Sliding Patio Doors Repairs

Your sliding repairing patio doors doors will let the outdoors in to your home and improve its energy efficiency. Over time, they may start to show signs that need some attention.

Most sliding patio door problems are fairly simple to repair. Find out how you can keep your sliding patio doors looking and working like new.

Dirty or damaged tracks

One of the most frequent reasons for sliding patio door lock repairs doors that won't open is dirty or blocked tracks. Over time, the grit and grime of daily use build up on the track tilt and slide patio door repairs can cause the door to become jammed or even break down completely.

Including regular light cleaning of sliding doors and their tracks as part of your household chores can help minimize this build-up. Begin by brushing or vacuuming large pieces of debris off the tracks. Then make use of warm water and non-abrasive cleaning products such as dish soap to clean them. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to help remove stubborn grease and dirt staining.

If your sliding door not working smoothly after you've followed these steps, it could be a sign there is more damage. This may need a professional's help to repair or replace the door. However, there are many simple fixes you can try before calling in the experts to avoid costly repairs or replacements.

Place a mat under your sliding doors. This will help to catch dirt before it gets to the tracks. Make sure to trim the plants and bushes that are in close proximity to your sliding door to reduce 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. You can prolong the life of your doors by keeping them clean and well-lubricated.

Misaligned Rollers

Sometimes the sliding patio door can become unbalanced or becomes stuck. Usually, this is due to obstructions or dirt which can be easily removed. Sometimes it's due to a bent roller or track. In the latter case it is possible to realign the roller by taking them out by using the adjustment screws and cleaning them with ruby alcohol. These parts are often fragile.

If your doors are still sticking, you can lubricate the rollers. This will lessen friction and allow them to move more easily. Make use of a silicone-based product as petroleum-based lubricants can attract dirt more quickly. It is also crucial to clean the rollers and tracks prior to lubricating them.

After cleaning the rollers you can reinstall using their adjustment screws. It is also a good idea to make use of the same lubricant as you used for cleaning them. Make sure you push the rollers all the way into their channels before reinstalling them. You can now test your door and see if it slides smoothly.

If the problem continues, it may be necessary to remove the door and check the rollers and tracks. If the rollers or tracks are bent in a way they might need to be replaced. In such a scenario it's best to call in a professional for the installation.

Warped Glass

Sliding glass doors are great to bring in the outdoors and natural sunlight into a room, but they are also susceptible to damage that requires repair or replacement. Some of the most frequent issues that can occur are cracking, warping, and fade. The materials that make up the sliding glass patio doors begin to break down when exposed heat, sunlight and other environmental factors. Cracks are often caused by the impact of a collision, for example from a ball or lawn mower run-in, whereas fading typically happens due to repeated contact with sunlight and other elements of nature.

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

Another reason your sliding patio doors are difficult to open or close is that the locking mechanism has gone out of date. This could be caused by the alignment of the track or wear and tear, however, a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws hidden in the bottom of the track.

Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio door are a frequent issue that can affect the efficiency of your home's energy usage. They typically originate from damaged weather stripping or poor door alignment and is 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 can be quite annoying and make it difficult for people to open the door. The reason for this is an incorrectly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosing and tightening the screws that hold it in the correct position.

A loose handle could be caused by the handle separating from the spindle that connects it to the interior or handles outside. This is usually the result of a mix of factors, including over use, wear and tear, or simply the general aging. If the issue isn't addressed quickly, the handle can be loosened and fall off.

The best method to solve this problem is by first finding the screws that join the interior and exterior handles. They are typically hidden by tabs made of plastic that can be removed using a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of some handles, a Phillips head screwdriver). Store these screws safely to avoid losing them.

After removing the old handles the next step will be to remove the spindle. You can do this by pounding the ends of the spindle using a hammer until it is freed from its position within the door. Then, the new handle can be fitted by simply putting the spindle through the hole on the handle inside and putting the other end of the spindle into the hole in the outside handle. Once the handle is in place, it can be tightened by screwing the screws back in and then ensuring that the locking and unlock mechanisms function correctly.

Faulty Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping that's damaged or cracked can allow water and air to get into your patio door, causing damage to your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It can allow moisture in and create drafts, which can increase your cooling and heating costs. It's simple to replace defective weatherstripping without professional assistance. First, you must remove the old stripping by loosing its staples using a screwdriver or prying it gently with a putty knife, and then taking it off the door. Then, you can clean the area and apply an additional layer of weatherstripping that is backed with foam seal. This will prevent leaks and increase the comfort.

If your sliding patio door is not working as it should, you have to fix the issue as soon as possible to avoid further damage and to keep them functional for many years to come. Depending on how serious the issue is and the severity of the issue, it's possible to choose a DIY solution or a repair/replacement by a professional may be the best choice.

The most frequent issues with sliding patio doors are filthy rollers caused by debris on the tracks, wheels that are not aligned and a loose handle. These issues are usually addressed by regular maintenance and cleaning like applying lubrication and adjusting the track and tightening the hardware. If these solutions are not working it is recommended that you seek out professional help to make sure that your patio is operating exactly as it should. Make sure to check the warranty information prior to you decide to replace or repair your patio door lock repairs door. This will save you money on repairs or replacements in the future.