Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding glass patio doors bring natural light and improve your home's energy efficiency. However, over time they can show signs of wear and tear, which will require a bit of maintenance.
Luckily, the majority of problems with sliding patio doors are simple to address. Find out more about how to keep your patio doors looking and working like new:.
Dirty or damaged Tracks
One of the most frequent causes of sliding patio doors that don't open is dirty or blocked tracks. Over time, dirt and grime from everyday usage can accumulate on the track. This can cause the door jam or break completely.
Regularly cleaning sliding doors and tracks in your household chores can help to reduce the amount of build-up. Begin by brushing or vacuuming large pieces of debris off the tracks. Then apply warm water and non-abrasive cleaning products like dish soap to wipe them down. Adding a bit of vinegar to your cleaning solution may also help remove stubborn grease and dirt stains.
If you notice that your sliding door isn't able to move smoothly after completing these steps, it could be a sign of more serious damage that requires professional repair or replacement. There are a few simple fixes you can do before calling in professionals to avoid expensive repairs or replacements.
It is important to put a doormat on the bottom of your sliding doors to help trap dirt before it can get to the tracks. Regularly trim any plants and shrubs that are located near the sliding door to decrease the amount of debris that gets tracked into the tracks. Make sure to close the door correctly so that it doesn't hit the tracks and damage the rollers and wheels. By keeping your doors clean and well-lubricated, you will extend their life considerably.
Rollers that are misaligned
Sometimes it happens that a sliding patio door becomes unbalanced or becomes stuck. It is usually due to dirt or other obstructions that can be easily fixed. But sometimes it can also be the result of a bent track or roller. In this case you might be able to straighten the roller by taking them out by using the adjustment screws and cleaning them with rubbing alcohol. These parts are prone to damage.
If your doors remain stuck then you could try lubricating the rollers to reduce friction and allow them to slide. Use a silicone-based product, because petroleum-based lubricants may attract dirt more quickly. It is also important to clean the tracks and rollers before lubricating them.
After you've cleaned your rollers, you can put them back in place them using their adjustment screws. It is recommended to apply the same lubricant that you used when cleaning them. Make sure to push the rollers completely into their channels before reinstalling them. You can test your door now and see if it slides smoothly.
If the issue persists, it could be necessary to take the door off and examine the rollers and tracks. If the wheels or tracks are bent in a way they may require you to replace them. In such a scenario, it's a good idea to contact an expert for the installation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are excellent to bring the outdoors into your home and letting natural light in, but they may also be susceptible to damage that needs repair or replacement. The most frequent problems that occur include cracking, warping and fade. The materials used to make the sliding glass patio doors start to degrade when exposed to heat, sunlight and other environmental factors. The most common cause of cracking is the impact of the impact of a lawnmowers blade or ball that is smashed into the door. Fading is usually because of repeated exposure to sunlight and other elements.
If you have sliding glass patio doors that aren't easy to close and open it could indicate that the rollers and tracks are not functioning correctly. This problem may be caused by the accumulation of dirt, rust, or debris in the track or wheels, or by a lack or lubrication. This issue can be solved by cleaning the tracks and rollers and removing obstructions.
The locking mechanism might be faulty which makes it difficult to open or shut your sliding patio doors. This could be caused by misalignment or wear and tear but a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws hidden in the bottom of the track.
Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio doors are a frequent issue that can greatly decrease their energy efficiency. These problems are usually caused by worn-out weather stripping or poor door alignment. This can be easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping, and realigning your doors.
Loose Handle
It can be frustrating when the handle of a sliding door becomes loose. It becomes difficult to open the door. This issue is usually caused by an incorrectly aligned locking mechanism which can be corrected by loosening the screws that hold it in place and tightening them until they are snug against the door jamb.
A loose handle may result from the handle breaking off from the spindle connecting it to the inside or exterior handles. This is typically the result of a variety of factors, such as excessive use wear and tear or simply aging. If the problem is not treated promptly, it could eventually lead to the entire handle becoming loose, and potentially falling off entirely.
To solve this issue, you should first locate the screws that connect the handles' exterior and interior. These screws are usually hidden behind plastic tabs that can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver, in some instances) screwdriver. Keep these screws in a safe place to avoid losing them.
Once the handles that were previously used have been removed, the next step is to remove the spindle that has become loose. This can be done by tapping the end with a mallet or hammer until it falls free from its position inside the door. The new handle is installed by inserting the spindle into the interior handle hole and the other end through the hole on the outside of the handle. Once the handle is installed then tighten it by screwing back the screws, and then check to ensure that the lock and unlock mechanism is working properly.
Unusual Weatherstripping
A damaged or cracked weatherstripping may allow water and air to get through your patio doors, which can compromise the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. It could let in moisture and create drafts that will increase your cooling and heating costs. Fortunately, replacing www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk weatherstripping is an easy fix that doesn't require any assistance from a professional. The first step is to take off the old stripping by loosening its staples with the help of a screwdriver or by pinning it gently with the help of a putty knife before lifting it off the door. Then, you can clean the area and apply a fresh layer of weatherstripping that is secured by a foam seal that helps stop leaks and improve the comfort.
If your sliding patio door is not functioning as it should, you have to address the issue immediately to avoid further damage and keep them functional for many years to be. Depending on the severity of the issue, DIY or professional repair/replacement may be the best choice.
The most frequent issues that are encountered with sliding patio doors are filthy rollers caused by debris on the tracks, wheels that are not aligned and a loose handle. In most instances, these issues can be resolved with regular maintenance and cleaning, which includes lubricating the track, adjusting the rollers and tightening hardware. If these measures do not work it is recommended that you seek out professional help to ensure that your patio is operating just as it should. Check the warranty information before you decide to repair or replace your patio door. This can save you money on repairs or replacements in the future.