20 Things You Need To Know About Patio Doors Repairs
Sliding Patio Doors Repairs Your sliding glass patio doors to let in more light and increase your home's energy efficiency. As time passes, they could begin to show signs that suggest some attention. Most sliding patio door problems are relatively easy to repair. Find out how to keep your sliding patio doors looking and working like new. Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks One of the most common causes of sliding patio doors that don't open is dirty or clogged tracks. Over time, the dirt and grime from daily usage can accumulate on the track. This can cause the door jam or even break completely. This buildup can be minimized by regular light cleaning of tracks and sliding doors during your regular chores. Begin by cleaning large debris off the tracks. Then, use warm water and non-abrasive cleansing products, such as dish soap, to clean them. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to help get rid of stubborn grease and dirt stains. If you notice that your sliding door still won't move smoothly after completing these steps, it could be a sign of more serious damage and requires a professional repair or replacement. However, there are many easy fixes you can try before calling in the professionals to save on costly repairs or replacements. Install a doormat underneath 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 reduce the amount of debris that gets trapped in the tracks. Finally, be sure to close the door in a way that it doesn't hit the tracks and damage the rollers and wheels. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated, you can extend their lifespan substantially. Rollers that are not aligned Occasionally, a sliding patio door becomes unbalanced or becomes stuck. It is usually due to dirt or other obstructions that can be easily fixed. Sometimes it's due a bent roller or track. In the latter scenario, you may be able to realign the roller by taking them out using their adjustment screws and cleaning them using ruby alcohol. These parts are often fragile. If your doors are still stuck and stick, you can try lubricating the rollers to reduce friction and allow them to slide. Make use of a silicone-based product because petroleum-based lubricants may attract dirt faster. It is also important to clean the rollers and tracks prior to lubricating them. After cleaning the rollers, you can put them back in place using the adjustment screws. It is also a good idea to use the same lubricant you used when cleaning them. When you are reinstalling the rollers make sure you push them completely into their channels. You can test your door now and see if it moves smoothly. If sliding patio door repair near me persists it could be necessary to take down your door and examine the rollers and tracks for any other issues. If the tracks or rollers are bent badly they might need to be replaced. In such a case, it's a good idea to get an expert for the installation. Warped Glass Sliding glass doors are excellent to bring the outdoors into a room and letting in natural sunlight but they could also be susceptible to damage that requires repair or replacement. Some of the most frequent issues that can occur are cracking, warping, and fade. 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 elements. The most common cause of cracking is impact damage such as the impact of a lawnmowers blade or ball that is smashed into the door. Fading is usually due to repeated exposure to sunlight and other elements. If your sliding patio doors aren't easy to open or close, it could be an indication that the tracks and rollers aren't functioning properly. This issue could be caused by accumulated dirt or rust in the wheels or track, or by a lack or lubrication. This issue can be fixed by regularly cleaning the tracks, rollers and removing obstructions. The locking mechanism might also be faulty which makes it difficult to open and close your sliding patio doors. This could be caused by the alignment of the track or wear and tear however, a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanism by using the adjustment screws located on the bottom of the track. Drafts or air leaks that occur around your sliding patio doors are a common problem that can drastically reduce their energy efficiency. They are usually caused by worn weather stripping and an improper alignment of the door that is easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and aligning the doors. Loose Handle If the handle of a sliding door becomes loose, it could be quite frustrating and make it difficult for people to open the door. This problem is caused by an improperly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosing and tightening the screws holding it in the correct position. Another reason that is commonly cited for a loose handle is that it has become detached from the spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles. This is typically the result of a mix of factors, including over use or wear and tear or just general ageing. If the problem is not addressed quickly, it could eventually lead to the entire handle becoming loose, and possibly falling off completely. To resolve this issue, you should first find the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. The screws are typically hidden behind tabs of plastic that can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in certain cases) screwdriver. Store these screws safely to prevent them from being lost. After removing the handles the next step will be to remove the spindle. This can be done by tapping the end using a mallet or hammer until it comes loose from its position inside the door. The new handle is fitted by placing the spindle in the hole for the handle inside and the other end through the hole in the handle on the outside. Once the handle is in place, it can be tightened by screwing the screws back in and then ensuring that the lock and unlock mechanisms work correctly. Unusual Weatherstripping Weatherstripping that is damaged or cracked can allow water and air to seep into your patio door, which can compromise your home's comfort and energy efficiency. In addition to allowing moisture, it could also create drafts and increase your heating or cooling costs. It is easy to replace damaged weatherstripping, even without the assistance of a professional. You can remove the old weatherstripping by either loosing the staples using an screwdriver, or gently prying it off with a putty blade and then taking it off the door. Then, you can wash the area and apply a new layer of weatherstripping. This is backed by a foam seal that helps stop leaks and improve the comfort. If your sliding patio doors aren't working as they should, it's important to take action immediately to prevent any further damage and ensure they remain functional for years to come. Depending on the nature of the problem, DIY or professional repair/replacement may be the best choice. The most frequent issues with sliding patio doors are dirty rollers due to debris in the tracks, misaligned wheels 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. If these steps fail, it's advisable to seek advice from a professional to make sure that your patio door is operating exactly as it should. Check the warranty information before you decide to repair or replace your patio door. This will save you money on repairs or replacements in the near future.