Your sliding glass patio doors to let in more light and increase your home's energy efficiency. Over time, they may begin to show signs that suggest some attention.
The majority of sliding patio door issues are fairly simple to fix. Find out how you can keep your sliding patio doors repairs near me doors looking and working like new.
Tracks that are dirty or damaged
One of the main causes of sliding patio doors that don't open is clogged or dirty tracks. Over time, the dust and grime of daily use build up on the track and can cause the door to become jammed or even break down completely.
This buildup can be minimized by regular light cleaning of tracks and sliding doors in your daily household chores. Begin by cleaning any large debris off the tracks and then wipe them clean with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner like dish soap. 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 following these steps, it could be an indication of more serious damage that requires a professional repair or replacement. There are a few simple solutions you can try before calling a professional to avoid expensive repairs or replacements.
It's important to place a doormat at the bottom of your sliding doors to help keep dirt out before it has a chance to get to the tracks. Regularly trim any plants and shrubs that are located near your sliding door to reduce the amount of debris that gets tracked into the tracks. Close the door properly to avoid damaging the rollers and wheels. You can increase the lifespan of your doors by maintaining them clean and lubricated.
Rollers that are misaligned
Sometimes, a patio could be misaligned. This is usually due to dirt, or other obstructions that can be easily removed. Sometimes, it's due to a bent roller or track. In this case it is possible to re-align the roller by extracting them with their adjustment screws and cleaning them with rubbing alcohol. These parts can be fragile.
If your doors are stuck, you can grease the rollers. This will lessen friction and allow them to slide more easily. It is recommended to make use of a silicone-based lubricant since petroleum-based ones tend to draw dirt more quickly. It is essential to clean the rollers and tracks prior to lubricating.
After cleaning the rollers you can put them back in place using their adjustment screws. Use the same lubricant you used to clean them. Be sure to push the rollers all the way in their channels when reinstalling them. You can test your door now and see if it moves smoothly.
If the problem persists it could be necessary to remove the door and examine the rollers and tracks. If the tracks or rollers are bent badly, they may need to be replaced. It is recommended to hire an expert to install the tracks or rollers in this situation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are ideal for bringing the outdoors into the room and letting natural light in however, they can also be prone to damage that needs repair or replacement. Some of the most frequent issues that can occur are cracking, warping, and fade. Warping happens when the materials that make up your sliding glass patio door start to degrade due to exposure to sun, heat and other environmental factors. Cracks are usually caused by impact damage such as the impact of a lawnmowers or ball hitting into the door. Fading usually occurs because of repeated exposure to sunlight and other elements.
If you have sliding glass patio doors that are hard to close and open, this could be a sign that the rollers and tracks are not functioning correctly. This issue could be caused by accumulation of dirt, rust or debris in the track, wheels that are not aligned or the lack of lubrication. Regularly cleaning the rollers and tracks by removing obstructions, and then applying silicone spray may aid in resolving this issue.
Another reason why your sliding patio door repair service patio doors might be difficult to open or close is because the locking mechanism has become faulty. It could be due to misalignment, wear and tear or an amalgamation of both. To fix this, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustable screws located at the bottom.
Drafts or air leaks that occur around your sliding patio sliding doors repair doors are a frequent issue that can significantly decrease their energy efficiency. They usually result from damaged weather stripping and an improper alignment of the door, which can be easily corrected by replacing the old weather stripping and realigning the doors.
Loose Handle
If the handle of a sliding doors is loose, it can be quite annoying and make it difficult for people to open the door. This is due to a misaligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosening and tightening the screws that hold it in place.
Another common reason for a handle to become loose is that it has become detached from the spindle that connects the handles on the exterior and interior. This usually happens as a result of a mix of factors, including excessive use, wear and tear, or simply the general aging. If the issue isn't addressed quickly, it could eventually lead to the entire handle becoming loose and potentially falling off entirely.
The best way to fix this problem is by first finding the screws that join the interior and exterior handles. They are typically hidden behind tabs of plastic which can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in some cases) screwdriver. Store these screws safely to prevent them from being lost.
After removing the handles the next step will be to take off the spindle. You can do this by tapping the end of the spindle using an hammer until removed from its place within the door. The new handle can be installed by simply putting the spindle through the hole on the handle inside and inserting the other end of the spindle through the hole in the outside handle. 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.
Faulty weatherstripping
A cracked or worn weatherstripping can allow air and water to be able to seep through your patio doors, compromising the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. In addition to allowing water, it can create drafts and also increase your cooling or heating costs. Fortunately, replacing faulty weatherstripping is a simple fix that doesn't require assistance from a professional. You can remove the old weatherstripping by loosening the staples using an screwdriver, or gently prying it off with a putty knife and pulling it from the door. Then, you can clean the area and apply a new 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 need to address the issue immediately to prevent further damage and ensure that they are functional for years to be. Depending on the degree of the issue, DIY or professional repair/replacement may be the best solution.
Most sliding patio door problems are caused by dirty rollers, misaligned tracks, or an untidy handle. In the majority of instances these issues can be fixed by regular maintenance and cleaning, which includes lubricating the track as well as adjusting the rollers and tightening hardware. If these measures do not work it is recommended that you seek out professional help to ensure that your patio is operating exactly as it should. If you decide to replace or repair your patio door, make sure to check its warranty information to make sure that it's covered by the manufacturer's warranty. This will save you money in the future for repairs and replacements.