Sliding Patio Doors Repairs

Your sliding glass patio doors help to let in more light and increase your home's energy efficiency. However, as time passes, they can show signs of wear and tear that require some maintenance.

Most sliding patio door repair service door problems are fairly simple to fix. Find out how to keep your sliding patio doors looking and functioning like new.

Dirty or Damaged Tracks

One of the most frequent reasons for sliding patio doors that won't open is dirty or blocked tracks. Over time, the dirt and grime from everyday use can build up on the track. This can cause the door jam or break completely.

The buildup can be slowed by regular light cleaning of tracks and sliding doors in your daily household chores. Start by brushing or vacuuming any big debris from the tracks, and then wipe them clean with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner, such as dish soap. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to help remove stubborn grease and dirt stains.

If your sliding door not working smoothly after you've completed these steps, it could be a sign that there is more serious damage. This could need a professional's help to repair or replace the door. But, there are easy fixes you can try before calling experts to avoid costly repairs or replacements.

Install a doormat underneath your sliding doors. This will help to keep dirt out of the tracks. Regularly trim any plants or bushes that are near the sliding door to decrease the amount of debris that is tracked into 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 maintaining them clean and lubricated.

Rollers that are misaligned

Sometimes it happens that a sliding patio glass repair door may become misaligned or gets stuck. This usually happens due to dirt or other obstructions that can be easily removed. However, it can also be due to bent tracks or rollers. In this situation you can straighten the rollers by taking them off by using the adjustment screws, and then cleaning with the rubbing alcohol. Be careful, as these parts can be delicate.

If your doors are sticking, you can lubricate the rollers. This will lessen friction and allow them to move more easily. Use a silicone-based product, as petroleum-based lubricants can attract dirt more quickly. It is important to clean the tracks and rollers prior to applying lubrication.

After you've cleaned the rollers, you are able to reinstall them using their adjustment screws. It is also a good idea to use the same lubricant you used when cleaning them. Make sure you push the rollers all the way into their channels when you reinstall them. Then, you can test your door to determine whether it is now sliding effortlessly.

If the issue persists, it could be necessary to remove the door and check the tracks and rollers. If the tracks or wheels are bent in a way it could be necessary to replace them. In such a scenario it's best to contact an expert to install the tracks.

Warped Glass

Sliding glass doors are ideal for bringing in the outdoors and natural sunlight into a space, but they can also be susceptible to damages that require repair or replacement. The most frequent issues that can occur are cracking, warping, and fading. The materials used to make the sliding glass patio doors start to deteriorate when exposed to heat, sunlight and other environmental elements. Cracks are often caused by impact damage, such as from a ball or lawn mower run-in, whereas fading typically happens due to repeated contact with sunlight or other elements found in nature.

If your sliding patio doors aren't easy to close or open, it could indicate that the tracks and rollers aren't working properly. This issue may result from accumulated dirt, rust or debris in the track, or misaligned wheels or an absence of lubrication. Cleaning the rollers and tracks clearing obstructions and applying silicone spray may aid in resolving this issue.

The locking mechanism could also be faulty, making it difficult to open or shut your sliding patio doors. This could be caused by misalignment or wear and tear, but a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanisms by turning the adjustment screws that are located on the bottom of the track.

Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio doors are a typical issue that can significantly reduce their energy efficiency. These problems are usually caused by weather stripping that is worn out or poor door alignment. This issue can be fixed easily by replacing the weather stripping, and realigning your doors.

Loose Handle

If the handle of a sliding doors is loose, it can be quite frustrating and make it difficult for people to open the door. This issue is usually caused by a misaligned locking mechanism, which can be corrected by loosening the screws that hold it in place and tightening them until they are snug against the jamb of the door.

A loose handle can also be caused by the handle separating from the spindle connecting it to the inside or handles on the outside. This is often due to a variety of reasons, 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 finding the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. They are usually concealed by tabs made of plastic, which can be removed with a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of some handles, a Phillips-head screwdriver). Keep these screws in a safe place to prevent them from being lost.

After removing the handles the next step will be to remove the spindle. This can be done by tapping on the end with a hammer or mallet until it is free of its place within the door. The new handle is then fitted by placing the spindle in the handle hole inside and the other end through the exterior handle hole. Once the handle is in place it can be tightened by screwing the screws back in and then testing to ensure that the locking and unlock mechanisms function properly.

Poor weatherstripping

Weatherstripping that is damaged or cracked may let air and water get into your patio door, causing damage to your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It can allow moisture in and create drafts, which can increase your cooling and heating costs. It is easy to replace damaged weatherstripping with no professional help. You can take off the old weatherstripping by loosing the staples using an screwdriver, or gently prying it off with a putty knife and pulling it from the door. Then, you can clean the area and apply an additional layer of weatherstripping that is backed with foam seal. This will prevent leaks and enhance the comfort.

If your sliding patio door isn't functioning as it should, you must to address the issue immediately to avoid further damage and keep them functioning for years to come. Depending on how severe the issue is and the severity of the issue, it's possible to choose a DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement might be the best choice.

Most problems with sliding patio door repair doors are caused by dirty rollers, faulty tracks, or a loose handle. In most cases these issues can be fixed by regular maintenance and cleaning, which includes fluidizing the track as well as adjusting the rollers and tightening hardware. However, if these methods don't work, it's best consult a professional for advice to make sure that your patio door is working exactly as it should. Before you decide to replace or repair your local patio door repairs door, be sure to check its warranty information to confirm that it is covered by the manufacturer's guarantee. This will save you money in the future for repairs and replacements.