Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio doors can bring the outdoors in to your home, and will increase its energy efficiency. Over time, they may begin to show signs that require some maintenance.
Luckily, the majority of issues with sliding patio doors are fairly simple to address. Find out how to keep your sliding patio doors looking and functioning like new.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks
One of the main reasons for sliding patio doors that do not open is dirty or blocked tracks. Over time, the dust and grime from daily usage accumulates on the tracks and can cause the door to become jammed or even collapse completely.
This buildup can be minimized by including regular light cleanings of sliding doors and tracks in your routine chores. Start by sweeping or vacuuming large debris off the tracks. Then apply warm water and non-abrasive cleansing products, such as dish soap, to wipe them down. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to remove stubborn grease and dirt stains.
If your sliding door not working smoothly after you have followed these steps, this could be a sign that there is more damage. This may need a professional's help to repair or replace the door. There are a few easy solutions you can try before calling a professional to avoid expensive repairs or replacements.
Place a doormat under your sliding doors. This will help to keep dirt out of the tracks. You should also regularly cut any bushes or plants close to your sliding doors in order to limit the amount of debris trapped in the tracks. Close the door properly to ensure that you don't damage the rollers or wheels. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated, you can prolong their lifespan significantly.
Misaligned Rollers
Occasionally the sliding patio door can become unbalanced or becomes stuck. Usually, this is due to dirt or other obstructions that can be easily fixed. However, it can also be due to bent tracks or rollers. In the latter case it is possible to re-align the roller by taking them out with their adjustment screws and cleaning them with ruby alcohol. These parts are prone to damage.
If your doors remain stuck, you can try using lubricants on the rollers to reduce friction and make it easier for them to slide. Choose a silicone-based lubricant, since petroleum-based lubricants tend to draw dirt more quickly. It is also crucial to clean the tracks and rollers before applying lubricant.
After cleaning the rollers, you can reinstall using their adjustment screws. Use the same lubricant you used to clean them. When reinstalling the rollers, ensure that you push them all the way into their channels. You can test the door and see if it moves smoothly.
If the issue persists it may be necessary to remove your door and check the rollers and tracks for any more serious issues. If the wheels or tracks are bent in a way it could be necessary to replace them. In such a case it's best to contact an expert for the installation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are ideal for bringing the outdoors into the room and letting natural light in, but they may also be vulnerable to damage that needs repair or replacement. Some of the most frequent problems that arise are cracking, warping, and fading. Warping occurs when the components that make up your sliding glass patio door begin to degrade due to exposure to sun, heat and other environmental factors. The most common cause of cracking is impact damage, such as from a ball or lawn mower run-in, while fading usually happens due to repeated contact with sunlight and other elements of nature.
If you have sliding glass patio doors that are difficult to open and close it could be a sign that the rollers and tracks do not work properly. This issue could be caused by the accumulation of dirt, rust, or debris in the track, or misaligned wheels or the lack of lubrication. Cleaning the rollers and tracks by removing obstructions, and then applying silicone spray may help solve this issue.
Another reason why your sliding patio doors may be difficult to open or close is that the locking mechanism has gone out of date. It could be due to misalignment, wear and tear, or a combination of both. To fix this issue, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustable screws at the bottom.
Drafts or air leaks that surround your sliding patio door are a typical problem that can reduce their energy efficiency. They typically originate from damaged weather stripping and poor alignment of the doors and is easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and realigning the doors.
Loose Handle
If the handle of a sliding doors becomes loose, it could be quite frustrating and make it difficult for people to open the door. This is due to an improperly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosening and tightening the screws that hold it in the correct position.
A loose handle could result from the handle separating from the spindle that connects it to the inside or handles outside. This usually happens as a result of a variety of factors, such as excessive use, wear and tear, or just general ageing. If the issue isn't addressed quickly, it could eventually lead to the entire handle becoming loose and possibly falling off completely.
The most effective way to address this issue is to start by finding the screws that join the handles' exterior and interior. They are usually hidden by tabs made of plastic that can be removed using a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of certain 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. upvc patio door repairs can be done by tapping the end with a hammer or mallet until it falls free from its place inside the door. The new handle is fitted by putting the spindle in the hole for the handle inside and the other end through the hole on the outside of the handle. 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 correctly.
Poor weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that is cracked or worn can allow water and air to seep into your patio door, which can compromise your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It can allow moisture in and create drafts, which can increase your heating and cooling costs. It's simple to replace defective weatherstripping with no professional help. You can remove the old weatherstripping by either loosing the staples using the help of a screwdriver or by gently squeezing 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 that is backed by a foam seal that helps ensure that there are no leaks and to increase the comfort.
If your sliding patio doors are no working as they should, it's important to take action immediately to prevent further damage and to keep them functional for years to come. Depending on the degree of the issue, DIY or professional repair/replacement may be the best solution.
Most sliding patio door problems are caused by dirty rollers, misaligned tracks, and an untidy handle. These issues are usually addressed by regular maintenance and cleaning like changing the track's lubricant and adjust, and tightening the hardware. If these methods are not working it is recommended that you seek professional advice in order to make sure that your patio is working just as it should. If you decide to replace or repair your patio door, be certain to verify its warranty information to make sure that it is covered under the manufacturer's warranty. This will save you money in the future on repairs and replacements.