Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding glass patio doors help bring natural light and improve your home's energy efficiency. As time passes, they could begin to show signs that require some attention.
Luckily, most of the problems with sliding patio doors are easy to fix. Learn more about how to keep your patio doors looking and functioning like new:.
Dirty or damaged tracks
One of the main causes of sliding patio doors that don't open is dirty or clogged tracks. Over time, the dust and grime of everyday usage accumulates on the tracks and can cause the door to jam or even collapse completely.
Regularly cleaning sliding doors and their tracks as part of your household chores can help reduce the build-up. Start by cleaning any large debris from the tracks, and then wipe them clean with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner like dish soap. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to help remove stubborn dirt and grease stains.
If your sliding door still won't move smoothly after completing these steps, it may be the sign of more severe damage and requires a professional repair or replacement. However, there are many easy fixes you can try before calling the professionals to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
It is essential to put a doormat near the bottom of your sliding doors to catch dirt before it can reach the tracks. You should also regularly cut any bushes or plants close to your sliding doors in order to reduce 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 will extend their life significantly.
Rollers that are misaligned
Occasionally, a sliding patio door may become unbalanced or becomes stuck. Most often, this is due to obstructions or dirt that can be easily removed. However, it could also be due to a bent track or roller. In this situation you can re-align the rollers by removing them using the adjustment screws and cleaning with rubbing alcohol. These parts are often fragile.
If your doors are sticking, you can lubricate the rollers. This will decrease friction and allow them to move more easily. Use a silicone-based product, because petroleum-based lubricants may attract dirt more quickly. It is also essential to clean the tracks and rollers before applying lubricant.
After you've cleaned the rollers, you are able to reinstall them using their adjustment screws. Use the same lubricant that you used to clean them. When you are reinstalling the rollers be sure to push them all the way into their channels. You can then test your door to see whether it is now sliding effortlessly.
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 bent badly they might need to be replaced. It is recommended to hire an expert to install the tracks or rollers in this scenario.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are excellent to bring the outdoors into your home and letting natural light in but they could also be prone to damage that needs repair or replacement. Cracking, warping and fading are just a few of the most frequent issues. The materials used to make the sliding glass patio doors begin to degrade when exposed to sunlight, heat and other environmental elements. The most common cause of cracking is impacts, such as a lawnmower or ball smacking into the door. Fading typically occurs due to repeated exposure to sunlight and other elements.
If linked web-site sliding patio doors aren't easy to open or close it could be an indication that their rollers and tracks are not functioning correctly. This issue may result from the accumulation of dirt, rust, or debris in the track, or misaligned wheels or a lack of lubrication. Cleaning the rollers and tracks by removing obstructions, and then applying silicone spray may aid in resolving this issue.
Another reason your sliding patio doors might be difficult to open or close is that the locking mechanism has gone out of date. It could be due to misalignment, wear and tear or an amalgamation of both. To fix this issue, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws located at the bottom.
Drafts or air leaks that occur around your sliding patio doors are a common issue that can greatly decrease their energy efficiency. They typically originate from worn weather stripping and an improper alignment of the door that is easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and aligning the doors.
Loose Handle
If the handle of a sliding doors becomes loose, it can be quite frustrating and make it difficult for people to open the door. This issue is usually 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 jamb of the door.
A loose handle could be caused by the handle becoming detached from the spindle that connects it to the interior or exterior handles. This is usually the result of a combination of factors, including excessive use or wear and tear or simply the general aging. If the problem isn't resolved quickly, the handle may be loosened and fall off.
To solve this issue, you should first find the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. These screws are usually hidden behind tabs made of plastic which can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in some cases) screwdriver. Keep these screws in a safe place to ensure they don't get lost.
Once the handles that were previously used have been removed, the next step is to take off the loose spindle. This can be done by tapping on the end with a mallet or hammer until it falls free from its place within the door. Then, the new handle can be fitted by simply putting the spindle into the hole on the handle inside and inserting the other end of the spindle into the hole in the exterior handle. Once the handle is installed, tighten it by screwing back the screws and then test to make sure the lock and unlock mechanism works properly.
Weatherstripping that isn't working properly
Weatherstripping that's damaged or cracked can let air and water get into your patio door, which can compromise your home's comfort and energy efficiency. In addition to letting in moisture, it can also create drafts and increase your cooling or heating costs. It is easy to replace damaged weatherstripping with no professional help. You can remove the old weatherstripping by either loosing the staples with a screwdriver, or gently prying it off with a putty knife and pulling it away from the door. Then, you can clean the area, and apply an additional layer of weatherstripping that is backed with an adhesive. This will stop leaks and improve the comfort.
If your sliding patio doors aren't operating as they should, it's essential to take action immediately to avoid any further damage and ensure they remain in good condition for the long term. Depending on the nature of the problem, DIY or professional repair/replacement may be the best solution.
The most common issues with sliding patio doors are dirty rollers due to debris in the tracks, misaligned wheels and a loose handle. These issues can usually be addressed by regular cleaning and maintenance including changing the track's lubricant and adjust and tightening the hardware. However, if these measures aren't working, it's best to seek advice from a professional to make sure that your patio door is working exactly as it should. Make sure to check the warranty information prior to you decide to replace or repair your patio door. This will save you money in the future on repairs and replacements.