Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio doors will let the outdoors in to your home and increase the efficiency of your home’s energy usage. However, with time, they could show signs of wear and tear that will require some attention.
The majority of sliding patio door repairs door issues are relatively easy to fix. Find out more about how to keep your patio doors looking and working like new:.
Dirty or damaged Tracks
One of the most common reasons for sliding patio doors that won’t open is dirty or clogged tracks. Over time, dirt and grime of daily use can build up on the track. This could cause the door jam to become damaged or break completely.
This buildup can be minimized by regular light cleaning of sliding doors and tracks in your daily household chores. Begin by cleaning any large debris from the tracks, and then wipe them clean with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaning product, such as dish soap. Add a little vinegar to your cleaning product can help in removing stubborn dirt and grease stains.
If your sliding door is not working smoothly after you’ve completed these steps, this could be a sign that there is more damage. This may require a professional to fix or replace the door. However, there are many easy fixes you could try before calling the professionals to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Place a doormat under your sliding doors. This will assist in keep dirt out of the tracks. Also, you should cut any bushes or plants close to your sliding patio door repairs near me doors in order to minimize the amount of debris that gets tracked into the tracks. Close the door correctly to avoid damaging the rollers and wheels. By keeping your doors clean and well-lubricated, you will extend their life substantially.
Rollers that are not aligned
Sometimes, a sliding patio could be misaligned. Usually, this is due to obstructions or dirt which can be easily removed. However, it can also be the result of a bent track or roller. In this instance you can straighten the rollers by removing them with the adjustment screws and then cleaning with ruby alcohol. Be cautious, as these parts can be delicate.
If your doors are still stuck, you can grease the rollers. This will reduce friction and allow them to slide more easily. Make use of a silicone-based product as petroleum-based lubricants can attract dirt more quickly. It is essential to clean the tracks and rollers before applying lubricant.
After cleaning the rollers you can put them back on using the adjustment screws. Use the same lubricant you used to clean them. Be sure to push the rollers completely in their channels when reinstalling them. You can now test your door and see if it glides smoothly.
If the problem persists it may be necessary to uninstall your door and examine the tracks and rollers for any other issues. If the tracks or wheels are badly bent it could be necessary to replace them. In such a case it’s a good idea to contact a professional for the installation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are ideal for bringing the outdoors and natural sunlight into a space, but they can also be vulnerable to damages that require repair or replacement. Warping, cracking and fading are a few of the most frequently encountered issues. The materials used to make the sliding glass patio doors begin to deteriorate when exposed to sunlight, heat and other environmental elements. The most common cause of cracking is impact damage such as the impact of a lawnmowers or ball hitting into the door. Fading typically occurs because of repeated exposure to sunlight and other elements.
If you have sliding glass patio doors that are hard to open and close, this could be an indication that the rollers and tracks do not work correctly. This issue could be caused by the accumulation of dirt, rust, or debris in the wheels or track, or by a lack or lubrication. Regularly cleaning the rollers and tracks clearing obstructions and applying silicone spray can help solve this issue.
Another reason that sliding patio doors are difficult to open or close is because the locking mechanism has become faulty. This could be due to the alignment of the track or wear and tear however, a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws hidden on the bottom of the track.
Drafts or air leaks that surround your sliding patio door are a typical issue that can affect the efficiency of your home’s energy usage. These issues are typically caused by weather stripping that has worn out or poor alignment of the door. This issue can be easily resolved by replacing the weather stripping and re-aligning your doors.
Loose Handle
If the handle of a sliding doors becomes loose, it can be quite frustrating and cause it difficult for people to open the door. This problem is caused by an improperly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosing and tightening the screws holding it in the correct position.
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 can be caused by a variety of reasons, including excessive use, wear and tear or just aging. If the problem is not addressed quickly, it could eventually result in the whole handle becoming loose and potentially falling off entirely.
To resolve this issue it is necessary to find the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. They are usually concealed by tabs made of plastic that can be removed using a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of certain handles, a Phillips-head screwdriver). Securely store these screws to ensure they don’t get lost.
After the handles have been removed, the next step is to take off the loose spindle. You can do this by pounding the ends of the spindle with the hammer until it’s removed from its place within the door. Then, the new handle can be put in place by simply putting the spindle through the hole in the handle inside and inserting 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 in and then examining to confirm that the locking and unlock mechanisms function properly.
Weatherstripping that isn’t working properly
Weatherstripping that’s cracked or worn can allow water and air to seep into your patio door, compromising your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. In addition to allowing moisture, it could create drafts and also increase your cooling or heating costs. It is good news that replacing damaged weatherstripping is a simple repair that doesn’t require assistance from a professional. The first step is to remove the old stripping by loosening its staples using a screwdriver or prying it with the help of a putty knife before taking it off the door. Then, you can clean the area and apply a new layer of weatherstripping. This is secured by a foam seal to ensure that there are no leaks and to increase comfort.
If your sliding patio doors are no working as they should, it’s essential to fix the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage and keep them in good condition for the long term. Depending on the degree of the issue, DIY or professional repair/replacement could be the best option.
Most problems with sliding patio sliding door repair near me doors are caused by dirty rollers, misaligned tracks, or an untidy handle. In the majority of instances, these issues can be addressed through regular maintenance and cleaning, including oiling the track as well as adjusting the rollers and tightening the hardware. However, if these methods fail, it’s advisable to seek professional advice to make sure that your patio door is functioning just as it should. Before you decide to replace or repair your patio door, be sure to check its warranty information to ensure that it is covered by the manufacturer’s guarantee. This will save you money in the long run on repairs and replacements.