Sliding Patio Door Repairs
A sliding patio is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of your outdoor space and let in more light. But, if the door isn't moving smoothly or appears dingy, it can be a real pain.
Fortunately, most of these issues can be fixed with a bit of DIY expertise. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
Dirty or damaged tracks
Over time the tracks of a sliding patio can be clogged by dirt, dust and other debris. Regular cleaning and lubrication will aid your sliding patio door to move smoothly.
A dirty track can make the door stick or even make it difficult to close or open, so the first thing to clean it. Begin by sweeping away any loose debris. Make patio door repairs near me of a brush and the cleaning solution to eliminate any visible grime. Make sure you clean all corners and nooks and also the areas where the door meets its frame.
Once you've scrubbed the track, rinse it off by using the bucket or hose of clean water. Apply lubricant from the store to prevent rusting and displace water. Before you reinstall the door try sliding it back and forth to see whether it can move freely.
If your door is still stuck, it could be that the rollers are damaged or misaligned, which could also hinder movement. In the majority of cases, you can fix this by readjusting the wheels and then lubricating them. It may be time to replace the door if your door is old. Before reassembling the track down a drop cloth on the floor. Remove the two plugs that cover the screws for adjustment of the rollers that are located at the bottom of the frame. To retract the rollers, place a screwdriver into each hole and turn it counterclockwise. This will give you the room you need to remove the door and set it on sawhorses.
Handle is not working properly
Over time the handle of your sliding door may become loose from the strike plate that it is attached to. The good thing is that a loose handle can be fixed easily. Utilize a screwdriver and tighten the screws holding the door handle in place to the strike plate. But, be cautious not to tighten too much as this could damage the inner mechanism and cause the handle to no longer work properly.
The problem of a sliding patio door that isn't easy to slide is usually caused by debris blocking the rollers. Dirt, dust, hair and fur are often pushed into the tracks, causing the door to not slide smoothly. Begin by cleaning the rollers and applying a sliding door lubricant that will help smooth operation.
A common problem is when your sliding patio door lock no more is working. This could be due to a misaligned, or broken handle. The easiest solution is to replace the lock mechanism, or align the door handle.
A screen door that isn't able to close or unlock is not a pleasant experience. A defective screen could be dangerous. If the screen isn't properly aligned with the door frame it will rub against frames and cause wear and tear to both the screen and door. The solution to screen that isn't working properly is fairly easy. Make sure whether the latching bar is still in place. If it is not in place, take it out of the way it and replace with a replacement. Once you've replaced your rod for latching, install the screen and make sure the hinges are in place. For a finished look, add screw covers to the holes in the frame.
Weatherstripping that isn't working properly
The weather stripping between your door and frame will help seal the gap, keeping out cold air, drafts, and insects. If it's cracked, discoloured or hardened, it's time to change it. It's usually easy to do. Some people cut off the worn section and replace it, but it's much easier to replace the entire thing.
First, ensure that the gap isn't close to the seat where the weather strip has been attached to the frame. If it is, you'll have to reattach it to the frame with weather strip adhesive.
Next, examine the entire periphery of your weather strip. Utilize a dollar bill to determine if the weather strip is sealed. Just place the bill part towards the seal and close the door to check whether it is able to pull away from the flange made of metal of the weather strip. If it is easy to remove, it is time to replace the weather strip.
It is also possible to lubricate your run channel (the groove of rubber and felt that runs vertically along both sides of your door) to prevent the build-up of ice in winter. You can buy a spray lubricant at your local hardware store that will work however, be sure not to splash any on the glass.
Another great solution is to apply a thin layer of sand beneath your door prior to the snow starts falling and prevent it from sticking to the door as salt would. It is not advisable to leave sand at the bottom of your door because 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 breaking or cracking. If your glass for your patio door is damaged due to a knock, bump or other incident it is crucial to replace it immediately to ensure that your home is adequately insulated and sealed.
Doors that slide can become damaged over time as a result of their frequent use and exposure. Patio doors that are not working properly can be caused by rusty rollers, defective handles, or bent tracks. Sliding patio door repair specialists are able to quickly identify the root of the issue and fix any issues or replacements.
Apart from obvious damage, a broken patio door could also impact your energy costs. Drafts and noticeable temperature differences around the door are usually indications that a gap is present between the door frame and glass pane. This can be costly both in winter and summer when you need to pay for heating or cool your home.
It is possible to replace the damaged glass panel on your sliding patio door without removing the entire door. This is the ideal solution in certain situations if you need to get your sliding patio door up and running fast. Regardless of whether you are replacing the glass or the frame, it is crucial to have all the required tools in your arsenal so that the job can be completed quickly and safely. These include gloves and a small pry bar or hammer, putty knife, tape measuring tape, and replacement glass. DIY Door Store has all of these items available to easily and inexpensively repair your own damaged sliding patio door.
Frames that are loose or damaged
Sliding patio doors are designed to facilitate access to the outdoors and indoors, and also allow for a natural flow of traffic. Like any other home appliance, sliding patio doors are susceptible to wear and tear that may affect their functionality. Some damages are easy to fix, while others require assistance from a professional to keep your door in good condition.
Visible signs of damage like scratches and dents suggest it's time to consider sliding door replacement. These damages can affect the security and energy efficiency of your patio door as well as its appearance.
A misaligned track, or rollers, can cause your sliding door to not to function as it should. This is usually due to dirt or debris accumulation on the track, and can usually be resolved by using pliers to straighten out the rails.
Regularly cleaning the rollers and tracks on your sliding patio doors is essential. Dirt can cause them to become stiff or stymied, which can stop them from moving smoothly. Remove any obstructions with the vacuum cleaner, hand brushes, or even spraying down with a jetwash. Adding a silicone-based lubricant to your tracks will help to facilitate smooth operation and prevent premature wear.
In time, slamming the patio door can cause serious damages to the frame as well as the glass panel. This could result in a loose or broken frame, bent tracks, and handles that are difficult to open and close. Screen doors that slide are typically more susceptible to this kind of damage since frames are usually less durable than those of glass sliding doors. If you do have a broken screen door frame it is usually repaired by sealing the gap using silicone lubricant and applying new sealant around the perimeter of the glass.