Patio Doors Repairs: 11 Thing You're Leaving Out

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 could show signs of wear and tear that require some attention. Luckily, the majority of issues with sliding patio doors are easy to fix. Learn more about how to keep your 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 grit and grime from daily use accumulates on the track and can cause the door to jam or even break down completely. Regularly cleaning sliding doors and their tracks in your household chores can help reduce the build-up. Begin by brushing or vacuuming large pieces of debris off the tracks. Then apply warm water and non-abrasive cleaning products such as dish soap to clean them. Adding a bit of vinegar to your cleaning solution may also aid in the removal of stubborn grease and dirt staining. If you notice that your sliding door isn't able to move smoothly after completing these steps, it may be the sign of more severe damage that requires professional repair or replacement. But, there are simple fixes you could try before calling experts to avoid costly repairs or replacements. Place a mat under your sliding doors. This will help to catch dirt before it gets to the tracks. Regularly trim any plants or bushes that are in close proximity to the sliding door to decrease the amount of debris that is tracked into the tracks. Also, make sure you close the door in a way that it doesn't hit the tracks and damage the wheels and rollers. You can prolong the life of your doors by keeping them clean and well-lubricated. Rollers that are not aligned Sometimes, a sliding patio door may become unbalanced or becomes stuck. Most often, this is due to dirt or other obstructions that can be easily removed. However, it can be due to a bent track or roller. In this instance, you can realign the rollers by removing them with the adjustment screws and cleaning with ruby alcohol. These parts can be fragile. If your doors are still stuck and stick, you can try lubricating the rollers to reduce friction and allow them to slide. Use a silicone-based product, because petroleum-based lubricants may attract dirt faster. It is also important to clean the rollers and tracks prior to applying lubricant. After cleaning the rollers, you can reinstall using the adjustment screws. It's also a good idea to make use of the same lubricant as you used when cleaning them. Make sure to push the rollers completely in their channels when reinstalling them. You can test your door now and see if it glides smoothly. If the problem continues it could be necessary to remove your door and check the rollers and tracks for any other issues. If the tracks or wheels are bent badly, you may need to replace them. In such a scenario, it's a good idea to get an expert to install the tracks. Warped Glass Sliding glass door are great to bring the outdoors into the room and letting in natural sunlight, but they may also be susceptible to damage that requires repair or replacement. Cracks, warping and fading are a few of the most common problems. patio doors repairs that compose the sliding glass patio doors begin to deteriorate when exposed to heat, sunlight and other environmental elements. Cracks are usually caused by the impact of a lawnmower or ball smacking into the door. Fading typically occurs due to repeated exposure to sunlight as well as other elements. If your sliding glass patio doors are difficult to close or open it could be a sign that the tracks and rollers are not functioning correctly. This issue may result from accumulated dirt, rust or debris in the track, or misaligned wheels or the lack of lubrication. This problem can be resolved by regularly cleaning the tracks, rollers and removing obstructions. Another reason why your sliding patio doors are difficult to open or close is because the locking mechanism has gone out of date. This could be caused by misalignment or wear and tear however, a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanism by using the adjustment screws located in the bottom of the track. Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio doors are a typical issue that can greatly decrease their energy efficiency. They usually result from damaged weather stripping and poor door alignment, which can be easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and realigning the doors. Loose Handle It can be quite frustrating when the handle of a sliding door becomes loose. It can be difficult to open. This problem is caused by a misaligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosening and tightening the screws that hold it in the correct position. Another reason that is commonly cited for a loose handle is that it is detached from the spindle that connects it with the interior and exterior handles. This is usually the result of a mix of factors, such as excessive use wear and tear or simply aging. If the issue isn't treated promptly, it could eventually lead to the entire handle becoming loose and eventually falling off completely. The best way to fix this issue is to start by finding the screws that join the interior and exterior handles. The screws are typically hidden behind plastic tabs that can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in some cases) screwdriver. It is a good idea to keep these screws safe so that you don't loose them. After the handles have been removed the next step is to remove the spindle that has become loose. You can do this by pounding the ends of the spindle with a hammer until it is removed from its place within the door. The new handle can be installed 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 outside handle. Once the handle is in place it can be tightened by screwing the screws back into place and then examining to confirm that the locking and unlock mechanisms function properly. Unusual Weatherstripping Weatherstripping that's damaged or cracked may allow water and air to get into your patio door, causing damage to your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It could let in moisture and create drafts, which will increase the cost of cooling and heating. It's simple to replace defective weatherstripping, even without the assistance of a professional. You can remove the old weatherstripping by either loosing the staples with the help of a screwdriver or by gently prying it with the help of a putty blade, and then pulling it away from the door. Then, you can wash the area and apply a new layer of weatherstripping, which is secured by a foam seal that helps prevent leaks and enhance the comfort. If your sliding patio door is not working as it should, you must to fix the issue as soon as possible to avoid further damage and keep them functional for many years to come. Depending on how severe the issue is, a DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement could be the best option. The most frequent issues that arise with sliding patio doors include dirty rollers from debris in the tracks, misaligned wheels and a loose handle. These issues can usually be addressed by regular maintenance and cleaning including lubricating and adjusting the track, and tightening the hardware. If these steps fail, it's advisable consult a professional for advice to make sure that your patio door is functioning just as it should. Make sure to check the warranty information prior to you decide to repair or replace your patio door. This will save you money in the future on repairs and replacements.