Your sliding glass patio doors help bring natural light and improve your home’s energy efficiency. Over time, they may begin to show signs that suggest some attention.
Most sliding patio door problems 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 Tracks
The tracks of your sliding patio glass door repair near me door might be filthy or blocked. Over time, the dust and grime from daily usage accumulates on the tracks and can cause the door to jam or even collapse completely.
The buildup can be slowed by incorporating regular light cleaning of sliding doors and tracks in your routine chores. Begin by sweeping or vacuuming large debris off the tracks. Then apply warm water and non-abrasive cleaning products like dish soap to wipe them down. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to help remove stubborn grease and dirt stains.
If you find that your sliding door isn’t able to move smoothly after completing these steps, it may be a sign of more serious damage that requires a professional repair or replacement. There are a few easy fixes you can do before calling in professionals to avoid expensive repairs or replacements.
Install a doormat underneath your sliding doors. This will help trap dirt before it reaches the tracks. Regularly trim any plants and bushes that are near your sliding door to reduce the amount of debris that is tracked into the tracks. Close the door properly to ensure that you don’t damage the rollers or wheels. You can increase the lifespan of your doors by maintaining them clean and lubricated.
Rollers that are not aligned
Sometimes, a sliding patio could be misaligned. This is usually due to dirt, or other obstructions which can be easily removed. However, it could also be due to bent tracks or rollers. In this case you might be able to straighten the roller by taking them out using their adjustment screws and cleaning them using rubbing alcohol. These parts are often fragile.
If your doors are stuck, you can apply lubrication to the rollers. This will reduce friction and allow them to slide more easily. It is best to use a silicone-based lubricant, as petroleum-based ones can attract dirt faster. It is crucial to clean the rollers and tracks prior to lubricating.
After you’ve cleaned your rollers, you can reinstall them with the adjustment screws. It is also a good idea to apply the same lubricant that you used to clean them. Be sure to push the rollers all the way into their channels when you reinstall them. You can then test your door to determine whether it is now sliding smoothly.
If the issue persists it may be necessary to remove your door and check the rollers and tracks for any more serious issues. If the tracks or wheels are bent in a way, you may need to replace them. It is best to engage an expert to install the rollers or tracks in this situation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass door are great for bringing the outdoors into the room and letting in natural sunlight, but they may also be prone to damage that requires repair or replacement. Warping, cracking, and fading are some of the most frequent issues. Warping occurs when the materials that comprise your sliding glass patio door start to degrade due to exposure to sun, heat and other environmental factors. Cracking often results from impact damage, such as from a ball or lawn mower run-in, whereas fading typically happens due to repeated contact with sunlight and other elements found in nature.
If you have sliding glass patio doors that are hard to close and open it could be an indication that the rollers and tracks are not functioning correctly. This issue could be caused by accumulated dirt or rust in the track or wheels or a lack or lubrication. This problem can be resolved by regularly cleaning the tracks, rollers and clearing obstructions.
The locking mechanism could also be defective and make it difficult to open and shut your sliding patio doors. This could be due to the alignment of the track or wear and tear but a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanism by using the adjustment screws located at the bottom of the track.
Drafts or air leaks around your sliding local patio door repairs doors are a common issue that can significantly reduce their energy efficiency. These problems are usually caused by weather stripping that has worn out or poor alignment of the door. This issue can be easily resolved by replacing the weather stripping, and re-aligning your doors.
Loose Handle
When a sliding door’s handle becomes loose, it could be quite frustrating and cause it difficult for people to open the door. The reason for this is an incorrectly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosing and tightening the screws that hold it in place.
A loose handle may be caused by the handle becoming detached from the spindle which connects it to the inside or exterior handles. This usually happens as a result of a variety of factors, including over use or wear and tear or simply aging. If the issue isn’t addressed quickly, it could eventually lead to the entire handle becoming loose and eventually falling off completely.
The best method to solve this issue is to start by finding the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. These screws are usually hidden behind tabs of plastic that can be removed with a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in some cases) screwdriver. Securely store these screws to avoid losing them.
After removing the handles, the next step will be to remove the spindle. This can be done by tapping on the end with a hammer or mallet until it comes loose from its place inside the door. The new handle is fitted by putting the spindle in the interior handle hole and the other end into the hole on the outside of the handle. After the handle is installed then tighten it by screwing back the screws. Then, test to ensure the lock and unlock mechanism functions correctly.
Faulty Weatherstripping
A worn or cracked weatherstripping may allow water and air to be able to seep through your patio doors, compromising the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. In addition to letting in moisture, it can create drafts and also increase your heating or cooling costs. It’s easy to replace faulty weatherstripping without professional assistance. First, you need to take off the old stripping by loosening its staples using the help of a screwdriver or by pinning it gently using a putty knife, and then pulling it off the door. Then, you can wash the area and apply a fresh layer of weatherstripping that is secured by a foam seal that helps prevent leaks and enhance comfort.
If your sliding patio door isn’t working as it should, you must to fix the problem immediately 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 may be the best choice.
The most frequent issues that are encountered with sliding patio screen door repair doors are dirty rollers from debris in the tracks, misaligned wheels and a loose handle. In most cases these issues can be resolved by regular maintenance and cleaning, which includes lubricating the track and rollers, as well as adjusting them and tightening hardware. If these measures are not working it is recommended that you seek out professional help to ensure that your patio is working exactly as it should. Before you decide to replace or repair your patio door, be certain to verify its warranty information to ensure that it is covered by the manufacturer’s guarantee. This will save you money in the future for repairs and replacements.