Your sliding patio doors will let in natural light to your home and improve its energy efficiency. In time, they might start to show signs that suggest some attention.
The majority of sliding patio door issues are fairly easy to fix. Find out more about how to keep your patio doors looking and functioning like new:.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty
One of the most common reasons for sliding patio doors that won’t open is clogged or dirty tracks. Over time, dirt and grime from everyday use can accumulate on the track. This can cause the jam to break or even break completely.
This buildup can be minimized by including regular light cleanings of sliding patio door repair doors and tracks during your regular chores. Start by cleaning large debris off the tracks. Then, use warm water and non-abrasive cleaning products like dish soap to wipe them down. Add a little vinegar to your cleaning solution may help in removing stubborn grease and dirt staining.
If you find that your sliding door still won’t move smoothly after following these steps, it may be the sign of more severe damage and requires a professional repair or replacement. There are a few easy fixes you can make before calling a professional to avoid expensive repairs or replacements.
Place a mat under your sliding doors. This will help to keep dirt out of the tracks. You should also regularly cut back any bushes or plants near your sliding doors to limit the amount of debris trapped in the tracks. Also, make sure you close the door correctly so that it doesn’t slam into the tracks and cause damage to the rollers and wheels. You can extend the life of your doors by maintaining them clean and lubricated.
Rollers that are misaligned
Sometimes, a patio can become misaligned. This is usually due to dirt, or other obstructions which can be easily removed. But sometimes it can be due to bent tracks or rollers. In the latter case you might be able to realign the roller by removing them using their adjustment screws and then cleaning them using rubbing alcohol. These parts are prone to damage.
If your doors are stuck, you can apply lubrication to the rollers. This will decrease friction and allow them to move more easily. Choose a silicone-based lubricant, because petroleum-based lubricants may attract dirt faster. It is important to clean the rollers and tracks before applying lubrication.
After you’ve cleaned the rollers, you are able to reinstall them with the adjustment screws. Use the same lubricant you used to clean them. Make sure to push the rollers fully into their channels when you reinstall them. Then, you can test your door to determine if it now slides smoothly.
If the problem persists it is possible to take the door off and inspect the tracks and rollers. If the tracks or wheels are badly bent it could be necessary to replace them. It is recommended to hire an expert to install the rollers or tracks in this case.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are excellent to bring the outdoors into your home and letting natural light in but they could also be prone to damage that needs repair or replacement. Some of the most frequent issues that can occur are cracking, warping, and fading. The materials used to make the sliding glass patio doors begin to deteriorate 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, while fading usually happens due to repeated contact with sunlight or other natural elements.
If you have sliding glass patio doors that are difficult to open and close it could indicate that the rollers and tracks aren’t working correctly. This issue could be caused by accumulated dirt, rust or debris in the track, or misaligned wheels or an absence of lubrication. Cleaning the tracks and rollers clearing obstructions and applying silicone spray can help resolve this problem.
The locking mechanism might also be faulty, making it difficult to open or close your sliding patio doors. It could be caused by misalignment, wear and tear, or an amalgamation of both. To fix this issue, 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 frequent issue that can affect their energy efficiency. These problems are usually caused by worn-out weather stripping or poor alignment of the door. This can be easily resolved by replacing the weather stripping and re-aligning your doors.
Loose Handle
It can be frustrating when the handle of a sliding door becomes loose. It becomes difficult to open the door. This is typically caused by a misaligned locking mechanism, which can be fixed by loosening the screws that secure it and tightening them until they fit against the door jamb.
A loose handle can also be caused by the handle separating from the spindle that connects it to the inside or handles outside. This is often caused by a variety of reasons, including excessive use, wear and tear or just general aging. If the issue isn’t resolved promptly, it may eventually lead to the entire handle becoming loose, and possibly falling off completely.
The best method to solve this problem is by first finding the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. They are typically hidden behind tabs of plastic that can be removed with a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in some instances) screwdriver. Keep these screws in a safe place to prevent them from being lost.
Once the old handles have been removed and the old handles are gone, the next step is to take off the loose spindle. This can be done by tapping the spindle with a hammer or mallet until it is free of its place 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 through the hole on the exterior handle. Once the handle is in place, it can be tightened by screwing the screws back into place and then examining to confirm that the lock and unlock mechanisms work correctly.
Faulty weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that is cracked or worn can allow water and air to seep into your patio door, which can compromise your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. In addition to letting in water, it can also cause drafts and increase your heating or cooling costs. It’s easy to replace faulty weatherstripping without professional assistance. First, you must remove the old stripping by loosening its staples with the help of a screwdriver or by pinning it with the help of a putty knife before lifting it away from the door. Then, you can clean 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 comfort.
If your sliding patio door track repair door isn’t working as it should, you have to fix the issue as soon as possible to avoid further damage and keep them functioning for years to be. Depending on how to repair tilt and slide patio door serious the issue is, an DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement might be the best choice.
The most frequent issues that are encountered with sliding patio door repair service near me doors are dirty rollers from debris in the tracks, wheels that are not aligned and a loose handle. In the majority of cases, these issues can be fixed through regular maintenance and cleaning, which includes fluidizing the track and rollers, as well as adjusting them and tightening hardware. If these steps fail, it’s advisable to seek advice from a professional to make sure that your patio door is working exactly as it should. Check the warranty information before you decide to replace or repair patio doors your patio door. This will save you money in the future on repairs and replacements.