Sliding Patio Door Repairs

A sliding patio door is a wonderful way to let in more natural light and enjoy your outdoor space. But, if the door isn't gliding smoothly or looks dirty it could be a real headache.

Fortunately, a majority of these issues can be solved with a bit of DIY expertise. Here are a few typical problems and solutions:

Dirty or damaged tracks

Over time the tracks of a sliding patio can get clogged with dust, dirt and other debris. Regular cleaning and lubrication will assist your sliding patio door move smoothly.

A dirty track can cause the door to become stuck or even make it impossible to open or close, so the first thing you need to clean it. Start by clearing any loose debris with a brush. Use a brush that contains a cleaning solution to remove any visible dirt. Make sure to wash all the nooks and corners, as well as the areas where the door is joined to its frame.

Once you've scrubbed the track, rinse it by using a hose or bucket of clean water. Apply a store-bought lubricant that will displace moisture and prevent future corrosion. Test the door by sliding it forwards and backwards to determine if it is able to move it with ease.

If your door is stuck, it could be that the rollers are damaged or misaligned, which can also hinder movement. In most cases, you can fix it by changing the wheels and lubricating. If your door is old,, it may be time to consider a new replacement. Before reassembling the track, lay a piece of cloth on the floor. Then take off the two plugs that cover the screws that adjust the rollers at the bottom of the frame. To retract the rollers, place a screwdriver into each hole and turn counterclockwise. This will give you the space to take off the door and set it on sawhorses.

Faulty Handle

In time the handle of your sliding door can become loose from the strike plate it is attached to. The good news is that the issue of loose handles is usually simple to solve. Make use of a screwdriver to tighten the screws that connect the door handle to the strike plate. Be careful not to tighten too much, as this could harm the mechanism within and cause the handle to no longer function properly.

The issue with a sliding patio door that isn't able to slide is usually caused by debris that blocks the rollers. Dirt, dust, hair and fur are often pushed into the tracks, which causes the door to stop sliding smoothly. To ensure smooth operation, start by cleaning the rollers.

A typical issue is when your sliding patio door lock no longer functions. This may be caused by an incorrectly aligned lock or damaged handle. The lock mechanism can be repaired or the handle re-aligned.

A screen door that won't close or open isn't a pleasurable experience. A faulty screen door can also be dangerous. If the screen isn't properly aligned with the door frame, it could rub against frames and cause wear and tear on both the screen as well as the door. The solution to screen that isn't working correctly is quite easy. Make sure whether the latching bar is still in place. If it is not in its place, remove it and replace with an alternative. Once you've replaced the rod for latching, install the screen, and ensure the hinges are in place. Attach screws to the holes of the frame for a finished appearance.

Weatherstripping that isn't working properly

The weather stripping on your door and frame helps to seal the gap, keeping out cold air, drafts, and insects. It's time to replace it if it is damaged, cracked or hardened. It's usually fairly easy to do. Some people just replace the worn part, but it's much easier to replace the entire item.

First, check that the gap isn't near the seat where the weather strip is bonded to the frame. If it is, you'll have to reseal the weather strip to the frame using the weather strip adhesive.

Then, look around the perimeter of your weather strip. Find a tear, rip or crack that could allow cold air in, then make use of your dollar bill to check whether the weather strip is sealed with a positive seal. Place the bill in a part of the seal, then close the door. If it is easy to pull away from the metal flange on the weather strip, you need to replace it. If it is easy to remove, it's time to replace the weather strip.

You may also have to lubricate the run channel (the groove made of rubber and felt that runs vertically along both sides of your door) to help prevent ice from building up during winter. You can buy a spray lubricant from your local hardware store. Be careful not to spill it on the glass.

Another great solution is to apply a thin layer of sand beneath your door prior to the snow begins to fall, which will keep it from sticking to the door as salt would. Be careful not to leave any sand on the floor of the door, though, as it can cause damage to the rubber and concrete of the weather strip in time.

Damaged Glass

A variety of circumstances can lead to sliding glass patio doors becoming broken or cracked. If your glass patio door is damaged by a bump or bump, or any other cause it is crucial to replace it right away to ensure that your home is adequately insulated and sealed.

Over time, sliding doors become susceptible to damage because of frequent use and exposure the elements. Rusty rollers, damaged handles and bent tracks are some of the problems that can lead to an outdoor door that isn't functioning properly. Sliding patio repair specialists are able to quickly pinpoint the issue and make the necessary repairs or replace the part.

Apart from obvious damage, a broken patio door can also affect your energy bills. Drafts and noticeable temperature differences around the patio door are often signs that a gap is there between the frame and the glass. This is costly in both the summer and winter when you have to pay to keep your home warm or cool.

It is possible to replace the damaged glass panel on your sliding patio door without having to remove the entire door. In some cases it is the best option if you're looking to get your door back functioning as quickly as you can. Whatever the case, whether you're replacing the glass or the frame, it's essential to have all of the necessary tools available to ensure that the task can be completed safely and efficiently. These include gloves as well as a small bar or hammer putty knife, tape a measuring tape and a glass replacement. DIY Door Store has all of these materials available to help you easily and inexpensively repair your own broken sliding patio door.

Frames that aren't secured or damaged

Sliding patio door systems are designed to permit easy outdoor-indoor movement and offer a natural flow. But, just like any other piece of home equipment they're susceptible to wear and tear over time, which impacts their functionality. While some damage can be easy to fix yourself however, some require the assistance of a professional to ensure that your door remains in top condition.

If you notice visible indications of damage like dents and scratches It's likely time to replace your sliding door. These damages do not just diminish the appearance of your patio doors, but they also affect energy efficiency and security.

Rollers or tracks that are not aligned properly are common issues that cause your sliding door to not function correctly. This is usually caused by dirt or debris accumulating on the track. It is possible to fix this by using the pliers to straighten the rails.

Cleaning regularly the rollers and tracks on your sliding repairing patio doors doors is essential. Dirt can cause them to become stiff or stymied, which can stop them from moving easily. You can remove any obstructions by using a vacuum, a handbrush or even spraying down using jetwash. Applying a silicone-based lubricant on your tracks will aid in smooth operation and protect against premature wear.

In time, slamming the patio door can cause serious damage to the frame and the glass panel. This could result in a broken or loose frame or tracks, as well as a bent handle that is difficult to open and close. Sliding screen door frames are usually less durable than glass sliding doors, which makes them more susceptible to damage. If you do have a broken screen door frame, this can often be repaired by resealing the gap with silicone lubricant and then applying a new sealant around the edges of the glass.