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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door

Sliding patio doors can become difficult to operate due to a myriad of problems. Luckily, most of these problems can be easily fixed.

Cleaning your sliding patio door will fix it the easiest. Use a brush and some soapy water to clean the tracks. Then you can lubricate them to improve their movement.

1. Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks

One of the most frequent causes of a squeaky or sticky patio door is dirt and debris in the track. Pine straw, bird droppings and salt, sand, winter roads and other things can block the track. This is why it's important to clean and lubricate your sliding doors regularly.

Wear rubber goggles and gloves to shield your eyes. Use a shop vacuum or a brush to remove any gunk that has escaped. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in spray bottles. Spray a small amount of the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the sill and track. Rinse and dry the area with paper towels. This will stop scratching and further damage to the track and sill.

After the tracks have been cleaned then use a toothbrush to scrub the more stubborn areas that are stuck. You can also sand rough spots on the bottom tracks and then relubricate the wheels to restore smooth operation.

A misaligned door could be the result of misaligned rollers. This can be corrected by changing the rollers' height and position. It's a good idea replace the weather stripping around the door whenever you do this to ensure a tight fit and increase energy efficiency.

Leaks from the track is also a serious issue that could lead to mold growth and structural damage to your home. It is possible to solve the issue yourself when the leak is restricted to a small portion of the track. Simply re-seal the joint. If the issue is widespread, it's best to seek out an expert to fix the patio door.

2. Broken or damaged screen

If your patio door does not allow airflow, it could make your home feel stale and uncomfortable. It could also be a perfect entry point for insects and mosquitoes. If you've damaged a screen or notice fog building up between the panes glass it's best to call in professional help immediately.

If you have a standard sliding patio door, the easiest option is to replace your screen with a brand new one. Screen material can be found in pre-measured rolls that will fit most common door sizes. You can also purchase a complete screen repair kits that include the screen, spline and roller all in one package.





Installing a new screen begins by laying the new material on a solid surface. Then use your scissors to cut it to length to the point that about an inch or two of the screen is overlapped on each side of the frame. Then, you can remove the old spline and any screen that is left over from the window frame with your utility knife.

It is now possible to lay the new screen spline beginning at the bottom left corner of the frame. Work your way around to the perimeter. After the spline is put in place, use your screen rolling tool to push it into the groove. Cut off any excess spline or screen using a utility blade Be careful not to cut the inner frame of the window. Examine patio doors repairs near me to determine if there are any distortions or ripples. Adjust the screen as needed.

3. Seals that leak

If you see water building up around the patio door, or getting trapped between the glass panes, it's a sure indication that your frame and seals are deteriorating. This can lead mold and decay, as well as increased energy bills because of drafts and air leakage.

Poorly installed flashing and caulking can result in leaky seals. To avoid this from happening, it's important to find an experienced professional who has experience installing patio doors and will make sure that the frame is properly caulked and flashed.

In addition to ensuring that you install the flashing, you'll be sure that any cracks or gaps are closed with caulking suitable for your particular type of weather conditions. For instance, if you reside in a humid climate like Ontario you'll need to choose a caulking that will stand up well to humidity.

Another reason that leaks seals is when the shims under the door frame are not installed correctly. These are typically made from wood and help keep the sheathing level with the framing, however if they're not placed correctly, they can cause a gap that allows moisture into your home.

One method to test your seals is by spraying the frame with the help of a garden nozzle or hose. If you see a mist coming through these areas, call an expert to come in and conduct a thorough inspection of the installation. It's possible to add a little caulking or change the shims. In any case, addressing these issues quickly will prevent costly repairs and damages down the road. It is always better to be proactive in repairing your frame and patio door than to wait until it is too late!

4. Warped Frame

When wood is exposed to outside forces, such as a change of humidity, it can absorb or lose moisture that could cause warping. A frayed frame can make it difficult to operate the door and ultimately cause damage or even failure. This is especially true for doors that separate damp garages and basements from living spaces.

A sagging frame can be corrected with minor repairs. Start by examining the frame to make sure that all screws and bolts are secure and tight. Replace any loose or missing screws. Replace the hinge screws with longer ones, usually 2 inches or more. This will allow the screw to be able to penetrate the wall framing rather than the door jamb, which pulls the frame back into position.

You could also put in shims. They are small pieces that can be placed in front of the hinges. This will allow you to tweak how the frame is positioned. Shims will help support the frame and distribute the weight evenly across more of the area. This will stop the frame becoming more distorted over time.

For more severe frame warps you might want to think about hiring a professional to fix the issue. A professional will examine the frame thoroughly to determine the severity and offer a complete solution. They can also install bracing to strengthen the frame to stop it from sagging. In most instances, this is a more durable and cost-effective solution than buying new patio door parts. If the frame is significantly warped, you may need to replace the entire jamb of the door, not only the door itself.

5. Cosmetic Damage

Over time, the patio doors can show many wear and tear. Damage to the surface could make your doors appear less appealing, and impact the overall appearance of your home. The good news is that most cosmetic damage can be fixed with the help of bonding fillers as well as paint. If the door has significant cracks or dents it is recommended to replace it instead of trying to repair it.

Similar to the seal around windows, doors' weatherstripping could become less effective as time passes. This can result in gaps that let air from outside infiltrate your home and increase energy bills. A professional in door repair can install new weatherstripping to reduce energy loss and increase insulation.

Moisture in the exterior of doors is always a bad thing, but it's especially risky when it comes to your patio doors. This moisture can lead to wood rot that is costly and difficult to repair. The best method to protect your home is to have any leaks repaired immediately by a professional trained to do so.

Over time a patio door could be misaligned as a result of regular use or foundation changes. This can cause patio doors to become jammed, or make it difficult to open or close. A technician for door repair can adjust the tracks and hinges to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn out rollers and hinges in order to restore proper functionality.