10 Sites To Help You Learn To Be An Expert In Patio Doors Repairs
Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio doors can bring in natural light to your home, and will increase its energy efficiency. Over time, they may start to show signs that suggest some attention.
Fortunately, the majority of problems with sliding patio doors are simple to fix. Find out how you can keep your sliding patio doors looking and working like new.
Dirty or damaged tracks
The tracks of your sliding patio door may be filthy or clogged. Over time, the dirt and grime of daily use can accumulate on the track. This can cause the jam to break or to break down completely.
Including regular light cleaning of sliding doors and tracks in your household chores can help minimize this accumulation. Begin by cleaning any large debris off the tracks and then wiping them down with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaning product, such as dish soap. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to help remove stubborn grease and dirt staining.
If your sliding door doesn't move smoothly after following these steps, it may be the sign of more severe damage that requires a professional repair or replacement. There are Repair My Windows And Doors can make before calling in professionals to avoid expensive repairs or replacements.
Install a doormat underneath your sliding doors. This will help trap dirt before it reaches the tracks. It is also important to cut any bushes or plants near your sliding doors to reduce the amount of debris trapped in the tracks. Close the door in a timely manner to avoid damaging the rollers and wheels. You can increase the lifespan of your doors by keeping them clean and lubricated.
Rollers that are misaligned
Occasionally the sliding patio door becomes misaligned or gets stuck. This is usually due to dirt, or other obstructions which can be easily removed. Sometimes it's due a bent roller or track. In the latter case you might be able to realign the roller by removing them using the adjustment screws and cleaning them using rubbing alcohol. Be careful when working with these parts, as they are fragile.
If your doors remain stuck, you can try lubricating the rollers to reduce friction and make it easier for them to slide. It is recommended to make use of a silicone-based lubricant as petroleum-based ones can attract dirt faster. It is essential to clean the tracks and rollers before applying lubricant.

After cleaning the rollers you can put them back in place using the adjustment screws. Make use of the same lubricant you used to clean them. When you are reinstalling the rollers ensure that you push them all the way into their channels. You can test the door and see if it slides smoothly.
If the problem persists it is possible to remove the door and examine the rollers and tracks. If the wheels or tracks are bent in a way they may require you to replace them. It's best to hire an expert to install the rollers or tracks in this scenario.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are ideal for bringing natural light and the outdoors into a space, but they are also susceptible to damage that requires repair or replacement. The most frequent problems that occur include warping, cracking and fading. Warping occurs when the materials that comprise your sliding glass patio door begin to degrade due to exposure to heat, sun and other environmental factors. Cracking often results from impact damage, such as from a ball or lawn mower run-in, whereas fading typically happens due to repeated contact with sunlight or other elements of nature.
If your sliding patio doors aren't easy to open or close, it could indicate that their rollers and tracks are not functioning correctly. This issue could be caused by the accumulation of dirt or rust on the track or wheels or a lack or lubrication. This issue can be solved by cleaning the rollers, tracks and removing obstructions.
The locking mechanism might also be faulty which makes it difficult to open or close your sliding patio doors. This could be due to the alignment of the track or wear and tear, but the solution is to adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws that are located on the bottom of the track.
Drafts or air leaks that occur around your sliding patio doors are a frequent issue that can significantly reduce their energy efficiency. They typically originate from damaged weather stripping or poor door alignment that can be easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and realigning the doors.
Loose Handle
It can be frustrating when the handle of sliding doors becomes loose. It becomes difficult to open the door. The reason for this is an improperly aligned lock mechanism. It can be repaired by tightening and loosening the screws holding it in place.
A loose handle may be caused by the handle separating from the spindle which connects it to the interior or handles on the outside. This is typically the result of a variety of factors, including over use, wear and tear, or just general ageing. If the problem is not treated promptly, it could eventually result in the whole handle becoming loose and possibly falling off completely.
To resolve this issue, you should first locate the screws that connect the handles' exterior and interior. The screws are typically hidden behind tabs of plastic that can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in certain instances) screwdriver. Store these screws safely to ensure they don't get lost.
After removing the old handles, the next step will be to take off the spindle. This can be done by tapping the spindle with a mallet or hammer until it falls free from its position inside the door. The new handle can be fitted by simply placing the spindle through the hole in the interior handle, and then inserting the other end of the spindle into the hole in the exterior handle. Once the handle is in place it can be tightened by screwing the screws back into place and then ensuring that the locking and unlock mechanisms function correctly.
Afflicted Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that's cracked or worn can allow water and air to be able to seep into your patio door, causing damage to your home's comfort and energy efficiency. In addition to letting in moisture, it could also create drafts and increase your heating or cooling costs. The good news is that replacing the weatherstripping is a simple fix that doesn't require any professional assistance. You can remove the old weatherstripping by loosing the staples using an screwdriver, or gently squeezing it with a putty knife and taking it off the door. Then, you can wash the area and apply a fresh layer of weatherstripping. This is backed by a foam seal that helps stop leaks and improve the comfort.
If your sliding patio doors aren't working as they should, it's crucial to take action immediately to prevent further damage and to keep them functional for a long time to come. Depending on the severity of the issue is and the severity of the issue, it's possible to choose a DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement could be the best option.
The majority of sliding patio door issues are caused by dirty rollers, misaligned tracks, or an untidy handle. In most cases, these issues can be addressed with regular maintenance and cleaning, such as lubricating the track, adjusting the rollers and tightening the hardware. If these steps aren't working, it's best to seek advice from a professional to make sure that your patio door is operating exactly as it should. Check the warranty information before you decide to replace or repair your patio door. This will save you money in the future for repairs and replacements.