Sliding Patio Door Repairs
A sliding patio door is a wonderful way to let in more natural light and take advantage of your outdoor space. However, if the door isn't moving smoothly or looks dirty, it can be a real pain.
Many of these issues are easily fixable with some DIY skills. Here are a few common issues and their solutions.
Tracks that are dirty or damaged Tracks
Over time, the tracks of a sliding patio could be clogged by dirt, dust and other debris. Regular cleaning and lubrication could aid your sliding patio door to move smoothly.
Cleaning the track is the first step. A filthy track could cause the door to stick or make it impossible for it to be shut or open. Start by removing any debris that has fallen off using a broom. Make use of a brush and a cleaning solution to remove any visible dirt. Make sure to get into the nooks and crevices, as well as any places where the door is affixed to the frame.
After you've scrubbed the track, rinse the track using a hose or bucket of clean water. Apply lubricant from the store to stop rusting and to displace moisture. Before reinstalling the door try moving it back and forth to determine if it moves freely.
If your door still sticks, it could be that the rollers have been damaged or misaligned. This could cause movement to be obstructed. In most cases you can fix the issue by moving the wheels and lubricating. If your door is very old, it might be time to consider a new replacement. Before reassembling the track, lay a piece of cloth on the floor and remove the two plugs that cover the screws that adjust the rollers on the bottom of the frame. Put a screwdriver into each hole and turn them counterclockwise to pull the rollers back. This will give you the room you need to remove the door and set it on sawhorses.
A faulty handle
As time passes the handle on your sliding door can loosen from the strike plate it is mounted on. The good part is that a loosened handle can be easily fixed. Use a screwdriver and tighten the screws that connect the door handle in place to the strike plate. Be careful not to over tighten the screws, as this could damage the inner mechanism causing the handle to not function properly.
The problem of sliding patio doors that is difficult to slide is typically caused by debris blocking the rollers. Hair, dust, dirt and fur are often pushed into the tracks, which causes the door to stop sliding smoothly. Clean the rollers and using a sliding door lubricant that will promote smooth operation.
A common problem is when your sliding patio door lock no longer works. It could be due to an incorrectly aligned lock or damaged handle. The most straightforward solution is to replace the lock mechanism or to align the door handle.
A screen door that isn't able to close or unlock isn't an enjoyable experience. A damaged screen can be dangerous. If the screen is not properly aligned with the door frame, it will rub on the frames and cause wear to both the screen and the door. The solution to screen that isn't working properly is pretty simple. Make sure whether the latching bar still in place. If not, remove it and replace it with a new one. Reinstall the screen after replacing the rod that latches it. Make sure that the hinges are properly set. Install screws into the holes of the frame for a finished appearance.
Unusual Weatherstripping
The weather stripping on your door and frame helps close the gap, keeping out drafts, cold air and pests. If yours is damaged, cracked or discoloured It's time to replace it. This is usually pretty easy to do. Some people simply cut out the worn area and replace it, but it's much simpler to replace the entire piece.
First, check that the gap isn't near the seat point at which the weather strip was placed on the frame. If it is, you'll need to seal the weather strip to the frame using weather strip adhesive.
Then, look around the area around your weather strip. Look for a tear, crack, or rip that could allow cold air in, then utilize your dollar bill to determine whether the weather strip has a positive seal. Simply place the bill half 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, it's time to replace it.
You may need to lubricate your run channel (the groove made of felt and rubber on both sides of the door) to avoid the accumulation of ice during winter. You can purchase an oil spray 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 when snow begins to fall to prevent it from sticking to the door as salt does. Be careful not to leave any sand on the bottom of the door, as it can cause damage to the rubber and concrete of the weather strip in the course of time.
Glass that is damaged
There are a variety of situations that could result in a sliding patio door glass breaking or cracking. Whether it's from the impact of a bump or a knock or a bump, if your glass patio door becomes damaged, it's vital to replace it promptly to ensure that your home is sealed and well-insulated.
Over time, sliding doors become susceptible to damage from frequent use and exposure elements. The rusting of the rollers, broken handles and bent tracks are just some of the problems that could result in an outdoor door that isn't functioning correctly. Repair specialists for sliding patio doors can quickly identify the problem and make the necessary repairs or replace the part.
A damaged patio door could impact your energy bills in addition to the obvious damage. A gap between the frame of the patio door and the glass pane can result in drafts and temperature fluctuations. This can be costly both in winter and summer when you must pay for heating or cool your home.
It is possible to repair a broken glass panel on your sliding patio door without having to take out the entire door. In certain instances it is the best option if you are looking to get your door back up and running as soon as you can. Regardless of whether you are replacing the glass or just the frame, it is essential to have all of the proper tools on hand to ensure the task can be done safely and efficiently. This includes gloves and a small pry bar or hammer putty knife, tape, measuring tape, and replacement glass. DIY Door Store offers all these items to help you repair your damaged sliding patio doors quickly and easily.
Frames that aren't secured or damaged
Sliding patio doors are designed to facilitate indoor-outdoor access and allow for natural flow of traffic. Like double glazed patio door repairs sliding patio doors are subject to wear and tear that can affect their functionality. Certain damages are simple to repair, while others require assistance from a professional to keep your door in top condition.
Signs of damage that are visible like scratches and dents suggest it's time to consider sliding door replacement. These damages affect the security and energy efficiency of your patio door as well as its appearance.
Misaligned track or rollers are common problems that cause your sliding door to not function correctly. This is usually due to dirt or debris getting stuck on the track. You can solve this problem by using the pliers to straighten the rails.
It is crucial to clean the tracks and rollers of your sliding patio doors, because dirt can cause stiff or sticky doors that can't move smoothly. By using a hand brush or vacuum, or a spray-down with jet washing can aid in removing any obstructive build-up. Apply a silicone-based grease your tracks to ensure smooth operation and to prevent premature wear.
In time, slamming the door to the patio could cause severe damage to the frame as well as the glass panel. This could result in a broken or loose frame, bent tracks and a handle that is difficult to open and shut. Screen doors that slide are typically more susceptible to this kind of damage because frames are usually less durable than those of glass sliding doors. If you have a damaged frame for your screen door you can repair it by resealing the frame with silicone lubricant, and applying new sealant to the glass perimeter.