Sliding Patio Doors Repairs

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

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

Tracks that are dirty or damaged

One of the main reasons for sliding patio doors that won't open is clogged or dirty tracks. Over time, the grit and grime of daily use accumulates on the track and can cause the door to jam or even break down completely.

This buildup can be minimized by including regular light cleanings of tracks and sliding doors in your routine chores. Start by sweeping or vacuuming any large debris from the tracks and then wiping them down with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaning product, such as dish soap. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to help get rid of stubborn grease and dirt stains.

If you notice that your sliding door still won't move smoothly after completing these steps, it could be an indication of more serious damage that requires professional repair or replacement. There are a few easy fixes you can do before calling a professional to avoid expensive repairs or replacements.

It's important to place a doormat on the bottom of your sliding doors to help keep dirt out before it has the chance to get to the tracks. Also, you should trim any plants or bushes near your sliding doors to limit the amount of debris that gets tracked into the tracks. Close the door properly to ensure that you don't damage the rollers or wheels. By keeping your doors clean and well-lubricated, you can extend their lifespan considerably.

Rollers that are not aligned

Sometimes, a patio may become out of alignment. This usually happens due to dirt or other obstructions that can be easily removed. However, it can also be the result of bent tracks or rollers. In this case, you may be able to straighten the roller by extracting them by using their adjustment screws and cleaning them using ruby alcohol. These parts can be fragile.

If your doors are stuck, you can apply lubrication to the rollers. This will reduce friction and allow them to slide more easily. Make use of a silicone-based product since petroleum-based lubricants tend to attract dirt faster. It is also crucial to clean the tracks and rollers prior to applying lubricant.

After you've cleaned the rollers, you can put them back in place them using the screws for adjustment. It is also a good idea to use the same lubricant you used for cleaning them. When you are reinstalling the rollers ensure that you push them all the way into their channels. You can test your door now and see if it glides smoothly.

If the issue persists, it may be necessary to take the door off and inspect the tracks and rollers. If the tracks or rollers are badly bent, they may need to be replaced. In this case it's best to contact an expert for the installation.

Warped Glass

Sliding glass doors are excellent to bring the outdoors into your home and letting natural light in, but they may also be susceptible to damage that needs repair or replacement. Some of the most common issues that can occur are warping, cracking and fading. Warping occurs when the components that comprise your sliding glass patio door start to degrade due to exposure to sun, heat and other environmental factors. Cracking often results from injuries caused by impact, like from a ball or lawn mower run-in, while fading usually occurs due to repeated contact with sunlight and other elements found in nature.

If you have sliding glass patio doors that aren't easy to open and close it could indicate that the rollers and tracks are not functioning properly. This problem may be caused by the accumulation of dirt, rust, or debris in the track or wheels or a lack or lubrication. This issue can be fixed by regularly cleaning the tracks, rollers and clearing obstructions.

Another reason your sliding patio screen door repair doors might be difficult to open or close is that the locking mechanism is no longer working. It could be due to misalignment, wear and tear or a combination of both. To fix this, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws located at the bottom.

Drafts or air leaks that surround your sliding patio repair near me door are a common problem that can reduce their energy efficiency. These problems are usually caused by weather stripping that has worn out or poor alignment of the door. This can be fixed easily by replacing the weather stripping and realigning your doors.

Loose Handle

It can be a hassle when the handle of a sliding door becomes loose. It makes it difficult to open the door. This is typically caused by a misaligned locking mechanism, which can be corrected by loosening the screws that secure it 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 that connects it to the interior or exterior handles. This is typically the result of a variety of factors, including excessive use wear and tear or simply the general aging. If the problem isn't resolved quickly, the handle can be loosened and fall off.

The most effective way to address this issue is to start by finding the screws that join the handles' exterior and interior. They are usually hidden by tabs made of plastic, which can be removed using a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of some handles, a Phillips head screwdriver). It is a good idea to store these screws somewhere safe so that you don't lose them.

After the handles have been removed the next step is to remove the spindle that is loose. This can be accomplished by tapping the spindle with a hammer or mallet until it is free of its position within the door. Then, the new handle can be put in place by simply putting the spindle through the hole in the interior handle and then putting the other end of the spindle through the hole on the exterior handle. After the handle is installed and tightened, screw back the screws. Then, test to ensure the lock and unlock mechanism functions correctly.

Afflicted Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping that's damaged or cracked can let air and water get into your patio door repairs near me door, which can compromise your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It can allow moisture in and create drafts that will increase the cost of cooling and heating. Fortunately, replacing faulty weatherstripping is a simple fix that doesn't require any assistance from a professional. You can take off the old weatherstripping by loosing the staples with the help of a screwdriver or by gently prying it off with a putty knife and taking it off the door. You can then clean the area and apply a layer of weatherstripping that is secured by an adhesive. This will stop leaks and improve the comfort.

If your sliding patio door repair patio doors aren't longer functioning as they should, it's important to address the issue immediately to avoid further damage and keep them in good condition for the long term. Depending on the nature of the problem, DIY or professional repair/replacement may be the best choice.

The most frequent issues that arise that are encountered with sliding patio doors are dirty rollers due to debris in the tracks, misaligned wheels and a loose handle. These issues can be solved through regular cleaning and maintenance like changing the track's lubricant and adjust and tightening the hardware. However, if these methods fail, it's advisable consult a professional for advice to ensure that your patio door is functioning as it should. If you decide to replace or repair your patio door, make sure to verify the warranty information to confirm that it's covered by the manufacturer's guarantee. This will save you money in the future on repairs and replacements.