Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio doors will let the outdoors in to your home and improve its energy efficiency. In time, they might begin to show signs that need some attention.
Luckily, most of the issues with sliding patio doors are easy to fix. Learn more about how to keep your patio doors looking and working like new:.
Dirty or damaged Tracks
One of the most common reasons for sliding patio door repair company near me doors that won't open is dirty or blocked tracks. Over time, the grit and grime of everyday usage accumulates on the tracks and can cause the door to jam or even break down completely.
Including regular light cleaning of sliding doors tilt and slide patio door repairs near me tracks in your chores at home can help to reduce the amount of accumulation. Begin by cleaning any large debris from the tracks and then wipe them clean using warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner like dish soap. Add a little vinegar to your cleaning solution can also help remove stubborn dirt and grease staining.
If your sliding door is still not moving smoothly after you've completed these steps, this could indicate that there is more damage. This could need a professional's help to repair or replace the door. However, there are many simple fixes you can try before calling in the experts to prevent costly repairs or replacements.
Install a doormat underneath your sliding doors. This will assist in catch dirt before it gets to the tracks. You should also regularly trim any plants or bushes close to your sliding doors in order to minimize the amount of debris tracked into the tracks. Also, make sure you close the door in a way that it doesn't slam into the tracks and damage the wheels and rollers. You can prolong the life of your doors by keeping them clean and well-lubricated.
Rollers that are misaligned
Sometimes, a patio sliding could be misaligned. This usually happens due to dirt or other obstructions which can be easily removed. However, it could be due to bent tracks or rollers. In the latter case you might be able to re-align the roller by extracting them using their adjustment screws and then cleaning them with rubbing alcohol. These parts are often fragile.
If your doors still stick and stick, you can try lubricating the rollers to reduce friction and allow them to slide. Choose a silicone-based lubricant, as petroleum-based lubricants can attract dirt faster. It is also crucial to clean the rollers and tracks before applying lubricant.
After cleaning the rollers, you can put them back on using their adjustment screws. Use the same lubricant you used to clean them. When reinstalling the rollers, make sure you push them completely into their channels. You can test the door and see if it glides smoothly.
If the problem continues it could be necessary to uninstall your door and check the tracks and rollers for any more serious issues. If the tracks or wheels are bent badly, you may need to replace them. In such a case it's a good idea to get a professional for the installation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass door are great for bringing outside into the room and letting natural light in, but they may also be susceptible to damage that needs repair or replacement. Cracks, warping and fading are just a few of the most frequent issues. The materials that compose the sliding glass patio screen door repair near me doors start to break down when exposed sunlight, heat and other environmental factors. Cracking is often caused by the impact of a lawnmower or ball smacking into the door. Fading is usually due to repeated exposure to sunlight and other elements.
If your sliding glass patio doors are difficult to close or open, it could be an indication that the tracks and rollers are not functioning correctly. This problem may be caused by the accumulation of dirt or rust in the wheels or track or a lack or lubrication. This issue can be solved by cleaning the rollers, tracks and removing obstructions.
The locking mechanism may be faulty which makes it difficult to open and shut your sliding patio doors. It could be caused by misalignment, wear and tear or an amalgamation of both. To fix this issue, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustable screws located at the bottom.
Drafts or air leaks that surround your sliding patio door are a typical issue that can decrease their energy efficiency. They typically originate from worn weather stripping and poor alignment of the doors that can be easily corrected by replacing the weather stripping and realigning the doors.
Loose Handle
When a sliding door's handle becomes loose, it could be quite frustrating and cause it difficult for people to open the door. The reason for this is a misaligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosening and tightening the screws holding it in the correct position.
A loose handle may result from the handle breaking off from the spindle connecting it to the interior or handles outside. This is typically the result of a mix of factors, such as excessive use wear and tear or simply aging. If the problem is not resolved promptly, it may eventually lead to the entire handle becoming loose, and possibly falling off completely.
To resolve this issue it is necessary to identify the screws that join the handles' exterior and interior. They are usually concealed by tabs made of plastic that can be removed with 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 old handles then the next step would be to take off the spindle. This can be accomplished by tapping the spindle using a mallet or hammer until it is free of its position within the door. The new handle is then installed by inserting the spindle in the interior handle hole 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 ensuring that the lock and unlock mechanisms work properly.
Faulty Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that is damaged or cracked may allow water and air to be able to seep into your patio door, which can compromise your home's comfort and energy efficiency. In addition to letting in moisture, it could also create drafts and increase your cooling or heating costs. The good news is that replacing the weatherstripping is a simple repair that doesn't require assistance from a professional. The first step is to take off the old stripping by loosing its staples using an screwdriver or pinning it gently using the help of a putty knife before pulling it off the door. Then, you can wash the area and apply a new layer of weatherstripping, which is secured by a foam seal to ensure that there are no leaks and to increase the comfort.
If your sliding patio door is not functioning as it should, you have to fix the problem immediately to avoid further damage and keep them functioning for years to be. Depending on how serious the problem is the best option is it's possible to choose a DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement could be the best choice.
Most problems with sliding patio doors are caused by dirty rollers, faulty tracks, or an untidy handle. In the majority of cases these issues can be resolved through regular maintenance and cleaning, which includes oiling the track, adjusting the rollers and tightening the hardware. If these steps don't work, it's best to seek advice from a professional to make sure that your patio door is functioning just as it should. Check the warranty information before you decide to replace or repair your patio door. This will save you money on repairs or replacements in the future.(Image: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Window-Repairs.-150x150.jpg)
