Patio Doors Repairs: 11 Thing That You're Failing To Do

Sliding Patio Doors Repairs

Your sliding glass patio doors help bring natural light and improve your home's energy efficiency. However, as time passes, they could show signs of wear and tear that will require a bit of maintenance.

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

Dirty or damaged tracks

The tracks of your sliding patio door could be filthy or clogged. Over time, dirt and grime from daily use can accumulate on the track. This can cause the door jam or break completely.

This buildup can be minimized by incorporating regular light cleaning of tracks and sliding doors in your routine chores. Begin by brushing or vacuuming any big debris from the tracks and then wipe them clean with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaning product like dish soap. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to help remove stubborn grease and dirt stains.

If your sliding door is not working smoothly after you've completed these steps, it could indicate that there is more damage. This may need a professional's help to repair or replace the door. There are a few easy fixes you can do before calling in professionals to avoid costly repairs or replacements.

It's important to place a doormat on the bottom of your sliding doors to keep dirt out before it has a chance to reach the tracks. It is also important to cut back any bushes or plants near your sliding doors to minimize the amount of debris tracked into the tracks. Also, make sure you close the door in a way that it doesn't hit the tracks and damage the wheels and rollers. You can increase the lifespan of your doors by keeping them clean and well-lubricated.

Rollers that are misaligned

Sometimes it happens that a sliding patio door becomes out of alignment or becomes stuck. Usually, this is due to dirt or other obstructions that can be easily fixed. Sometimes it's due bent track or a bent roller. In this situation, you can realign the rollers by removing them by using the adjustment screws, and then cleaning with ruby alcohol. Be cautious because these parts are delicate.

If your doors remain stuck, you can try lubricating the rollers to reduce friction and make it easier for them to slide. It is recommended to apply a silicone-based lubricant as petroleum-based ones can draw dirt more quickly. It is crucial to clean the rollers and tracks prior to lubricating.

After cleaning the rollers, you can put them back on using the adjustment screws. Make use of the same lubricant you used to clean them. Make sure to push the rollers all the way into their channels when you reinstall them. Then, you can test your door to determine whether it slides more effortlessly.

If the problem continues it could be necessary to remove your door and examine the tracks and rollers for any other issues. If the wheels or tracks are badly bent, you may need to replace them. In such a scenario, it's a good idea to contact an expert to install the tracks.

Warped Glass

Sliding glass doors are ideal for bringing the outdoors into your home and letting in natural light however, they can also be prone to damage that requires repair or replacement. Some of the most frequent problems that occur include cracking, warping and fade. The materials used to make the sliding glass patio door repair patio doors begin to break down when exposed heat, sunlight and other environmental factors. The most common cause of cracking is impact damage such as a lawnmower or ball smacking into the door. Fading usually occurs because of repeated exposure to sunlight as well as other elements.

If you have sliding glass patio doors that aren't easy to close and open it could indicate that the tracks and rollers are not functioning properly. This could be due to the accumulation of dirt, rust, or debris in the track, or misaligned wheels or the lack of lubrication. Cleaning the rollers and tracks, removing obstructions and applying silicone spray can help solve this issue.

The locking mechanism could also be faulty which makes it difficult to open or shut your sliding patio doors. It could be due to misalignment, wear and tear or the combination of both. To fix this issue, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws at the bottom.

Air leaks or drafts around your sliding patio door are a frequent problem that can reduce their energy efficiency. They usually result from worn weather stripping and poor alignment of the doors, which can be easily fixed by replacing the old weather stripping and re-aligning the doors.

Loose Handle

If the handle of a sliding doors becomes loose, it could be quite annoying and make it difficult for people to open the door. This is typically caused by an incorrectly aligned locking mechanism which can be fixed by loosening the screws that hold it in place and then tightening them until they're snug against the door jamb.

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 usually happens as a result of a mix of factors, including over use or wear and tear or just general ageing. If the problem is not treated promptly, it could eventually result in the whole handle becoming loose and eventually falling off completely.

To fix this problem, you should first find the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. They are typically hidden behind tabs made of plastic which can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver, in some cases) screwdriver. Store these screws safely to prevent them from being lost.

Once the old handles have been removed and the old handles are gone, the next step is to remove the spindle that has become loose. This can be done by tapping on the end using a mallet or hammer until it is free of its position inside the door. The new handle can be installed by simply putting the spindle through the hole on the handle inside and placing 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 into place and then examining to confirm that the lock and unlock mechanisms work properly.

Faulty Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping that is damaged or cracked can allow water and air to get into your patio door, compromising your home's comfort and energy efficiency. In addition to allowing water, it can also cause drafts and increase your heating or cooling costs. Fortunately, replacing faulty weatherstripping is a simple fix that doesn't require any professional assistance. You can remove the old weatherstripping by either loosing the staples with the help of a screwdriver or by gently squeezing it with a putty knife and pulling it away from the door. Clean the area, and apply a layer of weatherstripping that is secured by foam seal. This will stop leaks and improve the comfort.

If your sliding patio doors are no longer functioning as they should, it's crucial to take action 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 common issues with sliding patio doors include dirty rollers due to debris in the tracks, misaligned wheels and a loose handle. In most cases, these issues can be resolved through regular maintenance and cleaning, such as oiling the track as well as adjusting the rollers and tightening hardware. If these solutions are not working, you should seek professional advice in order to ensure that your patio is functioning exactly as it should. Review the warranty information before you decide to repair or replace your patio door. This could save you money on repairs or replacements in the near future.