Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio doors will let sunlight into your home, and will increase its energy efficiency. In time, they might start to show signs that need some attention.
Luckily, the majority of problems with sliding patio doors are fairly simple to address. Find out how you can keep your sliding patio doors looking and functioning like new.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks
One of the most frequent reasons for sliding patio doors that do not open is clogged or dirty tracks. Over time, the dirt and grime of daily use can accumulate on the track. This can cause the door jam or to break down completely.
A regular cleaning of sliding doors and tracks in your household chores can help reduce the build-up. Begin by cleaning any large debris from the tracks and then wipe them clean using warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner like dish soap. Adding a bit of vinegar to your cleaning product can also help remove stubborn dirt and grease staining.
If you find that your sliding door still won't move smoothly after following these steps, it could be a sign of more serious damage that 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.
It is important to put a doormat on the bottom of your sliding doors to help catch dirt before it has a chance to reach the tracks. Regularly trim any 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 correctly so that it doesn't crash into the tracks and damage the wheels and rollers. By keeping your doors clean and well-lubricated, you can extend their lifespan considerably.
Misaligned Rollers
Sometimes, a patio could be misaligned. This usually happens due to dirt or other obstructions which can be easily removed. But sometimes it can also be the result of bent tracks or rollers. In this instance you can re-align the rollers by taking them off using the adjustment screws and then cleaning with the rubbing alcohol. These parts can be fragile.
If your doors are still stuck, you can apply lubrication to the rollers. This will lessen friction and allow them to slide more easily. It is recommended to make use of a silicone-based lubricant because petroleum-based lubricants can draw dirt more quickly. It is important to clean the tracks and rollers prior to lubricating.
After cleaning the rollers you can put them back on using their adjustment screws. Use the same lubricant that you used to clean them. When reinstalling the rollers, make sure you push them completely into their channels. You can then check your door to see whether it is now sliding smoothly.
If the issue persists, it could be necessary to take the door off and inspect the rollers and tracks. If the wheels or tracks are bent in a way they may require you to replace them. In such a scenario, it's a good idea to call in an expert for the installation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass door are great for bringing the outdoors into your home and letting natural light in, but they may also be vulnerable to damage that requires repair or replacement. Some of the most frequent problems that arise are cracking, warping, and fading. The materials that make up the sliding glass patio doors begin to degrade when exposed to heat, sunlight and other environmental factors. The most common cause of cracking is the impact of the impact of a lawnmowers or ball hitting into the door. Fading is usually due to repeated exposure to sunlight and other elements.
If you have sliding glass patio doors that aren't easy to close and open, this could be an indication that the rollers and tracks do not work correctly. This could be due to accumulation of dirt, rust or debris in the track, misaligned wheels or a lack of lubrication. Cleaning the tracks and rollers by removing obstructions, and then applying silicone spray can help solve this issue.
Another reason why your sliding patio doors are difficult to open or close is because the locking mechanism is no longer working. This could be due to an issue with alignment or wear and tear, but the solution is to adjust the locking mechanisms by turning the adjustment screws hidden at the bottom of the track.
Air leaks or drafts around your sliding patio door are a typical problem that can reduce their energy efficiency. These problems are usually caused by weather stripping that is worn out or poor alignment of the door. This issue can be easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and realigning your doors.
Loose Handle
If the handle of a sliding doors becomes loose, it can be quite annoying and make it difficult for people to open the door. The reason for this is an improperly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosening and tightening the screws that hold it in place.
A loose handle could result from the handle separating from the spindle that connects it to the interior or exterior handles. This is usually the result of a combination of factors, including excessive use wear and tear or simply aging. If the issue isn't addressed quickly, the handle can be loosened and fall off.
The best method to solve this issue is by first locating the screws that attach the handles' exterior and interior. They are usually concealed by tabs made of plastic, which can be removed with a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of certain handles, a Phillips-head screwdriver). Keep these screws in a safe place to ensure they don't get lost.
After removing the handles then the next step would be to remove the spindle. This can be done by tapping the spindle using a mallet or hammer until it comes loose from its position inside the door. The new handle is installed by inserting the spindle into the interior handle hole and the other end through the exterior handle hole. Once the handle is in place, it can be tightened by screwing the screws back in and then examining to confirm that the lock and unlock mechanisms work properly.
Faulty Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that is damaged or cracked may let air and water be able to seep into your patio door, causing damage to your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It can allow moisture in and create drafts that will increase your heating and cooling costs. It is good news that replacing damaged weatherstripping is a simple repair that doesn't require professional assistance. You can remove the old weatherstripping by loosing the staples with a screwdriver, or gently prying it with a putty knife and pulling it from the door. After that, you can clean the area and apply a new layer of weatherstripping. repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is backed by a foam seal that helps ensure that there are no leaks and to increase comfort.
If your sliding patio doors aren't operating as they should, it's essential to fix the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage and to keep them functional for a long time to come. Depending on how severe the issue is, an DIY solution or a repair/replacement by a professional may be the best option.
Most problems with sliding patio doors are caused by dirty rollers, faulty tracks, and an untidy handle. These issues can usually be addressed through regular cleaning and maintenance including applying lubrication and adjusting the track, and tightening the hardware. If these measures don't work it is recommended that you seek advice from a professional to make sure that your patio is functioning as it should. Make sure to check the warranty information prior to you decide to repair or replace your patio door. This will save you money in the future for repairs and replacements.