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Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio doors will bring sunlight into your home and improve the efficiency of your home's energy usage. However, over time they can show signs of wear and tear, which will require some maintenance.
Luckily, most of the issues with sliding patio doors are easy to fix. Find out how you can keep your sliding patio doors looking like new.
Dirty or damaged tracks
One of the main reasons for sliding patio doors that won't open is clogged or dirty tracks. Over time, the grit and grime of daily use accumulates on the track and can cause the door to jam or even fall apart completely.
The buildup can be slowed by regular light cleaning of tracks and sliding doors during your regular chores. Begin by sweeping or vacuuming any large debris from the tracks and then wiping them down with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaning product, such as dish soap. Adding a bit of vinegar to your cleaning solution may also help remove stubborn grease and dirt stains.
If you find that your sliding door doesn't move smoothly after completing these steps, it could be an indication of more serious damage that requires professional repair or replacement. However, there are many simple fixes that you could try before calling experts to prevent costly repairs or replacements.
Place a mat under your sliding doors. This will help to catch dirt before it gets to the tracks. Also, you should cut any bushes or plants near your sliding doors to limit the amount of debris that gets tracked into the tracks. Close the door in a timely manner to avoid damaging the rollers and wheels. By keeping your doors clean and well-lubricated, you will extend their life considerably.
Misaligned Rollers
Occasionally, a sliding patio door can become out of alignment or becomes stuck. Usually, this is due to dirt or other obstructions that can be easily removed. But sometimes it can also be the result of bent tracks or rollers. In this case, you can realign the rollers by removing them using the adjustment screws, and then cleaning with ruby alcohol. Be cautious because these parts are fragile.
If your doors are sticking, you can lubricate the rollers. This will decrease friction and allow them to move more easily. It is recommended to apply a silicone-based lubricant because petroleum-based lubricants can draw dirt more quickly. It is crucial to clean the rollers and tracks before applying lubricant.
After cleaning the rollers you can reinstall using their adjustment screws. Make use of the same lubricant you used to clean them. When reinstalling patio door repairs near me , ensure that you push them completely into their channels. You can test your door now and see if it moves smoothly.
If the problem continues, it may be necessary to take the door off and inspect the tracks and rollers. If the wheels or tracks are bent in a way, you may need to replace them. It is best to engage an expert to install the tracks or rollers in this scenario.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are ideal for bringing outside into your home and letting in natural sunlight however, they can also be prone to damage that needs repair or replacement. Some of the most common problems that arise are cracking, warping, and fade. Warping occurs when the components that make up your sliding glass patio door begin to degrade due to sun, heat 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 due to repeated exposure to sunlight as well as other elements.
If your sliding patio doors aren't easy to close or open it could be an indication that their rollers and tracks aren't working properly. This problem may be caused by accumulated dirt, rust, or debris on the track or wheels or a lack or lubrication. Cleaning the tracks and rollers, removing obstructions and applying silicone spray may help solve this issue.
The locking mechanism might also be defective and make it difficult to open and shut your sliding patio doors. This could be caused by an issue with alignment or wear and tear however, a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanisms by turning the adjustment screws hidden on the bottom of the track.
Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio door are a common issue that can decrease the efficiency of your home's energy usage. They typically originate from worn weather stripping and an improper alignment of the door and can be easily corrected by replacing the old weather stripping and realigning the doors.
Loose Handle
It can be quite frustrating when the handle of sliding doors becomes loose. It makes it difficult to open the door. The reason for this is an incorrectly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosening and tightening the screws that hold it in the correct position.
A loose handle may be caused by the handle breaking off from the spindle which connects it to the inside or exterior handles. This is typically the result of a mix of factors, including excessive use, wear and tear, or simply the general aging. If the issue isn't addressed quickly, the handle may be loosened and fall off.
To resolve this issue, you should first find the screws that connect the handles' exterior and interior. They are typically hidden by plastic tabs, which can be removed using a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of some handles, a Phillips-head screwdriver). Securely store these screws to ensure they don't get lost.
After removing the handles the next step will be to take off the spindle. You can do this by pounding the ends of the spindle using the hammer until it's removed from its position inside the door. The new handle is then fitted by putting the spindle in the interior handle hole and the other end into the exterior handle hole. Once the handle is installed then tighten it by screwing back the screws. Then, check to ensure that the lock and unlock mechanism works properly.
Afflicted Weatherstripping
A cracked or worn weatherstripping can allow water and air to be able to seep through your patio doors, which can compromise the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. In addition to letting in moisture, it could also cause drafts and increase your cooling or heating costs. It is good news that replacing damaged weatherstripping is an easy fix that doesn't require professional help. First, you must take off the old stripping by either loosing its staples with a screwdriver or prying it with the help of a putty knife before pulling it off the door. You can then clean the area and apply an additional layer of weatherstripping that is secured with an adhesive. This will prevent leaks and enhance the comfort.
If your sliding patio doors aren't working as they should, it's important to address the issue immediately to avoid further damage and keep them functional for a long time to come. Depending on the severity of the issue, DIY or professional repair/replacement may be the best choice.
Most problems with sliding patio doors are caused by dirty rollers, misaligned tracks, or an untidy handle. These issues can usually be solved by regular maintenance and cleaning, such as applying lubrication and adjusting the track, and tightening the hardware. If these steps aren't working, it's best consult a professional for advice to make sure that your patio door is functioning as it should. Check the warranty information before you decide to replace or repair your patio door. This will save you money in the future for repairs and replacements.