Your sliding glass patio doors to let in more light and increase your home's energy efficiency. However, as time passes, they could show signs of wear and tear, which will require some attention.
Luckily, the majority of issues with sliding patio doors are simple to address. Find out how you can keep your sliding patio doors looking and functioning like new.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty
The tracks of your sliding patio screen door repair near me door could be dirty or clogged. Over time, the grit and grime of everyday use build up on the track and can cause the door to jam or even break down completely.
Including regular light cleaning of sliding doors and their tracks as part of your household chores can help to reduce the amount of accumulation. Begin by sweeping or vacuuming large debris off the tracks. Then make use of warm water and non-abrasive cleaning products like dish soap to clean them. A little vinegar added to your cleaning solution may help in removing stubborn dirt and grease stains.
If your sliding door is still not moving smoothly even after you've followed these steps, this could indicate that there is more damage. This could need a professional's help to repair or replace the door. There are a few basic fixes you can do before calling in professionals to avoid expensive who repairs sliding patio doors or replacements.
Install a doormat underneath your sliding doors. This will help to catch dirt before it gets to the tracks. You should also regularly trim any plants or bushes near your sliding doors to limit the amount of debris that gets trapped in the tracks. Close the door correctly to ensure that you don't damage the rollers or wheels. You can extend the life of your doors by keeping them clean and well-lubricated.
Rollers that are misaligned
Occasionally, a sliding patio door may become unbalanced or becomes stuck. This usually happens due to dirt, or other obstructions which can be easily removed. Sometimes it's due bent tracks or a bent roller. In the latter scenario, you may be able to re-align the roller by removing them with their adjustment screws and then cleaning them using ruby 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 slide more easily. It is recommended to use a silicone-based lubricant, because petroleum-based lubricants can draw dirt more quickly. It is also crucial to clean the tracks and rollers prior to lubricating them.
After cleaning the rollers, you can reinstall using their adjustment screws. It is recommended to apply the same lubricant that you used to clean them. Make sure to push the rollers completely into their channels before reinstalling them. You can then test your door to see if it now slides smoothly.
If the problem continues, it is possible to remove the door and check the tracks and rollers. If the wheels or tracks are badly bent they may require you to replace them. It's best to hire an expert to install the tracks or rollers in this scenario.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are excellent for bringing the outdoors into the room and letting in natural light however, they can also be susceptible to damage that requires repair or replacement. The most frequent problems that occur include warping, cracking and fading. Warping happens when the materials which make up your sliding glass patio door start to degrade due to heat, sun and other environmental elements. Cracks are often caused by the impact of a collision, for example from a lawn mower or ball run-in, and fading generally occurs due to repeated contact with sunlight or other natural elements.
If your sliding patio doors aren't easy to close or open, it could be a sign that their rollers and tracks are not functioning correctly. This issue may result from accumulated dirt, rust or debris in the track, misaligned wheels or the lack of lubrication. Regularly cleaning the rollers and tracks, removing obstructions and applying silicone spray can aid in resolving this issue.
Another reason that sliding patio doors might be difficult to open or close is because the locking mechanism has gone out of date. This could be caused by misalignment or wear and tear, but a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanisms by using the adjustment screws located on the bottom of the track.
Air leaks or drafts around your sliding patio doors are a common problem that can drastically reduce their energy efficiency. They usually result from damaged weather stripping or poor alignment of the doors that can be easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and realigning the doors.
Loose Handle
It can be quite frustrating when the handle of sliding doors becomes loose. It can be difficult to open. This is due to an improperly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosing and tightening the screws holding it in the correct position.
A loose handle could result from the handle breaking off from the spindle which connects it to the inside or handles on the outside. This is often the result of a number of factors, including frequent use, wear-and-tear or just aging. If the problem is not treated promptly, it could eventually lead to the entire handle becoming loose, and eventually falling off completely.
To solve this issue to fix it, you must first locate the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. The screws are typically hidden behind tabs of plastic that can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in some cases) screwdriver. It is a good idea to keep these screws safe to ensure that you don't lose them.
After the handles have been removed and the old handles are gone, 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 removed from 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 inserting the other end of the spindle into the hole in the outside 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.
Faulty Weatherstripping
A damaged or cracked weatherstripping may allow water and air to get through your patio doors, which can compromise the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. In addition to allowing moisture, it can also create drafts and increase your heating or cooling costs. The good news is that replacing the weatherstripping is an easy fix that doesn't require any assistance from a professional. You can remove the old weatherstripping by loosening the staples with the help of a screwdriver or by gently prying it off with a putty knife and pulling it away from the door. You can then clean the area, and then apply a layer of weatherstripping which is secured with foam seal. This will stop leaks and enhance the comfort.
If your sliding patio door glass repair door is not functioning as it should, you must to fix the problem immediately to avoid further damage and keep them functioning for years to be. Depending on the degree of the issue, DIY or professional repair/replacement could be the best option.
Most problems with sliding patio doors are caused by dirty rollers, faulty tracks, or an untidy handle. In the majority of cases these issues can be resolved by regular maintenance and cleaning, which includes oiling the track and rollers, as well as adjusting them and tightening the hardware. However, if these methods fail, it's advisable to seek advice from a professional to ensure that your patio door is operating exactly as it should. If you decide to replace or repair your patio door, make certain to verify its warranty information to confirm that it is covered under the manufacturer's warranty. This will save you money in the future on repairs and replacements.(Image: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Replacement-Doors-300x200.jpg)
