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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door

A variety of issues can make it difficult to operate sliding patio doors. Fortunately, the majority of these issues are easily solved.

Cleaning your patio door sliding is the simplest way to fix it. Make use of a brush and soapy water to wash the tracks. You can then lubricate the tracks to enhance their performance.

1. Tracks that are dirty or damaged Tracks

One of the main causes of a squeaky or sticky patio door is the accumulation of dirt and debris in the track. Bird droppings, pine straw and salt, sand, winter roads and other things can clog up the track. This is why it's important to scrub and lubricate your sliding doors on a regular basis.

Put on some rubber gloves and goggles to protect your eyes. Then, vacuum the tracks with an air vac or brushes to get rid of the gunk. Mix equal parts of white vinegar in spray bottles. Spray a small amount of the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the track and sill. Rinse and dry the area with paper towels. This will stop scratching and further damage to the track and sill.

Once the tracks are clean, take a toothbrush and get in there to scrub the tougher areas that are stuck. You can also sand down rough spots on the bottom track and then re-lubricate the rollers in order to ensure smooth operation.

Another cause of a sticky door is misaligned rollers, which can also be corrected by altering the height and positioning of the rollers. It's a good idea to replace the weather stripping on the door when you do this to ensure a secure fit and improve energy efficiency.

Leaks from the track are an issue that can cause mold growth and structural damage to your home. You may be able repair the issue on your own if the leak is contained to a small portion of the track. Simply re-seal the joint. If however, the issue is widespread, it's recommended to seek out a professional to repair the patio door.

2. Broken or Torn Screen

If your patio door doesn't allow airflow, it will make your house feel stuffy and uncomfortable. It could also create a cozy entryway for insects and mosquitoes. It is recommended to contact a professional immediately if you notice a broken screen or fog in between the glass panes.

If you have a basic sliding patio door, the simplest option is to replace your screen with a new one. Screen material is available in rolls that have been already measured to fit the majority of doors of standard sizes. You can also purchase a complete screen repair kit that includes the screen, spline and roller all in one package.

The process of installing a new screen begins by laying the new material on a firm surface. Cut the screen to the desired length, so that it overlaps the frame on both sides by approximately one inch. Then with your utility blade, remove the old spline as well the excess screen.

Now you can lay down the new screen spline beginning at the lower left corner of the frame and work your way around the perimeter. After the spline is set, use the screen rolling tool to push it into the groove. Then trim any excess screen and spline with your utility knife, making sure not to cut into the interior of the frame. Also, check the spline for any ripples or distortions and adjust the screen if needed.

3. Leaking Seals

If you notice that water is getting a foothold around the patio door or getting stuck between the glass panes, it's an obvious indication that your seals and frames are losing their integrity. This could lead to rot and mold and even higher energy costs due to drafts and air leakage.

Poorly installed flashing and caulking could result in leaky seals. To stop this from happening, it's important to work with a professional who has expertise installing patio doors and who can ensure that the frame is correctly flashed and caulked.

In addition to installing the flashing, you'll want to make sure that any gaps or cracks are closed with caulking rated for use with the specific weather conditions. For example, if you live in a humid area such as Ontario you'll need to select a caulking product that is resistant to moisture.

Another reason that leaks seals is when the shims beneath the door frame aren't put in the right place. They are usually made of wood and are used to keep the sheathing level with the framing, however if they're not placed correctly, they can create gaps that allow moisture into your home.

Spraying the frame using a garden nozzle or hose is a good way to test seals. If you see the mist forming in these areas, it's time to call a professional to examine the frame at the installation. You may only need to add a little caulking or replace the shims. In either case, fixing the issue quickly will prevent future damage and costly repairs. It is always better to fix your patio door or frame before it's too late than to put off repairs.

4. Warped Frame

When wood is exposed to outside forces such as a fluctuation of humidity, it may absorb or lose moisture, which can cause warping. If a sagging frame begins to develop it could make the door more difficult to operate and can ultimately lead to destruction or even total failure. This is especially the case for doors that divide basements and garages that are damp from living areas.

A sagging frame can be corrected with minor repairs. Start by checking the frame to ensure that all the screws and bolts have been tightened and secured. Replace any screws that are missing or loose. Replace the hinge screws with longer ones, preferably 2 inches or more. This allows the screw to get into the wall framing instead of the door jamb, which pulls the frame back into position.

You could also put in shims. These are thin pieces that can be put on top of the hinges. This will allow you to fine-tune how the frame is positioned. Shims will help support the frame and distribute the weight evenly over the larger area. This will stop the frame from 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 can perform an exhaustive examination to determine the severity of the problem and offer a complete repair solution. They can also add additional bracing to reinforce the frame and keep it from sliding in the future. This is usually an easier and more durable solution than buying new patio door components. If the frame is significantly stretched, it might be necessary to replace the entire door jamb instead of just the door.

5. Cosmetic Damage

Over time, patio doors can be subject to a lot of wear and wear and. Damage to the surface could make your patio doors appear less than desirable, and affect the aesthetics of your home. The good news is that the majority of cosmetic damage can be easily repaired with bonding fillers or paint. However should the door have significant cracks or dents it is recommended to replace it rather than trying to repair it.

sliding patio door repair to the seal around windows, doors' weatherstripping can be less effective as time passes. This can create gaps that allow air from outside to infiltrate your home, which leads to higher energy bills. A professional door repair specialist can install new weatherstripping in order to decrease energy loss and improve insulation.

Moisture on the outside of your door is never good news However, patio doors are especially vulnerable to it. This moisture can lead to wood rot, which can be costly and difficult to fix. Water leaks should be addressed immediately by a professional.

A patio door can become misaligned over time due to foundation changes or the normal use. This could cause doors to jam or become difficult to open and close. A technician can adjust hinges and tracks for smooth operation. They can also replace worn out hinges and rollers to restore proper functionality.