Sliding Patio Doors Repairs

Your sliding patio doors will let in natural light to your home, and will increase its energy efficiency. Over time, they may start to show signs that need some maintenance.

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

Dirty or damaged tracks

One of the main causes of sliding patio doors that do not open is clogged or dirty tracks. Over time, the dust and grime of everyday use build up on the track and can cause the door to become jammed or even fall apart completely.

A regular cleaning of sliding doors and their tracks as part of your household chores can help to reduce the amount of accumulation. Begin by brushing or vacuuming large pieces of debris off the tracks. Then make use of warm water and non-abrasive cleansing products, such as dish soap, to wipe them down. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to help remove stubborn dirt and grease stains.

If your sliding glass patio doors repair door doesn't move smoothly after following these steps, it could be a sign of more serious damage and requires a professional repair or replacement. But, there are simple fixes that you can try before calling the experts to avoid costly repairs or replacements.

Place a mat under your sliding doors. This will help catch dirt before it gets to the tracks. Regularly trim any plants or bushes that are in close proximity to your sliding door to limit the amount of debris that is tracked into the tracks. Close the door correctly 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.

Rollers that are not aligned

Sometimes, a patio glass repair sliding could be misaligned. This usually happens due to dirt, or other obstructions which can be easily removed. However, it could also be due to bent tracks or rollers. In this instance, you can realign the rollers by taking them off by using the adjustment screws and then cleaning with rubbing alcohol. These parts are prone to damage.

If your doors are stuck, you can apply lubrication to the rollers. This will decrease friction and allow them to move more easily. Make use of a silicone-based product since petroleum-based lubricants tend to attract dirt faster. It is important to clean the tracks and rollers before applying lubricant.

After you've cleaned your rollers, you can put them back in place them with the adjustment screws. Make use of the same lubricant you used to clean them. When you are reinstalling the rollers be sure to push them all the way into their channels. You can test the door and see if it moves smoothly.

If the problem persists it may be necessary to take down your door and inspect the tracks and rollers for any more serious issues. If the tracks or wheels are badly bent, you may need to replace them. In such a scenario it's a good idea to contact a professional for the installation.

Warped Glass

Sliding glass doors are ideal to bring the outdoors into your home and letting in natural sunlight however, they can also be prone to damage that requires repair or replacement. Warping, cracking, and fading are some of the most frequent issues. Warping occurs when the materials that comprise your sliding glass patio door begin to degrade as a result of exposure to heat, sun and other environmental factors. The most common cause of cracking is impact damage, such as from a lawn mower or ball run-in, and fading generally is caused by repeated contact with sunlight or other elements found in nature.

If you have sliding glass patio doors that are difficult to close and open it could be an indication that the tracks and rollers aren't working correctly. This issue could be caused by accumulated dirt, rust, or debris in the wheels or track or a lack or lubrication. Cleaning the tracks and rollers, removing obstructions and applying silicone spray can help solve this issue.

Another reason that sliding patio doors might 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 the 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 around your sliding patio doors are a typical issue that can greatly decrease their energy efficiency. They are usually caused by worn weather stripping and poor door alignment, which can be easily fixed by replacing the old weather stripping and re-aligning the doors.

Loose Handle

If the handle of a sliding door is loose, it can be quite frustrating and cause it difficult for people to open the door. This problem is caused by an incorrectly aligned lock mechanism. It can be repaired by tightening and loosening the screws holding it in the correct position.

A loose handle can also be caused by the handle breaking off from the spindle that connects it to the interior or handles outside. This is usually the result of a combination of factors, such as excessive use or wear and tear or just general ageing. If the issue isn't treated promptly, it could eventually result in the whole handle becoming loose and eventually falling off completely.

To fix this problem it is necessary to find the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. The screws are typically hidden behind tabs of plastic that can be removed with a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver, in some instances) screwdriver. It is a good idea to store these screws somewhere safe so that you don't lose them.

After removing the old handles, the next step will be to remove the spindle. This can be accomplished by tapping the spindle using a mallet or hammer until it falls free from its position inside the door. The new handle is fitted by placing the spindle into the hole for the handle inside and the other end through the hole on the outside of the handle. After the handle is installed, tighten it by screwing back the screws, and then test to ensure the lock and unlock mechanism works properly.

Weatherstripping that isn't working properly

A cracked or worn weatherstripping can allow water and air to be able to seep through your patio doors, compromising the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. It could let in moisture and create drafts that will increase your heating and cooling costs. Fortunately, replacing faulty weatherstripping is a simple repair that doesn't require professional assistance. You can take off the old weatherstripping by either loosing the staples with the help of a screwdriver or by gently prying it off with a putty knife and pulling it from the door. Then, you can wash the area and apply a new layer of weatherstripping that is secured by a foam seal to prevent leaks and enhance the comfort.

If your sliding patio doors are no working as they should, it's essential to take action immediately to avoid any further damage and ensure they remain functional for a long time to come. Depending on how severe the problem is the best option is a DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement could be the best choice.

The most common issues with sliding patio doors are dirty rollers due to debris in the tracks, wheels that are not aligned and a loose handle. These issues can be resolved by regular cleaning and maintenance like lubricating and adjusting the track, and tightening the hardware. If these measures do not work then you should seek advice from a professional to make sure that your patio door lock repairs near me is working just 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 for repairs and replacements.