The 10 Scariest Things About Patio Doors Repairs

Sliding Patio Doors Repairs

Your sliding glass patio doors help bring natural light and improve your home's energy efficiency. However, over time they may begin to show signs of wear and tear, which will require some attention.

Luckily, the majority of problems with sliding patio doors are fairly simple to fix. Find out how to keep your sliding glass patio door repair patio doors looking and working like new.

Dirty or Damaged Tracks

The tracks of your sliding patio door might be filthy or blocked. Over time, the dust and grime of everyday use accumulates on the track and can cause the door to become jammed or even collapse completely.

Including regular light cleaning of sliding doors and tracks as part of your household chores can help minimize this build-up. Start by brushing or vacuuming any big debris from the tracks, and then wipe them clean using warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner, such as dish soap. Add a little vinegar to your cleaning product can help in removing stubborn grease and dirt stains.

If your sliding door not working smoothly after you've completed these steps, this could indicate that there is more damage. This could require a professional to fix or replace the door. There are a few simple fixes you can do before calling a professional to avoid costly repairs or replacements.

It is important to put a doormat near the bottom of your sliding doors to keep dirt out before it can reach the tracks. Regularly trim any plants or bushes that are in close proximity to your sliding door to limit the amount of debris tracked into the tracks. Close the door in a timely manner to ensure that you don't damage the rollers or wheels. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated, you can extend their lifespan substantially.

Misaligned Rollers

Sometimes the sliding patio door can become out of alignment or becomes stuck. This is usually due to dirt or other obstructions which can be easily removed. But sometimes it can also be the result of bent tracks or rollers. In this case you can re-align the rollers by removing them with the adjustment screws and then cleaning with rubbing alcohol. Be cautious, as these parts are fragile.

If your doors remain stuck then you could try using lubricants on the rollers to reduce friction and make it easier for them to slide. Use a silicone-based product, as petroleum-based lubricants can draw dirt more quickly. It is important to clean the rollers and tracks before lubricating.

After cleaning the rollers, you can put them back in place using the adjustment screws. Use the same lubricant you used to clean them. Be sure to push the rollers completely in their channels when reinstalling them. You can test your door now and see if it moves smoothly.

If the problem continues it may be necessary to remove your door and inspect the tracks and rollers for any more serious issues. If the tracks or rollers are badly bent they might need to be replaced. In this case it's best to call in an expert for the installation.

Warped Glass

Sliding glass doors are ideal for bringing outside into the room and letting in natural light however, they can also be susceptible to damage that requires repair or replacement. The most frequent problems that arise are cracking, warping, and fade. Warping occurs when the components that make up your sliding glass patio door start to degrade due to exposure to heat, sun and other environmental elements. The most common cause of cracking is injuries caused by impact, like from a ball or lawn mower run-in, while fading usually occurs due to repeated contact with sunlight or other elements found in nature.

If you have sliding glass patio doors that aren't easy to open and close it could be an indication that the rollers and tracks do not work properly. This issue could be caused by the accumulation of dirt, rust, or debris in the track, wheels that are not aligned or a lack of lubrication. Regularly cleaning the tracks and rollers by removing obstructions, and then applying silicone spray can help solve this issue.

The locking mechanism might also be faulty which makes it difficult to open and close your sliding patio door lock repair near me doors. This could be due to an issue with alignment or wear and tear but the solution is to adjust the locking mechanism by using the adjustment screws located in the bottom of the track.

Air leaks or drafts around your sliding patio door are a common issue that can decrease their energy efficiency. They typically originate from damaged weather stripping and poor alignment of the doors, which can be easily corrected by replacing the weather stripping and aligning the doors.

Loose Handle

It can be a hassle 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 loosing and tightening the screws that hold it in place.

Another reason for a handle to become loose is that it has become detached from the spindle that connects the handles on the exterior and interior. This is usually the result of a variety of factors, including excessive use wear and tear or simply the general aging. If the problem is not treated promptly, it could eventually lead to the whole handle becoming loose and possibly falling off completely.

To solve this issue to fix it, you must first find the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. They are typically hidden behind tabs of plastic that can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in some cases) screwdriver. Keep these screws in a safe place to prevent them from being lost.

After removing the old handles then the next step would be to remove the spindle. This can be accomplished by tapping the spindle with a mallet or hammer until it is free of its place inside the door. The new handle is fitted by placing the spindle into the handle hole inside and the other end into the hole on the outside of the handle. Once the handle has been installed then tighten it by screwing back the screws and then test to make sure the lock and unlock mechanism works correctly.

Unusual Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping that's cracked or worn can let air and water seep into your patio door, causing damage to your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It could let in moisture and create drafts, which will increase your cooling and heating costs. It's easy to replace faulty weatherstripping, even without the assistance of a professional. First, you need to take off the old stripping by loosing its staples with an screwdriver or pinning it gently using a putty knife, and then lifting it off the door. Clean the area and apply a layer of weatherstripping which is backed with a foam seal. This will stop leaks and enhance the comfort.

If your sliding patio door isn't functioning as it should, you need to fix the problem immediately to prevent further damage and keep them functional for many years to be. Depending on how serious the problem is and the severity of the issue, a DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement could be the best choice.

Most problems with sliding patio doors are caused by dirty rollers, misaligned tracks, and a loose handle. These issues can usually be addressed through regular cleaning and maintenance, such as applying lubrication and adjusting the track and tightening the hardware. However, if these methods aren't working, it's best to seek advice from a professional to make sure that your patio door is working as it should. Make sure to check the warranty information prior to you decide to repair or replace your patio door. This will save you money in the future on repairs and replacements.