Your sliding glass patio doors help provide natural light and boost your home’s energy efficiency. However, as time passes, they could show signs of wear and tear, which will require a bit of maintenance.
Luckily, most of the problems with sliding patio doors are fairly simple to fix. Learn more about how you can keep your patio doors looking and operating like new:.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty
The tracks of your sliding patio door may be filthy or blocked. Over time, the dirt and grime from daily use can accumulate on the track. This can cause the door jam or break completely.
A regular cleaning of sliding doors and tracks as part of your household chores can help to reduce the amount of accumulation. Begin by cleaning large debris off the tracks. Then apply warm water and non-abrasive cleaning products like dish soap to wipe them down. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to remove stubborn grease and dirt staining.
If your sliding door still not moving smoothly even after you’ve followed these steps, it could be a sign there is more damage. This could need a professional’s help to repair or replace the door. There are a few simple fixes you can do before calling in professionals to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Install a doormat underneath your sliding patio door repair service near me doors. This will help to catch dirt before it gets to the tracks. Regularly trim any plants and bushes that are near your sliding door to limit the amount of debris tracked into the tracks. Close the door in a timely manner to avoid damaging the rollers and wheels. You can extend the life of your doors by keeping them clean and lubricated.
Misaligned Rollers
Sometimes, a patio could be misaligned. Usually, this is due to obstructions or dirt that can be easily removed. However, it could also be the result of bent tracks or rollers. In this situation you can straighten the rollers by taking them off by using the adjustment screws, and then cleaning with the rubbing alcohol. Be cautious, as these parts are fragile.
If your doors are stuck, you can apply lubrication to the rollers. This will lessen friction and allow them to move more easily. It is best to apply a silicone-based lubricant because petroleum-based lubricants can draw dirt more quickly. It is also important to clean the tracks and rollers prior to applying lubricant.
After cleaning the rollers, you can put them back on using the adjustment screws. Use the same lubricant that you used to clean them. Be sure to push the rollers all the way into their channels before reinstalling them. Then, you can test your door to determine whether it is now sliding effortlessly.
If the problem persists it may be necessary to take the door off and examine the rollers and tracks. If the wheels or tracks are bent in a way, you may need to replace them. In such a scenario, it’s a good idea to contact an expert for the installation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are convenient for bringing in the outdoors and natural sunlight into a space, but they are also susceptible to damages that require repair or replacement. Cracking, warping, and fading are some of the most frequently encountered issues. The materials that compose the sliding glass patio doors begin to deteriorate when exposed to heat, sunlight and other environmental elements. Cracks are usually caused by impacts, such as the impact of a lawnmowers or ball hitting into the door. Fading is usually because of repeated exposure to sunlight and other elements.
If you have sliding glass patio doors that aren’t easy to close and open, this could be an indication that the rollers and tracks are not functioning correctly. This could be due to accumulated dirt, rust or debris in the track, wheels that are not aligned or an absence of lubrication. Cleaning the tracks and rollers, removing obstructions and applying silicone spray may aid in resolving this issue.
Another reason that sliding patio doors may be difficult to open or close is because the locking mechanism is no longer working. This could be caused by an issue with alignment or wear and tear however, a simple fix 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 repair near me doors are a typical issue that can significantly decrease their energy efficiency. They typically originate from worn weather stripping and poor door alignment and is easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and aligning the doors.
Loose Handle
It can be frustrating when the handle of the sliding door is loose. It makes it difficult to open the door. This issue is usually caused by an improperly aligned locking mechanism, which can be corrected by loosening the screws that hold it in place and tightening them until they’re snug against the jamb of the door.
Another common reason for a handle to become loose is that it has separated from the spindle that connects it with the handles’ exterior and interior. This usually happens as a result of a variety of factors, such as excessive use or wear and tear or simply the general aging. If the issue isn’t addressed quickly, it could eventually lead to the entire handle becoming loose and potentially falling off entirely.
The best method to solve this issue is to start by finding the screws that connect 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. Store these screws safely to ensure they don’t get lost.
After removing the old handles then the next step would be to take off the spindle. You can do this by pounding the end of the spindle using a hammer until it is removed from its place within the door. The new handle is fitted by putting the spindle inside the interior handle hole and the other end into the hole on the outside of the handle. Once the handle has been installed, tighten it by screwing back the screws. Then, test to make sure the lock and unlock mechanism works properly.
Poor weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that is cracked or worn can allow water and air to seep into your patio door, which can compromise your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. It can let in moisture and create drafts, which can increase your heating and cooling costs. It is easy to replace damaged weatherstripping, even without the assistance of a professional. You can remove the old weatherstripping by loosing the staples with an screwdriver, or gently prying it off with a putty blade and then pulling it away from the door. You can then clean the area, and apply a layer of weatherstripping which is backed with foam seal. This will stop leaks and enhance the comfort.
If your sliding patio doors aren’t operating as they should, it’s important to fix the issue as soon as possible to prevent any further damage and ensure they remain functional for a long time to come. Depending on the nature of the problem, DIY or professional repair patio door/replacement may be the best choice.
The most common issues that are encountered with sliding patio doors are dirty rollers due to debris in the tracks, wheels that are not aligned and a loose handle. In the majority of instances, these issues can be addressed with regular maintenance and cleaning, including lubricating the track and rollers, as well as adjusting them and tightening hardware. If these solutions don’t work it is recommended that you seek professional advice in order to ensure that your patio door lock repairs is functioning exactly as it should. Make sure to check the warranty information prior to you decide to replace or repair your patio door. This will save you money in the future on repairs and replacements.