediately to avoid further damage tilt and slide patio door repairs to keep them functional for years to come. Depending on how severe the issue is the best option is a DIY solution or a repair/replacement by a professional may be the best choice.

The most frequent issues with sliding patio doors are dirty rollers due to debris in the tracks, misaligned wheels and a loose handle. These issues can usually be solved by regular maintenance and cleaning including applying lubrication and adjusting the track, and tightening the hardware. If these measures do not work, you should seek professional advice in order to ensure that your patio glass door repair near me is functioning just as it should. Before you decide to replace or repair your patio door, make sure to verify the warranty information to confirm that it is covered under the manufacturer's warranty. This will save you money in the future on repairs and replacements.