5 Conspiracy Theories About Patio Doors Repairs You Should Stay Clear Of Sliding Patio Doors Repairs

Your sliding patio doors will let the outdoors in to your home and increase its energy efficiency. However, over time they can show signs of wear and tear that require some attention.

Luckily, most of the issues with sliding patio doors are simple to fix. Find out how you can keep your sliding patio doors looking and working like new.

Dirty or damaged tracks

The tracks of your sliding patio door might be filthy or blocked. Over time, the dirt and grime of daily usage can accumulate on the track. This can cause the jam to break or even break completely.

Regularly cleaning sliding doors and their tracks in your household chores can help minimize this build-up. Start by brushing or vacuuming large pieces of debris off the tracks. Then, use warm water and non-abrasive cleaning products like dish soap to wipe them down. A little vinegar added to your cleaning solution may also help remove stubborn dirt and grease stains.

If your sliding door is still not moving smoothly even after you've followed these steps, it could be a sign that there is a more significant damage. This may require a professional to repair or replace the door. But, there are simple fixes that you can try before calling the experts to avoid costly repairs or replacements.

Install a doormat underneath your sliding doors. This will help keep dirt out of the tracks. Regularly trim any plants or bushes that are near your sliding door to limit the amount of debris tracked into the tracks. Close the door correctly to ensure that you don't damage the rollers or wheels. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated, you will extend their life significantly.

Misaligned Rollers

Sometimes, a patio may become out of alignment. This is usually due to dirt or other obstructions that can be easily removed. Sometimes, it's due to bent tracks or a bent roller. In the latter scenario it is possible to straighten the roller by extracting them with the adjustment screws and cleaning them with ruby alcohol. Be cautious, as these parts can be delicate.

If your doors are sticking, you can lubricate the rollers. This will lessen friction and allow them to slide more easily. Choose a silicone-based lubricant, because petroleum-based lubricants may attract dirt faster. It is also essential to clean the tracks and rollers before lubricating them.

After you've cleaned the rollers, you can reinstall them using the screws for adjustment. Make use of the same lubricant you used to clean them. Be sure to push the rollers completely in their channels when reinstalling them. You can test the door and see if it slides smoothly.

If the problem continues, it may be necessary to take the door off and inspect the tracks and rollers. If the rollers or tracks are bent badly, they may need to be replaced. In such a scenario it's best to contact an expert for the installation.

Warped Glass

Sliding glass door are great for bringing the outdoors into the room and letting natural light in however, they can also be vulnerable to damage that needs repair or replacement. Cracks, warping, and fading are some of the most common problems. The materials that compose the sliding glass patio doors begin to break down when exposed heat, sunlight and other environmental elements. The most common cause of cracking is impacts, such as the impact of a lawnmowers blade or ball that is smashed into the door. Fading usually occurs due to repeated exposure to sunlight and other elements.

If your sliding patio doors aren't easy to open or close it could be a sign that the tracks and rollers are not functioning correctly. This issue could be caused by accumulated dirt, rust, or debris in the wheels or track or due to a lack of or lubrication. patio door repairs can be solved by regularly cleaning the tracks and rollers and removing obstructions.

The locking mechanism could be faulty, making it difficult to open or shut your sliding patio doors. This could be caused by an issue with alignment or wear and tear however, a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws hidden in the bottom of the track.

Air leaks or drafts around your sliding patio doors are a common problem that can drastically decrease their energy efficiency. These issues are typically caused by weather stripping that is worn out or poor door alignment. This can be easily resolved 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 is due to an incorrectly aligned lock mechanism. It can be repaired by tightening and loosening the screws that hold it in the correct position.


A loose handle could be caused by the handle becoming detached from the spindle which connects it to the inside or handles outside. This usually happens as a result of a mix of factors, such as excessive use wear and tear or simply aging. If the issue isn't addressed quickly, the handle may be loosened and fall off.

To solve this issue, you should first locate the screws that connect the handles' exterior and interior. They are typically hidden behind tabs made of plastic that can be removed with a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver, in some instances) screwdriver. It's a good idea to store these screws somewhere safe to ensure that you don't lose them.

Once the handles that were previously used have been removed, the next step is to take off the spindle that has become loose. You can do this by pounding the end of the spindle using an hammer until removed from its place within the door. The new handle is fitted by putting the spindle inside the handle hole inside and the other end through the exterior handle hole. After the handle is installed, tighten it by screwing back the screws. Then, test to make sure the lock and unlock mechanism works properly.

Faulty weatherstripping

Weatherstripping that's damaged or cracked may let air and water get into your patio door, which can compromise your home's comfort and energy efficiency. In addition to letting in moisture, it could create drafts and also increase your cooling or heating costs. It is easy to replace damaged weatherstripping with no professional help. You can take off the old weatherstripping by loosing the staples with the help of a screwdriver or by gently prying it with a putty blade and then taking it off the door. Then, you can clean the area and apply a layer of weatherstripping that is secured by an adhesive. This will stop leaks and improve comfort.

If your sliding patio door is not functioning as it should, you have to fix the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage and keep them functional for many years to come. Depending on how serious the issue is, it's possible to choose a DIY solution or a repair/replacement by a professional may be the best choice.

The majority of sliding patio door issues are caused by dirty rollers, faulty tracks, and an untidy handle. These issues can usually be addressed by regular maintenance and cleaning like changing the track's lubricant and adjust, and tightening the hardware. If these methods do not work, you should seek out professional help to make sure that your patio is operating as it should. Make sure to check the warranty information prior to you decide to replace or repair your patio door. This will save you money in the future on repairs and replacements.