The 10 Most Scariest Things About Patio Doors Repairs Sliding Patio Doors Repairs


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

The majority of problems with sliding patio doors are relatively easy to repair. Find out how you can keep your sliding patio doors looking like new.

Dirty or Damaged Tracks

One of the main causes of sliding patio doors that don't open is dirty or clogged tracks. Over time, the dust and grime from daily use build up on the track and can cause the door to jam or even fall apart completely.

This buildup can be reduced by regular light cleaning of tracks and sliding doors during your regular chores. Start by sweeping or vacuuming large debris off the tracks. Then apply warm water and non-abrasive cleaning products such as dish soap to wipe them down. Add a little vinegar to your cleaning solution may also aid in the removal of stubborn dirt and grease stains.

If you find that your sliding door doesn't move smoothly after completing these steps, it may be the sign of more severe damage that requires a professional repair or replacement. However, there are many simple fixes you can try before calling in the professionals to save on costly repairs or replacements.

It is important to put a doormat on the bottom of your sliding doors to help keep dirt out before it can reach the tracks. It is also important to cut back any bushes or plants near your sliding doors to reduce the amount of debris that gets tracked into the tracks. Finally, be sure to close the door correctly so that it doesn't slam into the tracks and damage the wheels and rollers. patio door repairs near me can prolong the life of your doors by maintaining them clean and lubricated.

Rollers that are misaligned

Sometimes, a sliding patio can become misaligned. Most often, this is due to obstructions such as dirt or other which can be easily removed. However, it can also be the result of bent tracks or rollers. In the latter scenario, you may be able to re-align the roller by extracting them using their adjustment screws and cleaning them with rubbing alcohol. These parts are prone to damage.

If your doors are still sticking, you can lubricate the rollers. This will reduce friction and allow them to move more easily. It is best to use a silicone-based lubricant, since petroleum-based ones tend to draw dirt more quickly. It is crucial to clean the rollers and tracks prior to applying lubricant.

After cleaning the rollers, you can put them back in place using their adjustment screws. Use the same lubricant that you used to clean them. When reinstalling the rollers, be sure to push them completely into their channels. You can test your door now and see if it slides smoothly.

If the problem continues it may be necessary to remove your door and examine the tracks and rollers for any more serious issues. If the tracks or rollers are bent badly, they may need to be replaced. In such a scenario, it's a good idea to call in an expert to install the tracks.

Warped Glass

Sliding glass doors are convenient for bringing in natural light and the outdoors into rooms, however they can also be susceptible to damages that require repair or replacement. Cracking, warping and fading are a few of the most frequent issues. The materials that compose the sliding glass patio doors start to deteriorate when exposed to sunlight, heat and other environmental factors. Cracks are usually caused by impact damage such as the impact of a lawnmowers blade or ball that is smashed into the door. Fading is usually because of repeated exposure to sunlight and other elements.

If your sliding glass patio doors are difficult to close or open, it could be an indication that the tracks and rollers are not functioning correctly. This issue may result from accumulated dirt, rust or debris in the track, or misaligned wheels or an absence of lubrication. Regularly cleaning the tracks and rollers, removing obstructions and applying silicone spray can help resolve this problem.

Another reason why your sliding patio doors may be difficult to open or close is because the locking mechanism has become faulty. This could be caused by the alignment of the track or wear and tear, however, a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanism by using the adjustment screws located in the bottom of the track.

Drafts or air leaks that occur around your sliding patio doors are a common problem that can drastically reduce their energy efficiency. They typically originate from damaged weather stripping or an improper alignment of the door and is easily fixed by replacing the old weather stripping and re-aligning the doors.

Loose Handle

It can be a hassle when the handle of a sliding door becomes loose. It makes it difficult to open the door. This is due to an improperly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosing and tightening the screws holding it in place.

Another common reason for a handle to become loose is that it has become detached from the spindle that connects it to the handles on the exterior and interior. This usually happens as a result of a combination of factors, such as excessive use wear and tear or simply the general aging. If the issue isn't dealt with quickly, the handle may be loosened and fall off.

The most effective way to address this issue is to start by locating the screws that attach the interior and exterior handles. They are usually concealed by tabs made of plastic, which can be removed using a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of some handles, a Phillips head screwdriver). It is a good idea to store these screws somewhere safe so that you don't lose them.

After the handles have been removed and the old handles are gone, the next step is to remove the loose spindle. This can be done by tapping the spindle with a mallet or hammer until it comes loose from its place inside the door. The new handle is then installed by inserting the spindle into the hole for the handle inside and the other end into the exterior handle hole. Once the handle is in place it can be tightened by screwing the screws back into place and then ensuring that the lock and unlock mechanisms work properly.

Afflicted Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping that's damaged or cracked may let air and water seep into your patio door, which can compromise your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It could let in moisture and create drafts that will increase your heating and cooling costs. Fortunately, replacing faulty weatherstripping is an easy fix that doesn't require any professional help. You can take off the old weatherstripping by either loosing the staples using a screwdriver, or gently prying it with a putty blade and then pulling it from the door. Then, you can clean the area and apply a fresh layer of weatherstripping that is backed by a foam seal to prevent leaks and enhance the comfort.

If your sliding patio door isn't functioning as it should, you need to fix the problem immediately to avoid further damage and ensure that they are functional for years to come. Depending on the degree of the issue, DIY or professional repair/replacement may be the best choice.

The most common issues with sliding patio doors are dirty rollers from debris in the tracks, wheels that are not aligned and a loose handle. In the majority of instances, these issues can be resolved by regular maintenance and cleaning, which includes fluidizing the track as well as adjusting the rollers and tightening hardware. If these solutions do not work then you should seek advice from a professional to ensure that your patio is functioning just as it should. If you decide to replace or repair your patio door, be sure to verify the warranty information to ensure that it's covered by the manufacturer's warranty. This will save you money on repairs or replacements in the future.