Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding glass patio doors help to let in more light and increase your home's energy efficiency. However, as time passes, they can show signs of wear and tear, which will require some attention.
Luckily, the majority of problems with sliding patio doors are simple to fix. Find out how you can keep your sliding 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 grit and grime of everyday use build up on the track and can cause the door to jam or even fall apart completely.
Regularly cleaning sliding doors and their tracks as part of your household chores can help minimize this 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 get rid of stubborn grease and dirt stains.
If you notice that your sliding door doesn't move smoothly after completing these steps, it may be the sign of more severe damage that requires a professional repair or replacement. There are a few basic solutions you can try before calling in professionals to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
It's important to place a doormat near the bottom of your sliding doors to help catch dirt before it has the chance to reach the tracks. Regularly trim any plants and shrubs that are located near your sliding door to reduce the amount of debris tracked into the tracks. Also, make sure you close the door in a way that it doesn't hit the tracks and cause damage to the wheels and rollers. You can prolong the life of your doors by keeping them clean and well-lubricated.
Rollers that are not aligned
Sometimes the sliding patio door becomes unbalanced or becomes stuck. Usually, this is due to obstructions such as dirt or other that can be easily removed. Sometimes, it's due to a bent roller or track. In the latter scenario it is possible to realign the roller by taking them out using their adjustment screws and cleaning them using rubbing alcohol. Be careful when working with these parts, as they are delicate.
If your doors still stick, you can try lubricating the rollers to reduce friction and make it easier for them to slide. It is recommended to use a silicone-based lubricant, since petroleum-based ones tend to draw dirt more quickly. It is also crucial to clean the rollers and tracks before lubricating them.
After cleaning the rollers you can put them back in place using the adjustment screws. Use the same lubricant you used to clean them. When you reinstall the rollers, ensure that you push them completely into their channels. You can test your door now and see if it glides smoothly.
If the problem persists it may be necessary to remove the door and check the rollers and tracks. If the tracks or rollers are bent in a way, they may need to be replaced. It's best to hire a professional to install the rollers or tracks in this scenario.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are ideal to bring in natural sunlight and the outdoors into rooms, however they are also susceptible to damage that requires repair or replacement. Cracking, warping and fading are a few of the most frequent issues. Warping occurs when the components that comprise your sliding glass patio door start to degrade as a result of exposure to sun, heat and other environmental factors. Cracks are usually caused by impact damage such as a lawnmower or ball smacking into the door. Fading typically occurs due to repeated exposure to sunlight and other elements.
If your sliding glass patio doors are difficult to open or close, it could indicate that their rollers and tracks aren't working properly. This problem may be caused by accumulated dirt or rust on the track or wheels or due to a lack of or lubrication. This problem can be resolved by regularly cleaning the tracks and rollers and removing obstructions.
Another reason your sliding patio doors may be difficult to open or close is that the locking mechanism is no longer working. It could be due to misalignment, wear and tear or an amalgamation of both. To fix this, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustable screws on the bottom.
Drafts or air leaks that occur around your sliding patio doors are a frequent problem that can drastically reduce their energy efficiency. These issues are typically caused by worn-out weather stripping or poor door alignment. This issue can be easily resolved by replacing the weather stripping and re-aligning your doors.
Loose Handle
If the handle of a sliding doors is loose, it can be quite frustrating and cause it difficult for people to open the door. This problem is usually caused by an incorrectly aligned locking mechanism which can be corrected by loosening the screws that hold it in place and then tightening them until they fit against the jamb of the door.
Another common reason for a handle to become loose is that it is detached from the spindle that connects it to the handles on the exterior and interior. This can be the result of a number of factors including excessive use, wear and tear, or simply general ageing. If the issue isn't dealt with quickly, the handle may become loose and fall off.
To solve this issue to fix it, you must first identify the screws that join 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. It's a good idea keep these screws in a safe place to ensure that you don't lose 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 with an hammer until removed from its position inside the door. The new handle can be put in place by simply putting the spindle into the hole on the interior handle, and then placing the other end of the spindle through the hole on the exterior handle. Once the handle is in place, it can be tightened by screwing the screws back into place and then ensuring that the locking and unlock mechanisms function properly.
Faulty weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that's damaged or cracked may allow water and air to be able to seep into your patio door, which can compromise your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It can let in moisture and create drafts that will increase your cooling and heating costs. It's easy to replace faulty weatherstripping with no professional help. First, you must take off the old stripping by loosening its staples using a screwdriver or prying it gently with a putty knife, and then lifting it away from the door. Then, you can clean the area and apply a layer of weatherstripping that is backed with a foam seal. This will stop leaks and increase the comfort.
If your sliding patio door isn't working as it should, you need to fix the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage and keep them functioning for years to come. Depending on the nature of the problem, DIY or professional repair/replacement may be the best solution.
Most sliding patio door problems are caused by dirty rollers, misaligned tracks, or a loose handle. replacement patio door glass are usually solved by regular maintenance and cleaning including applying lubrication and adjusting the track and tightening the hardware. However, if these measures aren't working, it's best to seek advice from a professional to ensure that your patio door is operating just as it should. Before you decide to replace or repair your patio door, be sure to check its warranty information to ensure that it's covered by the manufacturer's warranty. This can save you money on repairs or replacements in the future.