How To Tell If You're Ready For Sliding Patio Door Repair
Sliding Patio Door Repairs
A sliding patio is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of your outdoor space and let more light in. However, when the door isn't gliding smoothly or looks dirty it can be a real headache.
Fortunately, most of these issues can be fixed with a bit of DIY expertise. Here are some common problems and their solutions.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks
Over time, a sliding patio door's tracks may get clogged by dirt, dust and other debris. A regular cleaning routine and lubrication will help to ensure that your door is able to move smoothly.
A filthy track can cause the door to stick or even make it difficult to open or close, so the first thing you must do is clean it. Start by removing any debris that has fallen off using a Broom. Use a cleaning solution and brush to clean away any visible dirt. Be sure to clean all the nooks and corners, as well as the areas where the door meets its frame.
After you've scrubbed the track, rinse it using the hose or bucket of clean water. Apply lubricant from a store to prevent rust and to displace water. Test the door by moving it back and forth to see if you can move it without difficulty.
If your door is still stuck, it could be that the rollers have been damaged or misaligned. This can cause the door to become stuck. In the majority of cases, you can resolve this by adjusting the wheels and lubricating them. It may be time to replace them if your door is old. Before reassembling track, lay down a drop cloth on the floor. Remove the two plugs that cover the screws for adjustment of the rollers that are located at the bottom of the frame. Install a screwdriver in each hole and turn them counterclockwise to retract the rollers. This will allow you enough space to remove the door from the sawhorses and put it back on the sawhorses.
A faulty handle
In time, your sliding door handle may become loose from the strike plate it is connected to. The good news is, the issue with the handle being loose is typically very easy to repair. Use a screwdriver and tighten the screws that hold the door handle to the strike plate. Be careful not to overtighten as this could damage the inner mechanism which could cause the handle to stop working correctly.
The problem of a sliding patio door that isn't able to slide is typically caused by debris that blocks the rollers. Hair, dirt and other messes frequently get stuck in the tracks which makes the door stop smoothly sliding. To promote smooth operation, start by cleaning the rollers.
Another issue that is common is when the lock on your sliding patio door isn't working correctly. It could be caused by an incorrectly aligned lock or a broken handle. A simple solution is to replace the lock mechanism or adjust the handle of the door.
A screen door that isn't able to close or unlock isn't an enjoyable experience. A broken screen door can also be dangerous. If the screen isn't aligned correctly with the door frame, it will rub against the frames and cause wear to the screen as well as the door. If your screen isn't functioning correctly, the solution is fairly simple. Make sure whether the latching bar still in place. If it's not in place, remove it and replace it with a replacement. Once you've replaced the rod that latches, put it back on the screen and ensure that the hinges are properly set. Add sliding patio door repair covers to the holes of the frame for a finished appearance.
Faulty weatherstripping
The weather stripping between your door and frame will help seal the gap, preventing cold air, drafts and pests. If yours is damaged, cracked or discoloured It's time to replace it. It's generally fairly simple to do. Some people only replace the worn part, but it is much easier to replace the entire thing.
First, ensure that the gap isn't near the seating point where the weather strip is attached to the frame. If it is, you'll need to reseal the weather strip to the frame using the weather strip adhesive.
Then, examine the entire length of your weather strip. Make use of your dollar bill to verify whether the weather strip is sealed. Place the bill part-way across the seal, then close the door. If it is easy to pull it away from the flange of metal on the weather strip, it's time to replace it. If it is easy to remove, it's time to replace the weather strip.
You may need to lubricate your run channel (the groove made of felt and rubber on both sides of the door) to avoid the build-up of ice in winter. You can purchase a spray lubricant at your local hardware store that works however be sure not to splash any on your glass.
Another great solution is to spread a thin layer of sand underneath your door before the snow starts falling, which will keep it from sticking like salt would. Don't leave sand at the bottom of your door as it will cause damage to the concrete and rubber of the weather strip.
Damaged Glass
There are a variety of situations that can result in the glass of a sliding patio door becoming cracked or shattered. If your glass patio door is damaged by a knock or bump, or any other cause, it is vital to replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your home is well-insulated and sealed.
Over time, sliding doors are susceptible to damage from frequent use and exposure to elements. Doors that aren't working properly can be caused by rusty rollers, defective handles and bent tracks. Specialists in sliding patio repair can quickly identify the problem and repair or replace the parts.
Besides obvious visible damage, a damaged patio door can also affect your energy costs. A gap between the frame of the patio door and the glass pane can result in drafts and temperature variations. This is costly in both the summer and winter when you have to pay to keep your home warm or cool.
It is possible to repair a broken glass panel on your sliding patio door without having to take out the entire door. In certain instances this is the best option if you are looking to get your door back up and running as soon as possible. Whatever the case, whether you're replacing the glass or the frame, it's essential to have all the necessary tools available so that the job can be completed safely and efficiently. This includes gloves and a small hammer or pry bar and a putty blade as well as a measuring tool and a replacement glass. DIY Door Store offers all these items to help you repair your damaged sliding patio doors easily and affordably.
Frames that aren't secured or damaged
Sliding patio door systems are designed to facilitate easy indoor-outdoor movement and provide the natural flow. As with any home appliance, sliding patio doors are susceptible to wear and tear that may hinder their function. While some issues are simple to repair yourself, others require professional assistance to ensure your door stays in good condition.
If you see visible indications of damage like dents and scratches, it's probably time to replace your sliding door. These damages not only reduce the aesthetics of your patio doors, but they also impact security and energy efficiency.
A roller or track that is not aligned is common causes for your sliding door to stop functioning properly. This usually happens due to dirt or debris that have accumulated on the track. You can solve this issue by using tools to straighten the rails.
Cleaning the tracks and rollers on your sliding patio doors is crucial. Dirt can cause them to become stiff or stuck, preventing them from moving freely. Utilizing a hand-brush or vacuum cleaner, or spray-down using jet washing can help to clear away any obstructive build-up. Use a silicone-based grease on your tracks to ensure smooth operation and to prevent premature wear.
Over time, slamming the door to the patio could cause serious damage to the frame and the glass panel. This can result in broken or loose frames or tracks that are bent, as well as a handles that are difficult to open and close. Screen door frames that slide are usually less durable than glass sliding doors, which makes them more vulnerable to being damaged. If you've damaged your frame for your screen door, it can be repaired by resealing the frame with silicone lubricant, then applying new sealant to the glass's perimeter.