Sliding Patio Doors Repairs

Your sliding glass patio doors bring natural light and improve your home's energy efficiency. However, as time passes, they may begin to show signs of wear and tear that require a bit of maintenance.

Luckily, the majority of issues with sliding patio doors are easy to fix. Learn more about how to repair tilt and slide patio door to keep your patio door frame repair doors looking and operating like new:.

Dirty or damaged tracks

The tracks of your sliding patio door could be filthy or clogged. Over time, the dust and grime from daily use build up on the track and can cause the door to become jammed or even break down completely.

This buildup can be minimized by regular light cleaning of sliding doors and tracks in your daily household chores. Start by brushing or vacuuming any big debris off the tracks and then wipe them clean with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner, such as dish soap. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to help remove stubborn grease and dirt staining.

If your sliding door is still not moving smoothly even after you've completed these steps, this could be a sign that there is more serious damage. This could require a professional to repair or replace the door. There are a few easy solutions you can try before calling in professionals to avoid costly repairs or replacements.

Install a doormat underneath your sliding doors. This will help to trap dirt before it reaches the tracks. It is also important to cut any bushes or plants close to your sliding doors in order to limit the amount of debris tracked into the tracks. Also, make sure you close the door in a way that it doesn't slam into the tracks and damage the wheels and rollers. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated you will extend their life considerably.

Misaligned Rollers

Occasionally, a sliding patio door can become unbalanced or becomes stuck. Most often, this is due to obstructions or dirt that can be easily removed. But sometimes it can be due to bent tracks or rollers. In the latter case, you may be able to re-align the roller by taking them out with their adjustment screws and then cleaning them using rubbing alcohol. These parts can be fragile.

If your doors still stick then you could try lubricating the rollers to reduce friction and allow them to slide. Choose a silicone-based lubricant, because petroleum-based lubricants may draw dirt more quickly. It is important to clean the tracks and rollers prior to applying lubricant.

After cleaning the rollers, you can reinstall using their adjustment screws. Use the same lubricant that you used to clean them. When you are reinstalling the rollers ensure that you push them completely into their channels. Then, you can check your door to see whether it is now sliding smoothly.

If the problem persists it may be necessary to take the door off and inspect the rollers and tracks. If the tracks or wheels are bent badly it could be necessary to replace them. It is recommended to hire a professional to install the rollers or tracks in this scenario.

Warped Glass

Sliding glass doors are convenient for bringing natural sunlight and the outdoors into a room, but they can also be susceptible to damages that require repair or replacement. Cracking, warping and fading are just a few of the most frequently encountered issues. The materials used to make the sliding glass patio doors begin to deteriorate when exposed to heat, sunlight and other environmental factors. The most common cause of cracking is impacts, such as the impact of a lawnmowers blade or ball that is smashed into the door. Fading is usually due to repeated exposure to sunlight and other elements.

If your sliding glass patio door repairs near me doors are difficult to close or open it could be a sign that their rollers and tracks aren't working properly. This issue could be caused by accumulated dirt, rust or debris in the track, misaligned wheels or a lack of lubrication. Regularly cleaning the rollers and tracks clearing obstructions and applying silicone spray can help solve this issue.

The locking mechanism might be faulty and make it difficult to open or close your sliding patio doors. It could be due to misalignment or wear and tear or the combination of both. To fix this issue, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustable screws on the bottom.

Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio door are a common issue that can affect their energy efficiency. These problems are usually caused by weather stripping that has worn out or poor door alignment. This issue can be easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping, and re-aligning your 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 improperly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosening and tightening the screws holding it in the correct position.

A loose handle may be caused by the handle becoming detached from the spindle connecting it to the inside or handles on the outside. This is usually the result of a combination of factors, including over use wear and tear or just general ageing. If the problem is not addressed quickly, it could eventually lead to the entire handle becoming loose, and eventually falling off completely.

To solve this issue, you should first identify the screws that join the interior and exterior handles. These screws are usually hidden behind tabs of plastic that can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver, in some instances) screwdriver. Keep these screws in a safe place to ensure they don't get lost.

Once the old handles have been removed the next step is to take off the spindle that is loose. You can do this by pounding the end of the spindle using a hammer until it is removed from its place within the door. Then, the new handle can be fitted by simply placing the spindle through the hole on the interior handle, and then inserting the other end of the spindle into the hole on the exterior handle. After the handle is installed, tighten it by screwing back the screws and then test to ensure the lock and unlock mechanism functions properly.

Poor weatherstripping

Weatherstripping that is cracked or worn can let air and water be able to seep into your patio door, causing damage to your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It can allow moisture in and create drafts, which will increase the cost of cooling and heating. It's easy to replace faulty weatherstripping without professional assistance. You can take off the old weatherstripping by loosening the staples using a screwdriver, or gently squeezing it with a putty knife and taking it off the door. Then, you can wash the area and apply a fresh layer of weatherstripping, which is secured by a foam seal that helps ensure that there are no leaks and to increase comfort.

If your sliding patio door is not working as it should, you have to fix the problem immediately to prevent further damage and keep them functioning for years to come. Depending on the degree of the issue, DIY or professional repair/replacement may be the best solution.

The most common issues with sliding patio doors include filthy rollers caused by debris on the tracks, wheels that are not aligned and a loose handle. These issues are usually resolved through regular cleaning and maintenance like lubricating 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 as it should. Check the warranty information before you decide to replace or repair your patio door. This could save you money on repairs or replacements in the near future.