Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio doors can bring in natural light to your home, and will increase the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Over time, they may start to show signs that need some maintenance.
Fortunately, the majority of issues with sliding patio doors are simple to address. Find out how you can keep your sliding patio doors looking and functioning like new.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks
The tracks of your sliding patio door could be dirty or clogged. Over time, the dirt and grime from everyday use can accumulate on the track. This can cause the door jam or even break completely.
The buildup can be slowed by including regular light cleanings of sliding doors and tracks during your regular chores. Begin by brushing or vacuuming any big debris from the tracks and then wiping them down with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner, such as dish soap. Adding a bit of vinegar to your cleaning solution can help in removing stubborn grease and dirt staining.
If your sliding door is not working smoothly after you've completed these steps, it could be a sign there is a more significant damage. This could need a professional's help to repair or replace the door. But, there are easy fixes you can try before calling in the professionals to save on costly repairs or replacements.
Place a doormat under your sliding doors. This will assist in keep dirt out of the tracks. Make sure to trim the plants and bushes that are near the sliding door to decrease 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 lubricated, you can prolong their lifespan considerably.
Misaligned Rollers
Sometimes, a sliding patio door becomes out of alignment or becomes stuck. This is usually due to dirt, or other obstructions which can be easily removed. Sometimes it's due to bent track or a bent roller. In the latter scenario it is possible to realign the roller by extracting them by using the adjustment screws and cleaning them with ruby alcohol. These parts are prone to damage.
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, as petroleum-based lubricants can attract dirt more quickly. upvc patio door repairs Repair My Windows And Doors is also essential to clean the tracks and rollers prior to lubricating them.
After you've cleaned your rollers, you can put them back in place them using the screws for adjustment. Use the same lubricant you used to clean them. Be sure to push the rollers all the way into their channels when you reinstall them. You can test your door now and see if it moves smoothly.
If the problem continues, it could be necessary to remove the door and examine the tracks and rollers. If the tracks or wheels are bent badly, you may need to replace them. In such a scenario it's a good idea to call in an expert to install the tracks.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are convenient for bringing in natural sunlight and the outdoors into a room, but they are also susceptible to damage that requires repair or replacement. Cracks, warping and fading are a few of the most common problems. The materials that compose the sliding glass patio doors begin to degrade when exposed to heat, sunlight and other environmental factors. Cracking often results from injuries caused by impact, like from a ball or lawn mower run-in, whereas fading typically is caused by repeated contact with sunlight and other elements of nature.
If your sliding glass patio doors are difficult to close or open, it could be a sign that the tracks and rollers are not functioning correctly. This issue could be caused by accumulated dirt, rust or debris in the track, wheels that are not aligned or a lack of lubrication. This issue can be fixed by cleaning the tracks and rollers and clearing obstructions.
The locking mechanism could also be defective which makes it difficult to open or close your sliding patio doors. It could be due to misalignment or wear and tear or a combination of both. To fix this, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the hidden adjustment screws located at the bottom.
Drafts or air leaks that surround your sliding patio door are a typical issue that can affect the efficiency of your home's energy usage. These problems are usually caused by worn-out weather stripping or poor door alignment. This can be easily resolved by replacing the weather stripping, and re-aligning your doors.
Loose Handle
When a sliding door's handle is loose, it can be quite frustrating and make it difficult for people to open the door. This issue is usually caused by an incorrectly aligned locking mechanism which can be fixed by loosening the screws that hold it in place and tightening them until they're snug against the jamb of the door.
Another reason for a loose handle is that it has separated from the spindle that connects it with the handles on the exterior and interior. This is typically the result of a mix of factors, such as excessive use or wear and tear or simply the general aging. If the issue isn't dealt with promptly, the handle could become loose and fall off.
To solve this issue to fix it, you must first locate the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. They are usually hidden by tabs made of plastic, which can be removed using a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of certain handles, a Phillips head screwdriver). It's a good idea to keep these screws safe so that you don't lose them.
After removing the handles then the next step would be to remove the spindle. You can do this by tapping the end of the spindle using an hammer until removed from its position inside the door. The new handle is fitted by putting the spindle inside the handle hole inside and the other end through the hole on the outside of the handle. Once the handle is installed, tighten it by screwing back the screws, and then test to ensure the lock and unlock mechanism works properly.
Faulty weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that's cracked or worn can allow water and air to get into your patio door, compromising your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It can allow moisture in and create drafts that will increase your heating and cooling costs. It's easy to replace faulty weatherstripping with no professional help. You can remove the old weatherstripping by either loosing the staples using a screwdriver, or gently prying it with a putty blade and then pulling it away from the door. Clean the area, and apply an additional layer of weatherstripping that is secured with a foam seal. This will prevent leaks and improve comfort.
If your sliding patio doors are no operating as they should, it's essential to take action immediately to avoid further damage and to 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.
Most problems with sliding patio doors are caused by dirty rollers, misaligned tracks, or an untidy handle. In most cases these issues can be resolved with regular maintenance and cleaning, which includes fluidizing the track as well as adjusting the rollers and tightening the hardware. If these steps aren't working, it's best to seek professional advice to ensure that your patio door is functioning as it should. Review the warranty information before you decide to replace or repair your patio door. This will save you money in the future on repairs and replacements.