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Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio doors can bring sunlight into your home and improve the efficiency of your home's energy usage. However, over time they could show signs of wear and tear, which will require some attention.
Luckily, most of the issues with sliding patio doors are fairly easy to fix. Find out more about how to keep your patio doors looking and operating like new:.
Tracks that are dirty or damaged
The tracks of your sliding patio door could be filthy or clogged. Over time, the dirt and grime from everyday usage can accumulate on the track. This can cause the door jam or even break completely.
This buildup can be reduced by incorporating regular light cleaning of tracks and sliding doors in your daily household chores. Start by cleaning any large debris from the tracks, and then wipe them clean using warm water and a non-abrasive cleaning product like dish soap. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to help remove stubborn dirt and grease stains.
If you find that your sliding door still won't move smoothly after completing these steps, it could be the sign of more severe damage and requires a professional repair or replacement. There are a variety of easy fixes you can try before calling in the experts to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Place a mat under your sliding doors. This will assist in trap dirt before it reaches 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. Also, make sure you close the door properly so it doesn't hit the tracks and cause damage to the rollers and wheels. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated, you will extend their life substantially.
Misaligned Rollers
Occasionally, a sliding patio door can become out of alignment or becomes stuck. This is usually due to dirt, or other obstructions which can be easily removed. Sometimes it's due bent track or a bent roller. In the latter scenario it is possible to realign the roller by extracting them with their adjustment screws and cleaning them with rubbing alcohol. Be cautious because these parts are fragile.
If your doors still stick, you can try using lubricants on the rollers to reduce friction and make it easier for them to slide. It is recommended to make use of a silicone-based lubricant because petroleum-based lubricants can attract dirt faster. It is important to clean the tracks and rollers before lubricating.
After cleaning the rollers you can put them back in place using their adjustment screws. It's also a good idea to make use of the same lubricant as you used for cleaning them. Make sure to push the rollers fully in their channels when reinstalling them. sliding glass patio door repair Repair My Windows And Doors can test your door now and see if it moves smoothly.
If the issue persists, it could be necessary to take the door off and inspect the tracks and rollers. If the wheels or tracks are bent badly it could be necessary to replace them. In this case, it's a good idea to get a professional for the installation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are excellent for bringing outside into the room and letting natural light in, but they may also be vulnerable to damage that needs repair or replacement. Cracking, warping and fading are a few of the most common problems. Warping occurs when the materials that make up your sliding glass patio door begin to degrade as a result of exposure to sun, heat and other environmental factors. Cracking is often caused by impacts, such as the impact of a lawnmowers blade or ball that is smashed into the door. Fading typically occurs because of repeated exposure to sunlight and other elements.
If you have sliding glass patio doors that are hard to open and close it could indicate that the tracks and rollers do not work properly. This issue could be caused by the accumulation of dirt, rust, or debris in the track or wheels or due to a lack of or lubrication. Regularly cleaning the rollers and tracks, 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 because the locking mechanism is no longer working. It could be caused by misalignment, wear and tear, or the combination of both. To fix this issue, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustable screws at the bottom.
Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio door are a frequent issue that can decrease their energy efficiency. These problems are usually caused by worn-out weather stripping or poor alignment of the door. This can be easily fixed 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. The reason for this is an incorrectly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosening and tightening the screws that hold it in place.
Another common reason for a loose handle is that it is detached from the spindle that connects it to the handles' exterior and interior. This is typically the result of a combination of factors, including over use wear and tear or simply aging. If the issue isn't treated promptly, it could eventually result in the whole handle becoming loose and eventually falling off completely.
To resolve this issue it is necessary to locate the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. They are usually hidden by tabs made of plastic that can be removed with a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of some handles, a Phillips-head 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 done by tapping on the end with a hammer or mallet until it is free of its position inside the door. Then, the new handle can be fitted by simply putting the spindle through the hole on the interior handle and then putting 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 lock and unlock mechanisms work properly.
Afflicted Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that's damaged or cracked can let air and water seep into your patio door, which can compromise your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It can let in moisture and create drafts, which can increase the cost of cooling and heating. It is good news that replacing damaged weatherstripping is an easy repair that doesn't require professional assistance. You can remove the old weatherstripping by loosing the staples using an screwdriver, or gently prying it off with a putty knife and pulling it away from the door. You can then clean the area, and then apply an additional layer of weatherstripping that is secured with an adhesive. This will stop leaks and increase comfort.
If your sliding patio doors are no longer functioning as they should, it's crucial to take action immediately to avoid further damage and keep them functional for a long time to come. Depending on the severity of the issue is, a DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement could be the best choice.
Most problems with sliding patio doors are caused by dirty rollers, misaligned tracks, and an untidy handle. These issues can usually be addressed by regular maintenance and cleaning like lubricating and adjusting the track, and tightening the hardware. If these steps aren't working, it's best consult a professional for advice to make sure that your patio door is working just as it should. Make sure to check the warranty information prior to you decide to replace or repair your patio door. This can save you money on repairs or replacements in the near future.