Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio doors will bring sunlight into your home and increase its energy efficiency. However, over time they can show signs of wear and tear that require a bit of maintenance.
The majority of sliding patio door issues are relatively easy to fix. Find out more about how to keep your patio doors looking and functioning like new:.
Dirty or Damaged Tracks
One of the main causes of sliding patio doors that do not open is dirty or clogged tracks. Over time, dirt and grime from everyday use can accumulate on the track. This could cause the door jam to become damaged or even break completely.
A regular cleaning of sliding doors and their tracks in your household chores can help minimize this accumulation. Begin by brushing or vacuuming large pieces of debris off the tracks. Then, use warm water and non-abrasive cleaning products like dish soap to wipe them down. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to remove stubborn dirt and grease stains.
If your sliding door is not working smoothly after you have followed these steps, it could indicate that there is more damage. This could need a professional's help to repair or replace the door. But, there are simple fixes that you can try before calling in the professionals to prevent costly repairs or replacements.
Place a mat under your sliding doors. This will help to keep dirt out of the tracks. Also, you should cut any bushes or plants close to your sliding doors in order to limit the amount of debris that gets trapped in the tracks. Make sure to close the door properly so it doesn't hit the tracks and cause damage to the wheels and rollers. By keeping your doors clean and well-lubricated, you will extend their life substantially.
Rollers that are not aligned
Sometimes, a sliding patio can become misaligned. It is usually due to dirt or other obstructions which can be easily removed. Sometimes it's due to bent track or a bent roller. In this situation you can re-align the rollers by taking them off using the adjustment screws and then cleaning with rubbing alcohol. Be careful when working with these parts, as they are fragile.
If your doors remain stuck, you can try using lubricants on the rollers to reduce friction and make it easier for them to slide. Use a silicone-based product, because petroleum-based lubricants may attract dirt faster. It is crucial to clean the rollers and tracks prior to applying lubricant.
After cleaning the rollers you can put them back on using their adjustment screws. It is also a good idea to make use of the same lubricant as you used to clean them. When reinstalling the rollers, make sure you push them completely into their channels. You can test your door now and see if it moves smoothly.
If the problem continues, it is possible to take the door off and check the tracks and rollers. If the wheels or tracks are bent in a way, you may need to replace them. It is recommended to hire a professional to install the tracks or rollers in this situation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are excellent to bring the outdoors into a room and letting in natural sunlight, but they may also be prone to damage that needs repair or replacement. Cracking, warping and fading are a few of the most frequent issues. Warping occurs when the materials that make up your sliding glass patio door start to degrade due to sun, heat and other environmental elements. Cracks are usually caused by impact damage such as the impact of a lawnmowers or ball hitting into the door. Fading is usually because of repeated exposure to sunlight as well as other elements.
If you have sliding glass patio doors that are difficult to open and close it could indicate that the rollers and tracks are not functioning correctly. This issue could be caused by the accumulation of dirt, rust, or debris in the wheels or track or due to a lack of or lubrication. Cleaning the tracks and rollers, removing obstructions and applying silicone spray may help resolve this problem.
Another reason that sliding patio doors may be difficult to open or close is because the locking mechanism has become faulty. 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 adjustment screws located at the bottom.
Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio door are a typical issue that can affect the efficiency of your home's energy usage. These problems are usually caused by weather stripping that is worn out or poor alignment of the door. This issue 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 problem is caused by an incorrectly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosing and tightening the screws that hold it in place.
Another reason for a handle to become loose is that it has separated from the spindle that connects it with the interior and exterior handles. linked internet site is typically the result of a mix of factors, including excessive use wear and tear or simply the general aging. If the issue isn't dealt with quickly, the handle may be loosened and fall off.
The best method to solve this problem is by first locating the screws that attach the interior and exterior handles. They are usually hidden by plastic tabs, which can be removed using a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of certain handles, a Phillips-head screwdriver). It's a good idea store these screws somewhere safe so that you don't lose them.
Once the old handles have been removed the next step is to take off the spindle that is loose. This can be accomplished by tapping the end with a hammer or mallet until it comes loose from its position within the door. The new handle is fitted by putting the spindle in the handle hole inside and the other end through the hole in the handle on the outside. Once the handle is installed then tighten it by screwing back the screws and then test to make sure the lock and unlock mechanism functions properly.
Afflicted Weatherstripping
A worn or cracked weatherstripping can let water and air seep through your patio doors, which can compromise the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. In addition to allowing moisture, it can also cause drafts and increase your heating or cooling costs. It is easy to replace damaged weatherstripping with no professional help. First, you must take off the old stripping by loosing its staples with the help of a screwdriver or by pinning it with the help of a putty knife before taking it away from the door. Then, you can wash the area and apply a fresh layer of weatherstripping that is secured by a foam seal that helps ensure that there are no leaks and to increase the comfort.
If your sliding patio door isn't functioning as it should, you need to fix the issue as soon as possible to avoid further damage and to ensure that they are functional for years to come. Depending on the degree of the issue, DIY or professional repair/replacement may be the best solution.
Most sliding patio door problems are caused by dirty rollers, misaligned tracks, or an untidy handle. These issues are usually solved by regular maintenance and cleaning like changing the track's lubricant and adjust and tightening the hardware. If these methods don't work it is recommended that you seek out professional help to make sure that your patio is operating exactly as it should. If you decide to replace or repair your patio door, make sure to verify the warranty information to make sure that it is covered by the manufacturer's warranty. This will save you money in the long run on repairs and replacements.