Sliding Patio Doors Repairs

Your sliding glass patio doors provide natural light and boost your home's energy efficiency. Over time, they may begin to show signs that suggest some maintenance.

Luckily, the majority of issues with sliding patio doors are fairly easy to fix. Find out how you can keep your sliding patio doors repairs doors looking and functioning like new.

Dirty or damaged tracks

The tracks of your sliding patio door repair service door may be dirty or clogged. Over time, dirt and grime from daily use can build up on the track. This can cause the jam to break or break completely.

The buildup can be slowed by including regular light cleanings of tracks and sliding doors in your daily household chores. Start by sweeping or vacuuming any large debris off the tracks and then wiping them down with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaning product like dish soap. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to help get rid of stubborn grease and dirt staining.

If your sliding door still not moving smoothly even after you have followed these steps, it could indicate that there is more serious damage. This could require a professional to repair or replace the door. However, there are many simple fixes you could try before calling the experts to save on costly repairs or replacements.

Install a doormat underneath your sliding doors. This will help keep dirt out of the tracks. Regularly trim any plants and bushes that are near the sliding door to decrease the amount of debris tracked into the tracks. Close the door properly to prevent damage to the rollers and wheels. You can prolong the life of your doors by keeping them clean and well-lubricated.

Rollers that are misaligned

Sometimes the sliding patio door may become out of alignment or becomes stuck. This is usually due to dirt, or other obstructions which can be easily removed. Sometimes, it's due to a bent roller or track. In this case, you may be able to re-align the roller by removing them with their adjustment screws and then cleaning them using ruby alcohol. These parts can be fragile.

If your doors are sticking, you can lubricate the rollers. This will decrease friction and allow them to move more easily. It is recommended to use a silicone-based lubricant, as petroleum-based ones can attract dirt faster. It is essential to clean the tracks and rollers before applying lubricant.

After cleaning the rollers, you can put them back in place using the adjustment screws. It's also a good idea 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 test your door now and see if it glides smoothly.

If the problem continues, it might be necessary to remove your door and examine the tracks and rollers for more significant problems. If the rollers or tracks are bent in a way, they may need to be replaced. In this case it's a good idea to contact an expert to install the tracks.

Warped Glass

Sliding glass door are great for bringing the outdoors into your home and letting in natural sunlight but they could also be susceptible to damage that needs repair or replacement. The most frequent problems that arise are cracking, warping, and fade. Warping occurs when the components that comprise your sliding glass patio door begin to degrade due to exposure to heat, sun and other environmental factors. The most common cause of cracking is impact damage, such as from a ball or lawn mower run-in, while fading usually is caused by repeated contact with sunlight or other elements of nature.

If you have sliding glass patio doors that are hard to close and open it could be a sign that the tracks and rollers aren't working correctly. This issue may result from accumulated dirt, rust or debris in the track, or misaligned wheels or an absence of lubrication. Cleaning the tracks and rollers, removing obstructions and applying silicone spray may help solve this issue.

Another reason your sliding patio doors may be difficult to open or close is that the locking mechanism has gone out of date. It could be due to misalignment, wear and tear or an amalgamation of both. To fix this, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustable screws at the bottom.

Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio door are a frequent issue that can decrease the efficiency of your home's energy usage. They typically originate from damaged weather stripping and poor alignment of the doors that is easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and re-aligning the doors.

Loose Handle

It can be frustrating when the handle of sliding doors becomes loose. It becomes difficult to open the door. This problem is caused by a misaligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosening and tightening the screws that hold it in place.

A loose handle may be caused by the handle becoming detached from the spindle that connects it to the inside or handles outside. This is usually due to a variety of reasons, including excessive use, wear-and-tear or just aging. If the issue isn't treated promptly, it could eventually result in the entire handle becoming loose, and eventually falling off completely.

The most effective way to address this issue is to start by finding the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. They are typically hidden behind tabs made of plastic that can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in certain instances) screwdriver. It's a good idea to keep these screws safe so that you don't lose them.

After removing the handles then the next step would be to remove the spindle. This can be done by pounding the ends of the spindle using an hammer until removed from its place within the door. Then, the new handle can be put in place by simply placing the spindle through the hole in the interior handle, and then putting the other end of the spindle through the hole in the outside handle. After the handle is installed then tighten it by screwing back the screws. Then, test to ensure the lock and unlock mechanism works properly.

Faulty Weatherstripping

A cracked or worn weatherstripping can allow water and air to seep through your patio doors, compromising the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. It could let in moisture and create drafts, which can increase the cost of cooling and heating. It is easy to replace damaged weatherstripping with no professional help. You can remove the old weatherstripping by either loosing the staples with the help of a screwdriver or by gently prying it off with the help of a putty blade, and then pulling it from the door. Then, you can clean the area and apply a fresh layer of weatherstripping that is backed by a foam seal to ensure that there are no leaks and to increase the comfort.

If your sliding patio doors are no working as they should, it's crucial to address the issue immediately to prevent further damage and to keep them functional for a long time to come. Depending on the nature of the problem, DIY or professional repair/replacement could be the best option.

The most frequent issues that are encountered with sliding patio doors are dirty rollers due to debris in the tracks, misaligned wheels and a loose handle. In the majority of cases, these issues can be resolved with regular maintenance and cleaning, such as fluidizing the track, adjusting the rollers and tightening the hardware. If these measures are not working it is recommended that you seek out professional help to ensure that your patio is working exactly 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 warranty. This will save you money in the long run on repairs and replacements.