Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding glass patio doors help bring natural light and improve your home's energy efficiency. However, over time they may begin to show signs of wear and tear that require a bit of maintenance.
The majority of problems with sliding patio doors are relatively easy to repair. Learn more about how you can keep your patio doors looking and operating like new:.
Dirty or damaged Tracks
One of the most common causes of sliding patio doors that don't open is clogged or dirty tracks. Over time, the grit and grime of everyday use build up on the track and can cause the door to jam or even collapse completely.
Including regular light cleaning of sliding doors and tracks in your household chores can help minimize this accumulation. Start by cleaning any large debris off the tracks and then wiping them down with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaning product, such as dish soap. Add a little vinegar to your cleaning product can also aid in the removal of stubborn dirt and grease staining.
If your sliding door is still not moving smoothly after you've followed these steps, it could be a sign that there is more serious damage. This could require a professional to repair or replace the door. There are a few easy fixes you can do before calling a professional to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Place a mat under your sliding doors. This will help to catch dirt before it gets to the tracks. It is also important to cut any bushes or plants near your sliding doors to reduce the amount of debris that gets trapped in the tracks. Close the door properly to avoid damaging the rollers and wheels. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated, you can extend their lifespan substantially.
Rollers that are not aligned
Sometimes, a patio may become out of alignment. This is usually due to dirt, or other obstructions which can be easily removed. However, it can also be the result of bent tracks or rollers. In this instance you can straighten the rollers by removing them using the adjustment screws and cleaning with ruby alcohol. These parts can be fragile.
If your doors are sticking, you can lubricate the rollers. This will decrease friction and allow them to slide more easily. Make use of a silicone-based product because petroleum-based lubricants may draw dirt more quickly. It is essential to clean the tracks and rollers prior to applying lubrication.
After cleaning the rollers, you can put them back in place using the adjustment screws. It is also a good idea to use the same lubricant you used for cleaning them. When you are reinstalling the rollers ensure that you push them completely into their channels. You can now test your door and see if it slides smoothly.
If the problem persists it may be necessary to take the door off and examine the rollers and tracks. If the tracks or rollers are bent in a way they might need to be replaced. It is best to engage an expert to install the tracks or rollers in this situation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are convenient for bringing in the outdoors and natural sunlight into a space, but they are also susceptible to damage that requires repair or replacement. The most frequent problems that occur include warping, cracking and fading. Warping occurs when the components that make up your sliding glass patio door begin to degrade due to exposure to heat, sun and other environmental elements. Cracks are usually caused by the impact of a lawnmower or ball smacking into the door. Fading is usually due to repeated exposure to sunlight as well as other elements.
If your sliding patio doors aren't easy to open or close, it could be an indication that their rollers and tracks are not functioning correctly. This issue could be caused by accumulation of dirt, rust or debris in the track, or misaligned wheels or an absence of lubrication. This issue can be fixed by cleaning the rollers, tracks and clearing obstructions.
The locking mechanism could be faulty and make it difficult to open and close your sliding patio doors. This could be caused by misalignment or wear and tear, however, a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanisms by turning the adjustment screws hidden at the bottom of the track.
Air leaks or drafts around your sliding patio doors are a common issue that can greatly decrease their energy efficiency. These problems are usually caused by weather stripping that is worn out or poor door alignment. This issue can be easily resolved by replacing the weather stripping and realigning your doors.
Loose Handle
It can be a hassle when the handle of the sliding door is loose. It can be difficult to open. This problem is usually caused by an incorrectly aligned locking mechanism which can be corrected by loosening the screws that secure it and then tightening them until they fit against the door jamb.
A loose handle may result from the handle breaking off from the spindle that connects it to the inside or handles outside. This is usually 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.
The most effective way to address this problem is by first locating the screws that attach the interior and exterior handles. These screws are usually hidden behind tabs made of plastic that can be removed with a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver, in some cases) screwdriver. It is a good idea to store these screws somewhere safe to ensure that you don't lose them.
Once door repairs london that were previously used have been removed and the old handles are gone, the next step is to take off the spindle that has become loose. This can be accomplished by tapping the spindle using a mallet or hammer until it comes loose from its position within the door. The new handle is then installed by inserting the spindle in the handle hole inside and the other end into the exterior handle hole. Once the handle is in place, it can be tightened by screwing the screws back in and then testing to ensure that the lock and unlock mechanisms work properly.
Faulty Weatherstripping
A damaged or cracked weatherstripping may allow air and water to get through your patio doors, compromising the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. In addition to letting in moisture, it can also cause drafts and increase your cooling or heating costs. It's easy to replace faulty weatherstripping, even without the assistance of a professional. First, you need to remove the old stripping by loosing its staples with a screwdriver or prying it gently using a putty knife, and then lifting it off the door. You can then clean the area, and then apply a layer of weatherstripping that is secured by a foam seal. This will stop leaks and increase the comfort.
If your sliding patio door isn't functioning as it should, you have to fix the problem immediately to prevent further damage and keep them functional for many years to be. Depending on how serious the problem is, it's possible to choose a DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement might be the best choice.
Most problems with sliding patio doors are caused by dirty rollers, faulty tracks, and an untidy handle. In most cases these issues can be addressed with regular maintenance and cleaning, which includes oiling the track as well as adjusting the rollers and tightening hardware. If these steps don't work, it's best to seek professional advice to ensure that your patio door is operating just as it should. Before you decide to replace or repair your patio door, make certain to verify its warranty information to ensure that it is covered by the manufacturer's guarantee. This will save you money on repairs or replacements in the near future.