Your sliding glass patio doors help 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 a bit of maintenance.
Most sliding patio sliding doors repair door problems are relatively easy to repair. Learn more about how to keep your patio doors looking and functioning like new:.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks
One of the most common causes of sliding patio doors repairs patio doors that don’t open is dirty or clogged tracks. Over time, dirt and grime from daily use can build up on the track. This can cause the jam to break or even break completely.
Regularly cleaning sliding doors and tracks in your chores at home can help to reduce the amount of accumulation. Begin by brushing or vacuuming large pieces of debris off the tracks. Then, use warm water and non-abrasive cleaning products like dish soap to clean them. Adding a bit of vinegar to your cleaning product can help in removing stubborn dirt and grease stains.
If your sliding door still not moving smoothly after you’ve followed these steps, it could indicate that there is more damage. This could need a professional’s help to repair or replace the door. There are a few basic fixes you can make before calling a professional to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Place a doormat under your sliding doors. This will help catch dirt before it gets to the tracks. Regularly trim any plants and bushes that are in close proximity to your sliding door to limit the amount of debris that gets tracked into the tracks. Make sure to close the door correctly so that it doesn’t hit the tracks and cause damage to the wheels and rollers. By keeping your doors clean and well-lubricated, you will extend their life substantially.
Rollers that are misaligned
Sometimes, a patio may become out of alignment. This is usually due to dirt, or other obstructions which can be easily removed. However, it can be due to a bent track or roller. In the latter case you might be able to straighten the roller by extracting them using their adjustment screws and cleaning them with rubbing alcohol. Be cautious because these parts can be delicate.
If your doors still stick then you could try applying lubrication to the rollers to decrease friction and make it easier for them to slide. Choose a silicone-based lubricant, because petroleum-based lubricants may attract dirt faster. It is essential to clean the tracks and rollers prior to applying lubrication.
After cleaning the rollers, you can put them back in place using the adjustment screws. Use the same lubricant that you used to clean them. When you are reinstalling the rollers make sure you push them all the way into their channels. Then, you can test your door to determine whether it is now sliding effortlessly.
If the problem continues, it might be necessary to take down your door and check the rollers and tracks for more significant problems. If the wheels or tracks are badly bent it could be necessary to replace them. In such a case it’s best to get a professional for the installation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are ideal to bring the outdoors into a room and letting in natural sunlight, but they may also be vulnerable to damage that requires repair or replacement. Cracks, warping and fading are a few of the most frequently encountered issues. Warping occurs when the components that comprise your sliding glass patio door repairs door begin to degrade due to sun, heat and other environmental elements. Cracking is often caused by impact damage such as the impact of a lawnmowers or ball hitting into the door. Fading is usually due to repeated exposure to sunlight as well as other elements.
If you have sliding glass patio doors that are difficult to close and open it could be a sign that the tracks and rollers do not work correctly. This problem may be caused by accumulated dirt or rust in the track or wheels or due to a lack of or lubrication. Cleaning the tracks and rollers clearing obstructions and applying silicone spray may aid in resolving this issue.
Another reason why your sliding patio doors are difficult to open or close is because the locking mechanism is no longer working. It could be due to misalignment or wear and tear, or a combination of both. To fix this issue, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws located at the bottom.
Air leaks or drafts around your sliding patio doors are a frequent issue that can significantly decrease their energy efficiency. They are usually caused by damaged weather stripping and poor door alignment and is easily fixed by replacing the old weather stripping and realigning the doors.
Loose Handle
It can be frustrating when the handle of the sliding door is loose. It becomes difficult to open the door. This problem is caused by an improperly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosing and tightening the screws that hold it in the correct position.
Another reason for a loose handle is that it has separated from the spindle that connects the handles’ exterior and interior. This can be due to a variety of factors, including frequent use, wear-and-tear or just aging. If the problem isn’t resolved quickly, the handle may be loosened and fall off.
To solve this issue to fix it, you must first find the screws that connect the handles’ exterior and interior. These screws are usually hidden behind plastic tabs that can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in certain instances) screwdriver. Store these screws safely to prevent them from being lost.
After removing the handles, the next step will be to take off the spindle. This can be done by tapping the end with a mallet or hammer until it falls free from its place inside the door. Then, the new handle can be fitted by simply placing the spindle through the hole in the interior handle and then placing the other end of the spindle through the hole on the exterior 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 correctly.
Weatherstripping that isn’t working properly
Weatherstripping that’s cracked or worn can allow water and air to get into your patio door, which can compromise your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. In addition to allowing moisture, it can also create drafts and increase your heating or cooling costs. The good news is that replacing the weatherstripping is an easy repair that doesn’t require professional assistance. You can take off the old weatherstripping by loosing the staples with the help of a screwdriver or by gently prying it off with a putty knife and pulling it away from the door. Then, you can clean 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 functioning as it should, you must to fix the problem immediately to prevent further damage and keep them functional for many years to come. Depending on how serious the issue is the best option is it’s possible to choose a DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement might be the best choice.
The most common issues with sliding patio doors include dirty rollers from debris in the tracks, wheels that are not aligned and a loose handle. These issues can be solved by regular maintenance and cleaning like changing the track’s lubricant and adjust and tightening the hardware. However, if these measures don’t work, it’s best to seek advice from a professional to make sure that your patio door is operating just as it should. Make sure to check the warranty information prior to you decide to replace or repair your patio door. This could save you money on repairs or replacements in the near future.