Sliding Patio Doors Repairs

Your sliding glass patio doors help bring natural light and improve your home's energy efficiency. Over time, they may begin to show signs that require some attention.

Luckily, the majority of issues with sliding patio doors are easy to fix. Find out how you can keep your sliding patio doors looking and working like new.

Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks

The tracks of your sliding patio door may be dirty or clogged. Over time, dirt and grime of daily use can build up on the track. This can cause the door jam or even break completely.

Regularly cleaning sliding doors and tracks as part of your household chores can help minimize this accumulation. Begin by brushing or vacuuming any big debris from the tracks, and then wipe them clean using warm water and a non-abrasive cleaning product, such as dish soap. Add a little vinegar to your cleaning solution may also aid in the removal of stubborn grease and dirt staining.

If you notice that your sliding door doesn'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 simple fixes that you can try before calling in experts to avoid costly repairs or replacements.

Place a mat under your sliding doors. This will help trap dirt before it reaches the tracks. Make sure to trim the plants and shrubs that are located near your sliding door to reduce the amount of debris that is tracked into the tracks. Close the door properly to avoid damaging the rollers and wheels. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated you can prolong their lifespan considerably.

Misaligned Rollers

Sometimes, a patio sliding may become out of alignment. This usually happens due to dirt, or other obstructions that can be easily removed. But sometimes it can be due to a bent track or roller. In this case, you can realign the rollers by taking them off using the adjustment screws and cleaning with the rubbing alcohol. These parts are prone to damage.

If your doors are still stuck, you can grease the rollers. This will lessen friction and allow them to move more easily. It is best to make use of a silicone-based lubricant as petroleum-based ones can attract dirt faster. It is also essential to clean the rollers and tracks prior to applying lubricant.

After cleaning the rollers you can put them back in place using their adjustment screws. Use the same lubricant that you used to clean them. When reinstalling the rollers, make sure you push them all the way into their channels. You can test your door now and see if it moves smoothly.

If the problem continues it may be necessary to remove your door and inspect the rollers and tracks for any other issues. If the tracks or rollers are bent in a way they might need to be replaced. It's best to hire a professional to install the tracks or rollers in this situation.

Warped Glass

Sliding glass door are great to bring the outdoors into your home and letting in natural light, but they may also be susceptible to damage that needs repair or replacement. Some of the most frequent problems that occur include cracking, warping, and fade. The materials that make up the sliding glass patio doors begin to degrade when exposed to heat, sunlight and other environmental elements. Cracking often results from impact damage, such as from a lawn mower or ball run-in, and fading generally happens due to repeated contact with sunlight or other elements found in nature.

If your sliding patio sliding door repair near me doors aren't easy to close or open, it could be an indication that their rollers and tracks aren't working properly. This issue could be caused by accumulation of dirt, rust or debris in the track, misaligned wheels or the lack of lubrication. This issue can be fixed by regularly cleaning the tracks and rollers and removing obstructions.

Another reason that sliding patio doors are difficult to open or close is that the locking mechanism is no longer working. It could be due to misalignment or wear and tear or an amalgamation of both. To fix this issue, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the hidden adjustment screws on the bottom.

Drafts or air leaks that surround your sliding patio door are a frequent issue that can affect the efficiency of your home's energy usage. These issues are typically caused by weather stripping that has worn out 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 door becomes loose, it could be quite frustrating and make it difficult for people to open the door. This is typically caused by a misaligned locking mechanism, which can be corrected by loosening the screws that hold it in place and then tightening them until they're snug against the jamb of the door.

Another reason for a loose handle is that it is detached from the spindle that connects it with the handles' exterior and interior. This is often caused by a variety of factors including excessive use, wear-and-tear or just general aging. If the problem isn't resolved quickly, the handle can become loose and fall off.

The best way to fix this issue is by first locating the screws that attach the interior and exterior handles. They are typically hidden by tabs made of plastic that can be removed using a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of some handle styles, a Phillips-head screwdriver). It's a good idea keep these screws safe 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 using a hammer until it is freed from its position within the door. Then, the new handle can be fitted by simply putting the spindle through the hole in the interior handle and then placing the other end of the spindle through the hole in the outside handle. After the handle is installed then tighten it by screwing back the screws and then test to ensure the lock and unlock mechanism is working correctly.

Faulty Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping that is damaged or cracked may let air and water be able to seep into your patio doors repair door, which can compromise your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It could let in moisture and create drafts, which will increase your cooling and heating costs. It is easy to replace damaged weatherstripping with no professional help. First, you need to remove the old stripping by either loosing its staples using an screwdriver or pinning it gently with a putty knife and then taking it away from the door. You can then clean the area, and apply an additional layer of weatherstripping that is secured by an adhesive. This will prevent leaks and improve comfort.

If your sliding patio doors repair patio door isn't working as it should, you must to address the issue immediately to prevent further damage and keep them functional for many years to be. Depending on the severity of the issue, DIY or professional repair/replacement could be the best option.

The most frequent issues with sliding patio doors include dirty rollers due to debris in the tracks, wheels that are not aligned and a loose handle. In most cases these issues can be fixed by regular maintenance and cleaning, including oiling the track, adjusting the rollers and tightening the hardware. If these methods do not work, you should seek advice from a professional to make sure that your patio is operating as it should. If you decide to replace or repair your patio door, make sure to verify the warranty information to ensure that it is covered by the manufacturer's guarantee. This will save you money in the future on repairs and replacements.