Your sliding patio doors will bring in natural light to your home, and will increase the efficiency of your home’s energy usage. In time, they might begin to show signs that suggest some attention.
The majority of problems with sliding patio doors are fairly easy to fix. Find out how to keep your sliding patio doors looking like new.
Dirty or damaged Tracks
One of the most common causes of sliding patio doors that won’t open is clogged or dirty tracks. Over time, the dust and grime of everyday use build up on the track and can cause the door to jam or even break down completely.
A regular cleaning of sliding doors and tracks as part of your household chores can help reduce the build-up. Begin by sweeping or vacuuming large debris off the tracks. Then apply warm water and non-abrasive cleansing products like dish soap to clean them. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to help remove stubborn dirt and grease stains.
If you find that your sliding door doesn’t move smoothly after completing these steps, it could be an indication of more serious damage that requires a professional repair or replacement. There are a few easy fixes you can make before calling in professionals to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Install a doormat underneath your sliding doors. This will help to trap dirt before it reaches the tracks. Make sure to trim the plants and bushes that are in close proximity to the sliding door to decrease the amount of debris that is tracked into the tracks. Finally, be sure to close the door properly so it doesn’t crash into the tracks and damage the rollers and wheels. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated you will extend their life significantly.
Rollers that are not aligned
Sometimes, a patio sliding can become misaligned. This is usually due to dirt or other obstructions that can be easily removed. However, it can be due to a bent track or roller. In this case it is possible to straighten the roller by taking them out by using their adjustment screws and then cleaning them with ruby alcohol. These parts are often fragile.
If your doors are sticking, you can lubricate the rollers. This will decrease friction and allow them to move more easily. Make use of a silicone-based product because petroleum-based lubricants may draw dirt more quickly. It is essential to clean the tracks and rollers prior to applying lubricant.
Once you’ve cleaned the rollers, you can put them back in place them using their adjustment screws. It’s recommended to use the same lubricant you used to clean them. When reinstalling the rollers, make sure you push them all the way into their channels. You can then check your door to see whether it slides more effortlessly.
If the problem continues, it may be necessary to take the door off and check the tracks and rollers. If the tracks or wheels are badly bent it could be necessary to replace them. It is recommended to hire a professional to install the rollers or tracks in this situation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are ideal for bringing in natural sunlight and the outdoors into a room, but they can also be vulnerable to damage that requires repair patio doors or replacement. Some of the most frequent issues that can occur are cracking, warping and fade. The materials that compose the sliding glass patio doors start to break down when exposed heat, sunlight and other environmental factors. The most common cause of cracking is injuries caused by impact, like from a ball or lawn mower run-in, while fading usually is caused by repeated contact with sunlight and other natural 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 accumulation of dirt, rust or debris in the track, wheels that are not aligned or an absence of lubrication. This issue can be solved by cleaning the rollers, tracks and removing obstructions.
Another reason why your sliding patio doors are difficult to open or close is that the locking mechanism has gone out of date. This could be caused by misalignment or wear and tear, but a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws hidden at the bottom of the track.
Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio sliding doors repair doors are a common issue that can greatly reduce their energy efficiency. These problems are usually caused by weather stripping that has worn out or poor door alignment. This issue can be fixed easily by replacing the weather stripping, and realigning your doors.
Loose Handle
If the handle of a sliding doors is loose, it can be quite frustrating and make it difficult for people to open the door. This is due to a misaligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosening and tightening the screws that hold it in the correct position.
A loose handle could result from the handle becoming detached from the spindle which connects it to the interior or exterior handles. This is usually due to a variety of reasons, including excessive use, wear-and-tear or just general aging. If the problem is not addressed quickly, it could eventually lead to the whole handle becoming loose and potentially falling off entirely.
To fix this problem it is necessary to identify the screws that join the handles’ exterior and interior. These screws are usually hidden behind tabs made of plastic that can be removed with a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver, in some cases) screwdriver. Keep these screws in a safe place to avoid losing them.
After the handles have been removed, the next step is to take off the spindle that is loose. You can do this by tapping the end of the spindle with an hammer until removed from its position inside the door. Then, 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 on the exterior handle. After the handle is installed, tighten it by screwing back the screws. Then, test to ensure the lock and unlock mechanism works correctly.
Weatherstripping that isn’t working properly
A damaged or cracked weatherstripping could let water and air get through your patio doors, which can compromise the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. It can allow moisture in and create drafts that will increase your cooling and heating costs. The good news is that replacing the weatherstripping is an easy fix that doesn’t require any professional assistance. First, you must take off the old stripping by loosening its staples using the help of a screwdriver or by pinning it gently using a putty knife, and then lifting it away from the door. Then, you can wash the area and apply a fresh layer of weatherstripping, which is secured by a foam seal to prevent leaks and enhance the comfort.
If your sliding patio door is not working as it should, you need to fix the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure that they are functional for years to be. 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 most frequent issues that arise that are encountered with sliding patio doors are 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 aren’t working, it’s best to seek advice from a professional to make sure that your patio door is functioning as it should. Before you decide to replace or repair your patio door, make sure to verify the warranty information to ensure that it is covered by the manufacturer’s guarantee. This will save you money on who repairs sliding patio doors or replacements in the near future.