Sliding Patio Door Repairs
A sliding patio door is a wonderful option to let in more light and enjoy your outdoor space. If the door isn't moving smoothly or looks dingy it could be a hassle.
Fortunately, a majority of these issues can be resolved by a little DIY knowledge. Here are a few common issues and solutions.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty
Over time, a sliding patio door's tracks could become clogged with dirt, dust and other debris. By implementing a regular cleaning schedule and lubrication will help to ensure that your door can move smoothly.
Cleaning the track is the first step. A filthy track could cause the door to become stuck or make it impossible to open or shut. Begin by sweeping away any loose debris. Then, use a cleaning solution and brush to scrub away any visible grime. Make sure you clean all the nooks and corners and also the areas where the door joins its frame.
After you've scrubbed it, wash the track using a hose or bucket of clean water. Apply a lubricant from the store to prevent rusting and to displace moisture. Test the door by sliding it forwards and backwards to see if it can move it without difficulty.
If your door is still stuck, it's possible the rollers are damaged or misaligned. This can also impede movement. In most cases, you can fix this by readjusting the wheels and then lubricating them. It could be time to replace them in the event that your door is older. Before reassembling the track lay a drop cloth on the floor. Then remove the two plugs covering the roller adjustment screws at the bottom of the frame. Insert a screwdriver in each hole and turn them counterclockwise to pull the rollers back. This will give enough space to take the door from the sawhorses, and place it on the sawhorses.
A faulty handle
Over time, the handle on your sliding door can loosen from the strike plate it hangs on. The good news is that a loose handle can be easily fixed. Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws that hold the door handle to the strike plate. Be careful not to tighten too much because this could cause damage to the mechanism inside and result in the handle not to longer function properly.
The problem of sliding patio doors that isn't easy to slide is usually caused by debris blocking the rollers. Hair, dust, dirt and fur are often pushed into the tracks, causing the door to stop moving smoothly. Start by cleaning the rollers and using an oil for sliding doors to promote smooth operation.
Another common issue is that the lock on your sliding patio door stops working properly. It could be because of the lock being misaligned or having a broken handle. The lock mechanism could be repaired or the handle re-aligned.
A screen door that doesn't close or unlock isn't an enjoyable experience. A faulty screen door can also be dangerous. If the screen isn't aligned correctly with the door frame, it will rub against the frames and cause wear to both the screen and the door. The solution to a screen that doesn't function properly is pretty simple. First, check whether the rod that holds it is still in the correct position. If not, take it off and replace it with a new one. Once you've replaced the latching rod, reinstall the screen, and ensure the hinges are in place. To give your frame a polished look, add screw covers to the holes in the frame.
Faulty Weatherstripping
The weather stripping is used to seal the gap between your frame and door, which helps to prevent drafts or cold, as well as insects. If it's cracked or hardened It's time to replace it. It's usually not a difficult task. Some people replace only the worn part, but it is much easier to replace the entire item.
First, ensure that the gap is not near the seat point where the weather strip was placed on the frame. If it is, you'll have to reseal the weather strip to the frame using weather strip adhesive.
Then, examine patio door repair of your weather strip. Use your dollar bill to verify if the weather strip is sealed. Just place the bill part of the way across the seal and close the door to see if it easily pulls away from the metal flange of the weather strip. If it's simple to do you're ready to replace it.
It is also possible to lubricate your run channel (the groove of felt and rubber that runs vertically on both sides of your door) to stop the build-up of ice in winter. You can buy a spray lubricant at your local hardware store that works however, be sure not to splash any on the glass.
Another option is to apply a thin layer of sand underneath your door prior to the snow begins to fall to prevent it from sticking as salt would. Be careful not to leave any sand in the bottom of the door, though, as it can damage the concrete and rubber of the weather strip in time.
Glass that is damaged
There are a variety of situations that could result in the glass of a sliding patio door breaking or cracking. If your glass for your patio door is damaged due to a knock or bump, or some other occurrence, it is vital to replace it right away to ensure that your home is properly insulated and sealed.
Sliding doors can be damaged over time because of their constant use and exposure. The rusting of the rollers, broken handles and bent tracks are just some of the issues that can result in an outdoor door that isn't functioning correctly. Sliding patio repair specialists can quickly identify the problem and make the necessary repairs or replace the parts.
A damaged patio door can impact your energy bills in addition to the obvious damage. Temperature fluctuations and drafts around the patio door are typically indications that a gap is present between the door frame and the glass. This can be costly both in winter and summer, when you have to spend money to heat or cool your home.
You can replace a broken panel on your patio without having to remove the entire door. This is the best solution in some cases when you want to get your sliding patio door up and running quickly. No matter if you are replacing the glass or just the frame, it's essential to have all the proper tools on hand to ensure that the task can be completed quickly and safely. This includes gloves as well as a small bar or hammer, putty knife, tape, a measuring tape and replacement glass. DIY Door Store has all of these materials available to easily and inexpensively repair your own broken sliding patio door.
Loose or Damaged Frame
Sliding patio door systems are designed to allow an easy transition from indoor to outdoor and provide the natural flow. However, like any home appliance, they're prone to wear and tear over time which can affect their performance. Certain damages are simple to fix, while others require expert assistance to keep your door in good condition.
If you see visible indications of damage such as scratches and dents, it's probably time to replace your sliding door. These damages do not just diminish the aesthetics of your patio doors but they also impact energy efficiency and security.
A misaligned track, or rollers, can cause your sliding door not to function properly. This can be due to dirt or debris accumulation on the track, and is usually fixed by using a pair of pliers to straighten the rails.
Regularly cleaning the rollers and tracks on your sliding patio doors is vital. Dirt can cause them to become stiff or stymied, which can stop them from moving freely. Remove any obstructions by using a vacuum, a handbrush, or even spraying down using jetwash. Add a silicone-based grease to your tracks to ensure smooth operation and to prevent premature wear.
Over time, slamming your patio door can cause serious damage to both the frame and the glass panel. This can result in broken or loose frames as well as bent tracks and a handle that becomes difficult to open and close. Sliding screen doors are generally more susceptible to this kind of damage since the frames are typically less sturdy than those on glass sliding doors. If you've damaged your frame for your screen door you can repair it by sealing it with silicone lubricant, then applying new sealant to the glass's edges.