Your sliding glass patio doors help bring natural light and improve your home's energy efficiency. However, as time passes, they could show signs of wear and tear that will require some attention.
The majority of sliding patio door issues are fairly simple to fix. Find out how you can keep your sliding patio doors looking like new.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks
One of the most common reasons for sliding patio doors that do not open is dirty or blocked tracks. Over time, the dirt and grime from everyday use can accumulate on the track. This can cause the door jam or even break completely.
This buildup can be minimized by including regular light cleanings of sliding doors and tracks in your routine chores. Start by sweeping or vacuuming any large debris off the tracks and then wipe them clean using warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner like dish soap. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to remove stubborn grease and dirt staining.
If you find that your sliding glass patio doors repair door still won't move smoothly after completing these steps, it could be an indication of more serious damage that requires professional repair or replacement. There are a few basic fixes you can make before calling a professional to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Place a doormat under your sliding doors. This will help keep dirt out of the tracks. Regularly trim any plants or shrubs that are located near your sliding door to reduce the amount of debris that gets tracked into the tracks. Also, make sure you close the door in a way that it doesn't crash into the tracks and cause damage to the rollers and wheels. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated, you will extend their life significantly.
Misaligned Rollers
Sometimes, a sliding repairing patio doors can become misaligned. Most often, this is due to dirt or other obstructions which can be easily removed. However, it could also be due to a bent track or roller. In this case you might be able to re-align the roller by removing them by using the adjustment screws and cleaning them with rubbing alcohol. These parts are prone to damage.
If your doors are stuck, you can grease the rollers. This will reduce friction and allow them to move more easily. Use a silicone-based product, as petroleum-based lubricants can draw dirt more quickly. It is also important to clean the rollers and tracks prior to applying lubricant.
After cleaning the rollers, you can reinstall using their adjustment screws. It is recommended to make use of the same lubricant as you used to clean them. Be sure to push the rollers completely in their channels when reinstalling them. Then, you can check your door to see whether it slides more smoothly.
If the issue persists, it may be necessary to remove the door and check the tracks and rollers. If the wheels or tracks are bent in a way they may require you to replace them. In such a case it's a good idea to get a professional for the installation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are ideal for bringing outside into a room and letting natural light in however, they can also be prone to damage that needs repair or replacement. The most frequent issues that can occur are cracking, warping, and fading. The materials that compose the sliding patio door repair near me glass patio doors begin to degrade when exposed to heat, sunlight and other environmental factors. Cracking often results from injuries caused by impact, like from a ball or lawn mower run-in, and fading generally occurs due to repeated contact with sunlight or other elements of nature.
If you have sliding glass patio door locks repair doors that are difficult to close and open, this could be a sign that the rollers and tracks do not work properly. This issue may result from accumulation of dirt, rust or debris in the track, misaligned wheels or the lack of lubrication. Cleaning the tracks and rollers clearing obstructions and applying silicone spray may help resolve this problem.
The locking mechanism may be faulty and make it difficult to open and close your sliding patio doors. It could be caused by misalignment, wear and tear or a combination of both. To fix this, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the hidden adjustment screws located at the bottom.
Air leaks or drafts around your sliding patio doors are a typical issue that can greatly decrease their energy efficiency. They usually result from worn weather stripping and an improper alignment of the door and can be easily corrected by replacing the old weather stripping and re-aligning the doors.
Loose Handle
It can be a hassle when the handle of a sliding door becomes loose. It becomes difficult to open. This problem is caused by a misaligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosening and tightening the screws that hold it in place.
A loose handle can also result from the handle separating from the spindle connecting it to the interior or handles outside. This is usually due to a variety of factors, including frequent use, wear-and-tear or just aging. If the problem is not resolved promptly, it may eventually lead to the entire handle becoming loose and eventually falling off completely.
The most effective way to address 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 with a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of certain handles, a Phillips head screwdriver). It's a good idea to keep these screws in a safe place to ensure that you don't lose them.
After removing the handles then the next step would be to remove the spindle. You can do this by pounding the end of the spindle using an hammer until removed from its position inside the door. Then, the new handle can be installed by simply placing the spindle through the hole in the handle inside and putting 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 examining to confirm that the lock and unlock mechanisms work correctly.
Weatherstripping that isn't working properly
A cracked or worn weatherstripping may let water and air get through your wood patio door repair doors, which can compromise the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. It can let in moisture and create drafts, which will increase your heating and cooling costs. It is easy to replace damaged weatherstripping, even without the assistance of a professional. You can remove the old weatherstripping by loosing the staples with the help of a screwdriver or by gently prying it with a putty knife and pulling it away from the door. Then, you can clean the area and apply a fresh layer of weatherstripping that is backed by a foam seal to stop leaks and improve comfort.
If your sliding patio doors are no longer functioning as they should, it's essential to address the issue immediately to avoid further damage and to keep them functional for years to come. Depending on the nature of the problem, DIY or professional repair/replacement could be the best option.
(Image: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Replacement-Doors-300x200.jpg)Most problems with sliding patio doors are caused by dirty rollers, misaligned tracks, or an untidy handle. In the majority of cases these issues can be fixed by regular maintenance and cleaning, including lubricating the track and rollers, as well as adjusting them and tightening hardware. If these measures do not work then you should seek out professional help to make sure that your patio is working exactly as it should. If you decide to replace or repair your patio door, be sure to check its warranty information to confirm that it's covered by the manufacturer's warranty. This will save you money in the future for repairs and replacements.
