5 Myths About Patio Doors Repairs That You Should Avoid
From Shiapedia
Sliding Patio Doors Repairs
Your sliding patio sliding doors repair doors can bring sunlight into your home and improve the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Over time, they may start to show signs that require some maintenance.
The majority of sliding patio door issues are relatively easy to repair. Learn more about how to keep your patio doors looking and working like new:.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty
One of the most common causes of sliding patio doors that do not open is dirty or blocked tracks. Over time, the grit and grime of everyday use build up on the track and can cause the door to become jammed or even collapse completely.
This buildup can be minimized by incorporating regular light cleaning of sliding glass patio doors repair doors and tracks in your daily household chores. Start by cleaning 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 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 the sign of more severe damage that requires professional repair or replacement. There are a few simple fixes you can do before calling a professional to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Place a doormat under your sliding doors. This will help trap dirt before it reaches the tracks. Also, you should cut any bushes or plants near your sliding doors to limit the amount of debris that gets trapped in the tracks. Close the door in a timely manner to prevent damage to the rollers and wheels. You can extend the life of your doors by keeping them clean and lubricated.
Misaligned Rollers
Sometimes, a sliding patio could be misaligned. This is usually due to dirt or other obstructions that can be easily removed. Sometimes it's due a bent roller or track. In this case you can re-align the rollers by taking them off using the adjustment screws, and then cleaning with the rubbing alcohol. These parts are prone to damage.
If your doors are stuck, you can apply lubrication to the rollers. This will decrease friction and allow them to move more easily. Use a silicone-based product, because petroleum-based lubricants may attract dirt more quickly. It is also important to clean the rollers and tracks before lubricating them.
After cleaning the rollers you can put them back in place using their adjustment screws. It's recommended to make use of the same lubricant as you used when cleaning them. Make sure to push the rollers fully into their channels when you reinstall them. You can test the door and see if it glides smoothly.
If the issue persists it could be necessary to take down your door and check the rollers and tracks for any other issues. If the tracks or rollers are bent in a way, they may need to be replaced. In this case, it's a good idea to call in an expert to install the tracks.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass door are great for bringing outside into your home and letting natural light in however, they can also be prone to damage that needs repair or replacement. Warping, cracking and fading are a few of the most frequent issues. Warping occurs when the materials that comprise your sliding glass patio door start to degrade due to heat, sun and other environmental factors. Cracking often results from impact damage, such as from a lawn mower or ball run-in, while fading usually occurs due to repeated contact with sunlight and other natural elements.
If your sliding patio door repair doors aren't easy to close or open, it could indicate that their rollers and tracks are not functioning correctly. This problem may be caused by accumulated dirt, rust, or debris in the wheels or track or a lack or lubrication. Cleaning the tracks and rollers by removing obstructions, and then applying silicone spray can help resolve this problem.
Another reason why your sliding patio doors are difficult to open or close is that the locking mechanism has become faulty. It could be due to misalignment or wear and tear or an amalgamation of both. To fix this, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the hidden adjustment screws located at the bottom.
Air leaks or drafts around your sliding patio doors are a frequent problem that can drastically reduce their energy efficiency. They typically originate from worn weather stripping and an improper alignment of the door and is easily fixed by replacing the old weather stripping and re-aligning the doors.
Loose Handle
When a sliding door's handle is loose, it can be quite annoying and make it difficult for people to open the door. The reason for this is 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 becoming detached from the spindle which connects it to the inside or handles outside. This is usually caused by a variety of factors, including frequent use, wear-and-tear or just aging. If the issue isn't dealt with quickly, the handle may be loosened and fall off.
To resolve this issue it is necessary to find the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. They are usually hidden by plastic tabs, which can be removed with a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of certain handle styles, a Phillips-head screwdriver). It is a good idea to keep these screws in a safe place so that you don't loose them.
Once the old handles have been removed the next step is to remove the spindle that is loose. You can do this by pounding the end of the spindle with a hammer until it is removed from its place within the door. The new handle can be fitted by simply putting the spindle into the hole on the interior handle and then putting the other end of the spindle into the hole on the exterior handle. After the handle is installed, tighten it by screwing back the screws, and then check to ensure that the lock and unlock mechanism works properly.
Faulty Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that's damaged or cracked may allow water and air to seep into your patio door, causing damage to your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It can allow moisture in and create drafts, which can increase the cost of cooling and heating. It is easy to replace damaged weatherstripping with no professional help. First, you need to take off the old stripping by either loosing its staples using an screwdriver or pinning it with the help of a putty knife before lifting it away from the door. Then, you can wash the area and apply a new layer of weatherstripping, which is secured by a foam seal that helps stop leaks and improve the comfort.
If your sliding patio door isn't functioning as it should, you have to fix the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage and keep them functional for many years to come. Depending on the severity of the issue, DIY or professional repair/replacement could be the best option.
Most sliding wood patio door repair door problems are caused by dirty rollers, misaligned tracks, and a loose handle. These issues can be addressed by regular maintenance and cleaning, such as lubricating and adjusting the track, and tightening the hardware. However, if these methods fail, it's advisable consult a professional for advice to ensure that your aluminium patio door repairs door is functioning just as it should. Make sure to check the warranty information prior to you decide to replace or repair your patio door. This will save you money in the long run on repairs and replacements.
