Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding glass patio doors provide natural light and boost your home's energy efficiency. However, over time they may begin to show signs of wear and tear, which will require some maintenance.
Luckily, most of the problems with sliding patio doors are simple to address. Learn more about how you can keep your patio doors looking and working like new:.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks
One of the most frequent causes of sliding patio doors that won'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 collapse completely.
Including regular light cleaning of sliding doors and tracks in your chores at home can help to reduce the amount of build-up. Start by brushing or vacuuming any big debris from the tracks, and then wiping them down with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaning product like dish soap. Add a little vinegar to your cleaning solution can help in removing stubborn grease and dirt stains.
If your sliding door is still not moving smoothly even after you have followed these steps, it could be a sign that there is more damage. This may need a professional's help to repair or replace the door. There are a variety of simple fixes that you can try before calling experts to prevent costly repairs or replacements.
It is essential to put a doormat on the bottom of your sliding doors to keep dirt out before it has the chance to reach the tracks. You should also regularly trim any plants or bushes near your sliding doors to reduce the amount of debris trapped in the tracks. Finally, be sliding door repairs london Repair My Windows And Doors to close the door properly so it doesn't slam into the tracks and damage the wheels and rollers. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated, you will extend their life significantly.
Rollers that are misaligned
Sometimes, a sliding patio could be misaligned. Usually, this is due to dirt or other obstructions which can be easily removed. But sometimes it can also be due to bent tracks or rollers. In the latter case you might be able to realign the roller by removing them by using the adjustment screws and cleaning them using rubbing alcohol. Be careful, as these parts are delicate.
If your doors are stuck, you can grease the rollers. This will lessen friction and allow them to move more easily. It is recommended to make use of a silicone-based lubricant because petroleum-based lubricants can draw dirt more quickly. It is also essential to clean the tracks and rollers before applying lubricant.
After cleaning the rollers, you can put them back in place using their adjustment screws. It's also a good idea to apply the same lubricant that you used for cleaning them. When reinstalling the rollers, be sure to push them completely into their channels. Then, you can test your door to see whether it slides more effortlessly.
If the problem persists it is possible to take the door off and examine the rollers and tracks. If the tracks or wheels are bent in a way they may require you to replace them. It is best to engage an expert to install the rollers or tracks in this scenario.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are ideal for bringing in the outdoors and natural sunlight into rooms, however they can also be susceptible to damage that requires repair or replacement. Some of the most frequent problems that arise are warping, cracking and fading. Warping occurs when the materials that make up your sliding glass patio door begin to degrade due to heat, sun and other environmental elements. Cracks are usually caused by impact damage such as a lawnmower or ball smacking into the door. Fading usually occurs due to repeated exposure to sunlight and other elements.
If your sliding patio doors aren't easy to close or open it could indicate that the tracks and rollers aren't functioning properly. This issue could be caused by accumulated dirt, rust, or debris in the track or wheels, or by a lack or lubrication. Regularly cleaning the rollers and tracks clearing obstructions and applying silicone spray can help solve this issue.
The locking mechanism may 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 hidden adjustment screws at the bottom.
Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio doors are a typical issue that can greatly decrease their energy efficiency. They are usually caused by damaged weather stripping and poor alignment of the doors, which is easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and realigning the doors.
Loose Handle
It can be quite frustrating when the handle of sliding doors becomes loose. It becomes difficult to open the door. This problem is usually caused by a misaligned locking mechanism, which can be fixed by loosening the screws that hold it in place and then tightening them until they are snug against the jamb of the door.
Another common reason for a handle to become loose is that it has separated from the spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles. This is usually the result of a number of factors, including frequent use, wear-and-tear or just aging. If the issue isn't addressed quickly, it could eventually result in the entire handle becoming loose, and potentially falling off entirely.
To resolve this issue, you should first identify the screws that join the interior and exterior handles. These screws are usually hidden behind plastic tabs 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.
After removing the handles then the next step would be to take off the spindle. You can do this by pounding the end of the spindle with the hammer until it's freed from its position within the door. Then, the new handle can be put in place by simply putting the spindle through the hole in the interior handle, and then placing the other end of the spindle through the hole in the outside handle. Once the handle has been installed then tighten it by screwing back the screws. Then, check to ensure that the lock and unlock mechanism works properly.
Poor weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that's damaged or cracked can allow water and air to seep into your patio door, causing damage to your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It can allow moisture in and create drafts, which can increase the cost of cooling and heating. It's easy to replace faulty weatherstripping with no professional help. You can take off the old weatherstripping by either loosing the staples using a screwdriver, or gently squeezing it with a putty blade and then taking it off the door. Clean the area and apply an additional layer of weatherstripping that is backed with a foam seal. This will stop 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 prevent further damage and to ensure that they are functional for years to be. Depending on the severity of the issue is and the severity of the issue, an DIY solution or a repair/replacement by a professional may be the best option.
The most frequent issues that arise that are encountered with sliding patio doors are dirty rollers from debris in the tracks, wheels that are not aligned and a loose handle. In most cases these issues can be addressed with regular maintenance and cleaning, including lubricating the track and rollers, as well as adjusting them and tightening the hardware. If these methods don't work then you should seek professional advice in order to ensure that your patio is functioning exactly as it should. Make sure to check the warranty information prior to you decide to repair or replace your patio door. This can save you money on repairs or replacements later on.