Sliding Patio Doors Repairs

Your sliding patio doors can bring in natural light to your home, and will increase its energy efficiency. However, with 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 simple to fix. Find out how to keep your sliding double glazed patio door repairs doors looking and working like new.

Dirty or Damaged Tracks

The tracks of your sliding patio door might be dirty or clogged. Over time, the dirt and grime of daily use can accumulate on the track. This could cause the door jam to become damaged or to break down completely.

The buildup can be slowed by incorporating regular light cleaning of sliding doors and tracks during your regular chores. Begin by cleaning large debris off the tracks. Then make use of warm water and non-abrasive cleansing products such as dish soap to wipe them down. A little vinegar added to your cleaning product can also aid in the removal of stubborn grease and dirt stains.

If your sliding door doesn't move smoothly after completing these steps, it may be a sign of more serious damage that requires a professional repair or replacement. However, there are many simple fixes you can try before calling in experts to prevent costly repairs or replacements.

It is important to put a doormat near the bottom of your sliding doors to trap dirt before it can reach the tracks. Also, you should cut back any bushes or plants close to your sliding doors in order to limit the amount of debris that gets trapped in the tracks. Finally, be sure to close the door correctly so that it doesn't crash into the tracks and damage the wheels and rollers. You can increase the lifespan of your doors by keeping them clean and lubricated.

Rollers that are not aligned

Sometimes it happens that a sliding patio door becomes unbalanced or becomes stuck. Most often, this is due to obstructions such as dirt or other that can be easily fixed. However, it can also be due to a bent track or roller. In this instance, you can realign the rollers by removing them with the adjustment screws and then cleaning with ruby alcohol. These parts are prone to damage.

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 best to make use of a silicone-based lubricant as petroleum-based ones can attract dirt faster. It is essential to clean the tracks and rollers before lubricating.

After cleaning the rollers, you can put them back on using the adjustment screws. It's also a good idea to make use of the same lubricant as you used when cleaning them. Make sure to push the rollers all the way in their channels when reinstalling them. You can then test your door to see whether it slides more smoothly.

If the problem persists it may be necessary to take down your door and inspect the rollers and tracks for any more serious issues. If the wheels or tracks are badly bent, you may need to replace them. In such a scenario it's best to get an expert to install the tracks.

Warped Glass

Sliding glass doors are excellent for bringing the outdoors into a room and letting natural light in, but they may also be vulnerable to damage that needs repair or replacement. Some of the most common problems that arise are warping, cracking and fade. The materials used to make the sliding glass patio doors begin to deteriorate when exposed to heat, sunlight and other environmental factors. Cracks are often caused by the impact of a collision, for example from a lawn mower or ball run-in, while fading usually is caused by repeated contact with sunlight and other natural elements.

If your sliding glass patio doors are difficult to open or close it could be a sign that the tracks and rollers aren't functioning properly. This problem may be caused by the accumulation of dirt or rust in the track or wheels or a lack or lubrication. Regularly cleaning the rollers and tracks, removing obstructions and applying silicone spray may help resolve this problem.

Another reason your sliding patio doors are difficult to open or close is that the locking mechanism is no longer working. It could be caused by misalignment, wear and tear, or the combination of both. To fix this, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws located at the bottom.

Drafts or air leaks that occur around your sliding patio doors are a frequent problem that can drastically decrease their energy efficiency. These problems are usually caused by worn-out weather stripping or poor door alignment. This can be easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping, and realigning your doors.

Loose Handle

It can be a hassle when the handle of sliding doors becomes loose. It becomes difficult to open. This is due to a misaligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosening and tightening the screws holding it in the correct position.

Another reason for a handle to become loose is that it has become detached from the spindle that connects it to the handles' exterior and interior. This can be caused by a variety of reasons, including excessive use, wear-and-tear or just aging. If the issue isn't addressed promptly, the handle could become loose and fall off.

The best way to fix this issue is to start by finding the screws that join the interior and exterior handles. The screws are typically hidden behind tabs made of plastic that can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver, in some instances) screwdriver. Securely store these screws to ensure they don't get lost.

Once the old handles have been removed, the next step is to remove the spindle that has become loose. This can be done by tapping the end of the spindle using an hammer until freed from its position within the door. The new handle can be installed by simply placing the spindle into the hole on the interior handle and then inserting the other end of the spindle through the hole in the exterior handle. Once the handle is in place, it can be tightened by screwing the screws back in and then testing to ensure that the locking and unlock mechanisms function correctly.

Faulty weatherstripping

A worn or cracked weatherstripping may allow water and air to be able to seep through your patio doors, compromising the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. It can allow moisture in and create drafts, which can increase your heating and cooling costs. It is easy to replace damaged weatherstripping without professional assistance. You can take off the old weatherstripping by loosing the staples with a screwdriver, or gently prying it with a putty blade and then pulling it away from the door. Then, you can wash the area and apply a fresh layer of weatherstripping, which is secured by a foam seal that helps prevent leaks and enhance comfort.

If your sliding patio door is not working as it should, you must to address the issue immediately to avoid further damage and to ensure that they are functional for years to come. Depending on the severity of the issue, DIY or professional repair/replacement may be the best solution.

The majority of sliding patio door repairs patio door issues are caused by dirty rollers, misaligned tracks, and a loose handle. In most cases these issues can be addressed with regular maintenance and cleaning, including lubricating the track as well as adjusting the rollers and tightening the hardware. If these solutions don't work it is recommended that you seek advice from a professional to make sure that your patio is working just as it should. If you decide to replace or repair your double glazed patio door repairs door, be sure to verify the warranty information to ensure that it's covered by the manufacturer's guarantee. This can save you money on repairs or replacements in the future.