5 Patio Doors Repairs Myths You Should Avoid Sliding Patio Doors Repairs

Your sliding patio doors will let in natural light to your home and improve its energy efficiency. In time, they might begin to show signs that suggest some maintenance.

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

Tracks that are damaged or dirty

The tracks of your sliding patio door could be filthy or blocked. Over time, the grit and grime of daily usage accumulates on the tracks and can cause the door to jam or even fall apart completely.

A regular cleaning of sliding doors and tracks as part of your household chores can help to reduce the amount of accumulation. Begin by brushing or vacuuming any big debris off the tracks and then wiping them down with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaning product, such as dish soap. Add a little vinegar to your cleaning product can help in removing stubborn grease and dirt stains.

If you notice that your sliding door doesn'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 simple fixes you can make before calling a professional to avoid expensive repairs or replacements.

Place a doormat under your sliding doors. This will assist in trap dirt before it reaches the tracks. Make sure to trim the plants and shrubs that are located near your sliding door to limit the amount of debris that gets tracked into the tracks. Also, make sure you close the door in a way that it doesn't slam into the tracks and damage the rollers and wheels. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated you will extend their life significantly.

Rollers that are misaligned

Occasionally it happens that a sliding patio door can become unbalanced or becomes stuck. This usually happens due to dirt, or other obstructions which can be easily removed. Sometimes, it's due to bent track or a bent roller. In the latter case you might be able to re-align the roller by taking them out with the adjustment screws and cleaning them with rubbing alcohol. Be cautious because these parts are delicate.

If your doors still stick then you could try using lubricants on the rollers to reduce friction and allow them to slide. Choose a silicone-based lubricant, because petroleum-based lubricants may draw dirt more quickly. It is also important to clean the tracks and rollers prior to lubricating them.

After you've cleaned the rollers, you can reinstall them using their adjustment screws. Use the same lubricant you used to clean them. Be sure to push the rollers fully in their channels when reinstalling them. You can then test your door to determine whether it is now sliding effortlessly.

If the problem persists it is possible to remove the door and check the rollers and tracks. If the tracks or wheels are bent in a way it could be necessary to replace them. It is best to engage a professional to install the rollers or tracks in this situation.

Warped Glass

Sliding glass doors are convenient for bringing in natural light and the outdoors into rooms, however they can also be vulnerable to damage that requires repair or replacement. Cracking, warping, and fading are some of the most common problems. The materials that compose the sliding glass patio doors start to degrade when exposed to sunlight, heat and other environmental factors. Cracks are often caused by the impact of a collision, for example from a lawn mower or ball run-in, whereas fading typically is caused by repeated contact with sunlight and other natural elements.

If you have sliding glass patio doors that aren't easy to close and open it could be an indication that the rollers and tracks do not work properly. This issue could be caused by accumulation of dirt, rust or debris in the track, misaligned wheels or the lack of lubrication. Cleaning the rollers and tracks, removing obstructions and applying silicone spray may aid in resolving this issue.

Another reason why your sliding patio doors may be difficult to open or close is that the locking mechanism has gone out of date. This could be caused by the alignment of the track 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 decrease their energy efficiency. They usually result from worn weather stripping and poor door alignment that can be easily corrected by replacing the weather stripping and realigning the doors.

Loose Handle

If the handle of a sliding door becomes loose, it can be quite frustrating and cause it difficult for people to open the door. This problem is caused by an incorrectly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosing and tightening the screws that hold it in the correct position.

Another reason that is commonly cited for a loose handle is that it has separated from the spindle that connects it to the handles on the exterior and interior. This usually happens as a result of a mix of factors, such as excessive use or wear and tear or simply aging. If the issue isn't addressed quickly, it could eventually result in the entire handle becoming loose, and potentially falling off entirely.

The best way to fix this problem is by first finding the screws that connect the handles' exterior and interior. They are typically hidden behind tabs 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 so that you don't loose them.

After removing the handles, the next step will be to take off the spindle. You can do this by tapping the end of the spindle with the hammer until it's removed from its place within the door. Then, the new handle can be installed by simply placing the spindle through the hole on the handle inside and putting the other end of the spindle into 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 testing to ensure that the locking and unlock mechanisms function correctly.


Faulty weatherstripping

Weatherstripping that is damaged or cracked can let air and water be able to seep into your patio door, causing damage to your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It could let in moisture and create drafts, which can increase your heating and cooling costs. It's easy to replace faulty weatherstripping with no professional help. You can take off the old weatherstripping by loosing the staples with an screwdriver, or gently prying it with a putty blade and then taking it off the door. Then, you can clean the area, and then apply a layer of weatherstripping that is secured with an adhesive. patio doors repairs will prevent leaks and increase the comfort.

If your sliding patio door is not working as it should, you need to fix the issue as soon as possible to avoid further damage and to ensure that they are functional for years to be. Depending on how serious 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 option.

Most problems with sliding patio doors are caused by dirty rollers, misaligned tracks, or an untidy handle. In the majority of cases, these issues can be addressed with regular maintenance and cleaning, such as lubricating the track and rollers, as well as adjusting them and tightening hardware. If these measures do not work it is recommended that you seek professional advice in order to ensure that your patio is operating just 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.