Patio Doors Repairs: What Nobody Is Talking About Sliding Patio Doors Repairs

Your sliding patio doors will bring the outdoors in to your home and increase its energy efficiency. However, with time, they may begin to show signs of wear and tear that require a bit of maintenance.

Luckily, most of the problems with sliding patio doors are simple to address. Learn more about how to keep your patio doors looking and operating like new:.

Tracks that are dirty or damaged

The tracks of your sliding patio door may be filthy or clogged. Over time, the dust and grime from daily use build up on the track and can cause the door to jam or even break down completely.

This buildup can be minimized by including regular light cleanings of sliding doors and tracks during your regular chores. Begin by brushing or vacuuming any big debris from the tracks, and then wipe them clean using warm water and a non-abrasive cleaning product like dish soap. A little vinegar added to your cleaning product can also aid in the removal of stubborn dirt and grease stains.

If you notice that your sliding door still won't move smoothly after following these steps, it may be an indication of more serious damage and requires a professional repair or replacement. But, there are simple fixes that you could try before calling experts to avoid costly repairs or replacements.

It's important to place a doormat at the bottom of your sliding doors to help catch dirt before it has a chance to get to the tracks. Regularly trim any plants or bushes that are in close proximity to the sliding door to decrease the amount of debris tracked into the tracks. Close the door in a timely manner to avoid damaging the rollers and wheels. You can prolong the life of your doors by keeping them clean and well-lubricated.

Misaligned Rollers

Sometimes, a patio can become misaligned. This is usually due to dirt or other obstructions which can be easily removed. But sometimes it can be due to bent tracks or rollers. In this case, you may be able to re-align the roller by taking them out with their adjustment screws and cleaning them with rubbing alcohol. Be careful because these parts can be delicate.


If your doors still stick then you could try applying lubrication to the rollers to decrease friction and allow them to slide. Use a silicone-based product, because petroleum-based lubricants may attract dirt faster. It is also essential to clean the rollers and tracks before applying lubricant.

After cleaning the rollers, you can put them back on using the adjustment screws. Use the same lubricant you used to clean them. When you reinstall the rollers, be sure to push them all the way into their channels. You can test your door now and see if it glides smoothly.

If the issue persists, it may be necessary to remove the door and inspect the tracks and rollers. If the rollers or tracks are bent in a way they might need to be replaced. It is best to engage a professional to install the tracks or rollers in this scenario.

Warped Glass

Sliding glass doors are great for bringing the outdoors and natural sunlight into rooms, however they are also susceptible to damages that require repair or replacement. Cracking, warping and fading are just a few of the most common problems. The materials that make up the sliding glass patio doors begin to deteriorate when exposed to heat, sunlight and other environmental elements. Cracking is often caused by the impact of the impact of a lawnmowers blade or ball that is smashed into the door. Fading typically occurs Repair My Windows And Doors to repeated exposure to sunlight and other elements.

If you have sliding glass patio doors that are hard to close and open it could be a sign that the tracks and rollers aren't working correctly. This issue could be caused by accumulated dirt, rust or debris in the track, misaligned wheels or a lack of lubrication. This issue can be fixed by regularly cleaning the tracks and rollers and clearing obstructions.

The locking mechanism might also be faulty and make it difficult to open and shut your sliding patio doors. It could be caused by misalignment, wear and tear or an amalgamation of both. To fix this issue, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws at the bottom.

Air leaks or drafts around your sliding patio doors are a frequent issue that can greatly decrease their energy efficiency. They typically originate from damaged weather stripping and poor alignment of the doors, which is easily fixed by replacing the old weather stripping and realigning the doors.

Loose Handle

When a sliding door's handle becomes loose, it can be quite annoying and make it difficult for people to open the door. The reason for this is an incorrectly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosening and tightening the screws holding it in the correct position.

Another common reason for a loose handle is that it is detached from the spindle that connects it to the interior and exterior handles. This usually happens as a result of a mix of factors, including over use wear and tear or simply the general aging. If the problem is not addressed quickly, it could eventually result in the entire handle becoming loose, and possibly falling off completely.

To fix this problem, you should first identify the screws that join the handles' exterior and interior. They are typically hidden behind plastic tabs which can be removed using 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.

After removing the old handles the next step will be to remove the spindle. You can do this by tapping the end of the spindle with a hammer until it is removed from its place within the door. The new handle is fitted by placing the spindle in the hole for the handle inside and the other end through the hole on the outside of the handle. Once the handle is installed, tighten it by screwing back the screws and then test to make sure the lock and unlock mechanism is working correctly.

Faulty Weatherstripping

A damaged or cracked weatherstripping may let water and air get through your patio doors, which can compromise the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. It can allow moisture in and create drafts that will increase your heating and cooling costs. It's simple to replace defective weatherstripping without professional assistance. You can take off the old weatherstripping by either loosing the staples with a screwdriver, or gently prying it off with a putty blade and then taking it off the door. Then, you can clean the area and apply a fresh layer of weatherstripping, which is backed by a foam seal to stop leaks and improve comfort.

If your sliding patio doors aren't longer functioning as they should, it's important to fix the issue as soon as possible to avoid further damage and keep them functional for years to come. Depending on the severity of the problem 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 doors are caused by dirty rollers, faulty tracks, or a loose handle. In the majority of instances these issues can be resolved by regular maintenance and cleaning, including lubricating the track as well as adjusting the rollers and tightening hardware. However, if these measures aren't working, it's best to seek professional advice to make sure that your patio door is operating just as it should. Review the warranty information before you decide to repair or replace your patio door. This will save you money on repairs or replacements later on.