Sliding Patio Door Repairs
A sliding patio door is a great method to let in more natural light and let you enjoy your outdoor space. However, if the door isn't moving smoothly or appears dingy, it can be a real headache.
Fortunately, most of these problems can be fixed with a little DIY know-how. Here are a few of the most common issues and their solutions.
Dirty or Damaged Tracks
Over time, the tracks of a sliding patio could be clogged by dust, dirt and other debris. By implementing a regular cleaning schedule and lubrication will help to ensure that your door is able to move smoothly.
Cleaning the track is the first step. A dirty track can cause the door to become stuck or cause it to be impossible to open or shut. Begin by sweeping away any particles that are floating around. Make use of a brush and an appropriate cleaning solution to get rid of any visible grime. Make sure to get into the nooks and crannies, as well as any areas where the door meets the frame.
After you've scrubbed the track, rinse the track using a hose or bucket of clean water. Finally, apply an oil that you can buy from the store to displace moisture and prevent future corrosion. Try sliding it forwards and backwards to see if you can move it freely.
If your door is still sticking, it's possible that the rollers are damaged or misaligned, which could hinder movement. In the majority of cases, you can fix it by changing the wheels and lubricating. If your door is very old, however, it may be the time to consider a replacement. Before reassembling the track, lay a drop cloth on the floor. Then take off the two plugs that cover the screws that adjust the rollers at the bottom of the frame. To retract the rollers, place an screwdriver into each hole and turn counterclockwise. This will allow you the space you'll need to take out the door and set it on sawhorses.
A faulty handle
Over time, the handle on your sliding door may loosen from the strike plate it rests on. The good news is that the issue with the handle being loose is typically very easy to repair. Use a screwdriver and tighten the screws that hold the door handle in place to the strike plate. But, be cautious not to over-tighten because this could harm the mechanism within and result in the handle not to longer work properly.
If a sliding patio door becomes difficult to slide, it is often caused by debris blocking the rollers. Dirt, hair and other messes frequently get stuck in the tracks which causes the door to stop sliding smoothly. Clean the rollers and using an oil for sliding doors to ensure smooth operation.
Another issue that is common is when the lock on your patio door isn't working properly. This could be due to a misaligned or broken handle. The lock mechanism can be repaired or the handle re-aligned.
A screen door that won't close or unlock isn't a pleasant experience. A defective screen could be dangerous. If the screen isn't aligned properly with the door frame it can rub against the frames and cause wear to both the screen and the door. The solution to screen that isn't functioning properly is pretty easy. First, verify whether the rod that holds it is still in the correct position. If it is not in place, take it out of the way it and replace it with a replacement. Reinstall the screen after replacing the latching rod. Make sure the hinges are correctly set. Install screws into the holes of the frame to give it a finished appearance.
Poor weatherstripping
The weather stripping seals the gap between your frame and door, preventing drafts and cold as well as pests. If yours is cracked or hardened it's time to replace it. It's usually fairly easy to do. Some people simply cut out the worn part and replace it, but it's much easier to replace the whole piece.
First, make sure patio doors repairs isn't close to the seat where the weather strip is attached to the frame. If so, you will have to reseal the weather strip to the frame using weather strip adhesive.
Then, examine the entire area of your weather strip. Examine for a tear crack or rip which could be allowing cold air in, then make use of your dollar bill to test whether the weather strip has a positive seal. Place the bill halfway across the seal, and then close the door. If it is easy to remove from the metal flange on the weather strip, it's time to replace it. If it is easy to remove, it's time to replace the weather strip.
It is also possible to lubricate the run channel (the groove of rubber and felt that runs vertically on both sides of your door) to prevent ice from building up during winter. You can purchase a spray lubricant at your local hardware store that works however, be careful not to get any on the glass.
Spreading a thin layer sand beneath your door will keep it from sticking, much like salt. You should not leave sand at the lower part of your door since it will damage the rubber and concrete of the weather strip.
Glass that is damaged
There are a variety of situations that could result in a sliding patio door glass being damaged or cracked. If your patio door glass is damaged by a knock, bump or other incident, it is vital to replace it right away to ensure your home is adequately insulated and sealed.
Over time, sliding doors are susceptible to damage from frequent use and exposure elements. Doors that aren't functioning properly could be caused by rusty rollers, damaged handles or bent tracks. Specialists in sliding patio repair can quickly identify the problem and fix the issue or replace the components.
In addition to obvious damage, a damaged patio door could also impact your energy costs. A gap between the frame of the patio door and the glass could cause drafts and temperature variations. This can be costly in winter and summer, when you have to pay for heating or cool your home.
You can replace a broken panel on your sliding patio without having to take out the entire door. This is the most effective solution in certain situations if you need to get your sliding patio door up and running quickly. It is crucial to have the right tools at hand, whether you're replacing the frame or the glass. This will ensure that the job is done safely and efficiently. This includes gloves, a small hammer or pry bar, a putty blade as well as a measuring tool and a replacement glass. DIY Door Store offers all the necessary tools to fix your broken sliding patio doors quickly and easily.
Loose or Damaged Frame
Sliding patio doors are designed to facilitate access to the outdoors and indoors, and also allow for natural flow of traffic. But, as with any other piece of home equipment they're susceptible to wear and tear over time which impacts their functionality. Certain damage are simple to repair, while others require assistance from a professional to keep your door in good condition.
The visible signs of damage such as dents and scratches suggest it's time to consider sliding door replacement. These damages impact the security and energy efficiency of your patio door, as in addition to its appearance.
A misaligned track, or rollers, could cause your sliding door not to function properly. This is usually due to dirt or debris accumulation on the track, and is typically fixed by using pliers to straighten the rails.
It is crucial to clean the tracks and rollers of your sliding patio doors as dirt can lead to stiff or sticky doors that won't move smoothly. Using a hand brush or vacuum, or a spray-down that includes a jet wash will assist in clearing any obstructive build-up. Add a silicone-based grease to your tracks to ensure smooth operation and avoid premature wear.
Over time, slamming the patio door can cause serious damage to the frame and the glass panel. This can lead to a loose or broken frame or tracks that are bent, as well as a handles that are difficult to open and close. Screen doors that slide are typically more susceptible to this kind of damage since the frames are typically less sturdy than those on glass sliding doors. Fortunately, if you have damaged screen door frames it is usually repaired by resealing the gap using silicone lubricant and applying new sealant around the edges of the glass.