Your sliding patio doors can bring the outdoors in to your home and improve its energy efficiency. Over time, they may start to show signs that suggest some attention.
Luckily, most of the problems with sliding patio door repairs doors are fairly simple to fix. Find out more about how to keep your patio door glass repair near me doors looking and operating like new:.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks
One of the most common reasons for sliding patio doors that won’t open is clogged or dirty tracks. Over time, the grit and grime of daily usage accumulates on the tracks and can cause the door to become jammed or even fall apart completely.
Including regular light cleaning of sliding doors and tracks as part of your household chores can help to reduce the amount of accumulation. Begin by cleaning any large debris from the tracks and then wipe them clean using warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner like dish soap. Adding a bit of vinegar to your cleaning solution may also aid in the removal of stubborn grease and dirt stains.
If your sliding door is not working smoothly after you have followed these steps, this could be a sign there is a more significant damage. This could need a professional’s help to repair or replace the door. There are a few basic fixes you can do before calling a professional to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Place a mat under your sliding doors. This will help to keep dirt out of the tracks. Regularly trim any plants and bushes that are near your sliding door to reduce the amount of debris that is tracked into the tracks. Make sure to close the door in a way that it doesn’t slam into the tracks and damage the rollers and wheels. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated, you can extend their lifespan significantly.
Rollers that are misaligned
Sometimes the sliding patio door repair company door may become out of alignment or becomes stuck. Most often, this is due to dirt or other obstructions which can be easily removed. However, it can also be the result of bent tracks or rollers. In this case you might be able to straighten the roller by taking them out by using their adjustment screws and then cleaning them using rubbing alcohol. These parts are prone to damage.
If your doors are still stuck then you could try applying lubrication to the rollers to decrease friction and make it easier for them to slide. It is best to make use of a silicone-based lubricant because petroleum-based lubricants can draw dirt more quickly. It is important to clean the tracks and rollers prior to applying lubricant.
After cleaning the rollers, you can reinstall using the adjustment screws. Make use of 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 test your door now and see if it moves smoothly.
If the issue persists, it might be necessary to uninstall your door and inspect the tracks and rollers for any other issues. If the tracks or wheels are bent badly they may require you to replace them. In such a case it’s a good idea to call in an expert for the installation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass door are great for bringing the outdoors into a room and letting in natural sunlight but they could also be susceptible to damage that needs repair or replacement. Some of the most frequent problems that occur include cracking, warping, and fade. The materials that make up the sliding glass patio doors start to degrade when exposed to sunlight, heat and other environmental factors. The most common cause of cracking is the impact of a collision, for example from a lawn mower or ball run-in, whereas fading typically happens due to repeated contact with sunlight or other natural elements.
If you have sliding glass patio door repair glass patio doors that aren’t easy to open and close, this could be a sign that the rollers and tracks aren’t working correctly. This problem may be caused by the accumulation of dirt or rust in the track or wheels or due to a lack of or lubrication. Regularly cleaning the tracks and rollers by removing obstructions, and then applying silicone spray may aid in resolving this issue.
Another reason that sliding patio doors are difficult to open or close is because the locking mechanism has gone out of date. This could be due to 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 in the bottom of the track.
Air leaks or drafts around your sliding patio door are a common problem that can reduce their energy efficiency. These problems are usually caused by weather stripping that is worn out or poor door alignment. 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 annoying and make it difficult for people to open the door. This issue is usually caused by an incorrectly aligned locking mechanism which can be fixed by loosening the screws that secure it and tightening them until they fit against the jamb of the door.
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 is usually the result of a mix of factors, such as excessive use wear and tear or simply the general aging. If the issue isn’t dealt with quickly, the handle can become loose and fall off.
The best way to fix this issue is by first finding the screws that connect the handles’ exterior and interior. They are typically hidden behind tabs made of plastic which can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in some instances) screwdriver. Store these screws safely to avoid losing them.
After the handles have been removed the next step is to take off the loose spindle. This can be done by tapping the end of the spindle with an hammer until removed from its place within the door. The new handle is installed by inserting the spindle inside the interior handle hole and the other end into the hole in the handle on the outside. 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.
Poor weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that’s damaged or cracked can allow water and air to be able to seep into your patio door, causing damage to your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. It can allow moisture in 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. First, you need to remove the old stripping by loosening its staples with the help of a screwdriver or by pinning it gently with a putty knife, and then pulling it away from the door. Then, you can wash the area and apply a fresh layer of weatherstripping. This is backed by a foam seal that helps ensure that there are no leaks and to increase the comfort.
If your sliding patio doors aren’t longer functioning as they should, it’s essential to take action immediately to prevent further damage and to keep them in good condition for the long term. Depending on how severe the problem is and the severity of the issue, it’s possible to choose a DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement could be the best choice.
The most frequent issues that arise with sliding patio doors are dirty rollers due to debris in the tracks, misaligned wheels and a loose handle. In most instances these issues can be resolved by regular maintenance and cleaning, which includes oiling the track, adjusting the rollers and tightening hardware. If these steps fail, it’s advisable to seek advice from a professional to ensure that your patio door is functioning just as it should. Make sure to check the warranty information prior to you decide to replace or repair your patio door repair service door. This will save you money in the future for repairs and replacements.