Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio doors will bring the outdoors in to your home, and will increase its energy efficiency. As time passes, they could start to show signs that suggest some attention.
Fortunately, the majority of problems with sliding patio doors are simple to address. Learn more about how to keep your patio doors looking and operating like new:.
Dirty or damaged tracks
The tracks of your sliding patio door could be filthy or clogged. Over time, the dirt and grime from daily usage can accumulate on the track. This can cause the jam to break or even break completely.
This buildup can be minimized by regular light cleaning of tracks and sliding doors in your routine chores. Begin by cleaning large debris off the tracks. Then make use of warm water and non-abrasive cleaning products, such as dish soap, to clean them. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to remove stubborn dirt and grease stains.
If you notice that your sliding door still won't move smoothly after completing these steps, it could be the sign of more severe damage that requires a professional repair or replacement. There are a few easy solutions you can try before calling in professionals to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
It is important to put a doormat on the bottom of your sliding doors to trap dirt before it has a chance to reach the tracks. You should also regularly cut any bushes or plants near your sliding doors to reduce the amount of debris that gets tracked into the tracks. Finally, be sure to close the door correctly so that it doesn't crash into the tracks and cause damage to the rollers and wheels. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated, you can extend their lifespan significantly.
Rollers that are misaligned
Sometimes, a sliding patio door may become unbalanced or becomes stuck. This is usually due to dirt, or other obstructions which can be easily removed. Sometimes it's due to bent track or a bent roller. In this situation you can re-align the rollers by removing them using the adjustment screws, and then cleaning with ruby alcohol. These parts are prone to damage.
If your doors are still stuck, you can apply lubrication to the rollers. This will decrease friction and allow them to move more easily. Make use of a silicone-based product because petroleum-based lubricants may draw dirt more quickly. It is also essential to clean the tracks and rollers prior to applying lubricant.
After you've cleaned your rollers, you can reinstall them using the screws for adjustment. It is recommended to apply the same lubricant that you used for cleaning them. Make sure to push the rollers all the way in their channels when reinstalling them. You can test your door now and see if it glides smoothly.
If the problem persists it may be necessary to remove the door and examine the tracks and rollers. If the wheels or tracks are badly bent, you may need to replace them. It is recommended to hire an expert to install the rollers or tracks in this scenario.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are convenient for bringing in natural sunlight and the outdoors into a space, but they are also susceptible to damage that requires repair or replacement. Cracks, warping and fading are a few of the most frequent issues. Warping happens when the materials that make up your sliding glass patio door begin to degrade as a result of exposure to sun, heat and other environmental factors. Cracking is often caused by impact damage such as the impact of a lawnmowers or ball hitting into the door. Fading typically occurs due to repeated exposure to sunlight as well as other elements.
If you have sliding glass patio doors that are hard to close and open it could be a sign that the rollers and tracks aren't working correctly. This problem may be caused by accumulated dirt, rust, or debris in the track or wheels or a lack or lubrication. This issue can be fixed by regularly cleaning the tracks, rollers and clearing obstructions.
Another reason that sliding patio doors are difficult to open or close is that the locking mechanism is no longer working. It could be due to misalignment or wear and tear or the combination of both. To fix this issue, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the hidden adjustment screws located at the bottom.
Drafts or air leaks that surround your sliding patio door are a common issue that can affect their energy efficiency. They typically originate from damaged weather stripping or poor door alignment that can be easily fixed by replacing the old weather stripping and aligning the doors.
Loose Handle
It can be frustrating when the handle of the sliding door is loose. It becomes difficult to open the door. This issue is usually caused by an improperly aligned locking mechanism, which can be fixed by loosening the screws that secure it and tightening them until they're snug against the jamb of the door.
A loose handle can also be caused by the handle becoming detached from the spindle connecting it to the interior or handles on the outside. This can be caused by a variety of factors including excessive use, wear and tear or just general aging. If sliding patio door repair www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk isn't dealt with quickly, the handle can become loose and fall off.
To solve this issue to fix it, you must first identify the screws that join the handles' exterior and interior. They are usually concealed by plastic tabs, which can be removed with a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of certain handle styles, a Phillips-head screwdriver). It's a good idea store these screws somewhere safe so that you don't loose them.
After removing the handles the next step will be to remove the spindle. This can be done by pounding the end of the spindle with an hammer until freed from its position within the door. The new handle can be fitted by simply putting the spindle through the hole on the interior handle, and then placing the other end of the spindle into the hole in the outside handle. Once the handle is in place, it can be tightened by screwing the screws back into place and then examining to confirm that the lock and unlock mechanisms work correctly.
Unusual Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that is damaged or cracked may allow water and air to 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, which will increase the cost of cooling and heating. It's easy to replace faulty weatherstripping without professional assistance. You can remove the old weatherstripping by either loosing the staples using a screwdriver, or gently prying it with a putty blade and then pulling it from the door. Then, you can clean the area and apply a new layer of weatherstripping. This is secured by a foam seal that helps ensure that there are no leaks and to increase comfort.
If your sliding patio doors are no operating as they should, it's essential to fix the issue as soon as possible to avoid further damage and to keep them in good condition for the long term. Depending on the severity of the problem is, it's possible to choose a DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement might be the best option.
The most common issues with sliding patio doors are dirty rollers due to debris in the tracks, misaligned wheels and a loose handle. In most instances these issues can be fixed with regular maintenance and cleaning, such as fluidizing the track as well as adjusting the rollers and tightening the hardware. If these steps don't work, it's best to seek professional advice to ensure that your patio door is functioning as it should. If you decide to replace or repair your patio door, make sure to verify the warranty information to ensure that it's covered by the manufacturer's guarantee. This will save you money in the future on repairs and replacements.