A sliding patio door is a wonderful method to let in more light and enjoy your outdoor space. However, if the door isn't moving smoothly or looks dirty it could be a real pain.
Most of these problems are easily fixable with some DIY skills. Here are a few common issues and solutions.
Dirty or Damaged Tracks
Over time the sliding patio door's tracks may get clogged by dirt, dust and other debris. Adding a regular cleaning routine and lubrication will ensure that your door can move smoothly.
Cleaning the track is the first step. A filthy track could cause the door to stick, or even cause it to be impossible to open or shut. Begin by sweeping away any loose debris. Use a brush and cleaning solution to clean away any visible dirt. Make sure to get into the nooks and crevices and 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. Then, apply a lubricant from a shop that can eliminate moisture and prevent further rusting. Before you install the door try moving it back and forth to see whether it moves easily.
If your door still sticks, it could be that the rollers are damaged or misaligned. This could cause the door to become stuck. In most cases you can fix it by changing the wheels and lubricating. If your door is very old, however it might be time to consider a new replacement. Before reassembling the track down a dropcloth on the floor. Remove the two plugs that cover the screws that adjust the rollers that are located at the bottom of the frame. To retract the rollers, put an screwdriver into each hole and turn counterclockwise. This will allow you the space you'll need to take out the door and set it on sawhorses.
A faulty handle
As time passes, the handle on your sliding door can be loosened from the strike plate it is mounted on. The good news is, the issue with loose handles is usually quite simple to repair. Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws that attach the door handle to the strike plate. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can cause damage to the mechanism inside, causing the handle to stop working properly.
The issue with sliding patio doors that is difficult to slide is usually caused by debris blocking the rollers. Hair, dirt, and other debris are often stuck in the tracks which causes the door to stop smoothly sliding. Clean the rollers and using a sliding patio doors repairs door lubricant that will help smooth operation.
The most frequent issue is when the sliding patio door lock no more functions. This could be caused by a misaligned or broken handle. The lock mechanism can be replaced or the handle adjusted.
A screen door that isn't able to close or unlock is not a pleasant experience. A faulty screen door can also be dangerous. If the screen isn't properly aligned with the door frame, it will rub against frames and cause wear and tear on both the screen and door. The solution to a screen that doesn't function properly is pretty simple. First, verify that the latching rod is still in the correct position. If not, take it off and replace it with a brand new one. Once you've replaced your rod that latches, put it back on the screen, and ensure the hinges are in place. Attach screws to the holes of the frame for a neat appearance.
Faulty Weatherstripping
The weather stripping on your door and frame will help seal the gap, keeping out cold air, drafts, and insects. It's time to replace it if it is damaged, cracked, or hardened. It's generally fairly simple to do. Some people cut off the worn section and replace it, but it's much easier to replace the whole thing.
First, check that the gap is not close to the seat where the weather strip has been placed on the frame. If so, you will have to reseal the weather strip to the frame using the weather strip adhesive.
Next, examine the entire periphery of your weather strip. Find a tear, crack, or rip that could allow cold air through, then use your dollar bill to test whether the weather strip has a positive seal. Place the bill halfway across the seal, then close the door. If it is easy to pull it away from the metal flange on the weather strip, you should replace it. If it is easy to remove, it is time to replace the weather strip.
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 a spray lubricant from your local hardware store. Be careful not to get it on the glass.
Another great solution is to apply a thin layer of sand underneath your door prior to the snow starts falling, which will keep it from sticking as salt would. Be sure to not leave any sand on the bottom of the door, however it may harm the rubber and concrete of the weather strip over time.
Glass damaged
There are a myriad of circumstances that can result in a sliding patio door glass being damaged or cracked. Whether it's from a knock or a bump or a bump, if your glass patio sliding door repair door becomes damaged, it's important to replace it promptly to ensure that your home is sealed and insulated.
Doors that slide can become damaged over time as a result 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 a patio door not functioning properly. Sliding patio repair specialists are able to quickly pinpoint the issue and make the necessary repairs or replace the components.
Besides obvious visible damage, a broken patio door could also impact your energy costs. The presence of drafts and noticeable temperature variations around the patio door are often indications that a gap is present between the frame and the glass. This is a major expense in the summer and winter when you are spending money to cool or heat your home.
It is possible to repair the damaged glass panel on your sliding patio doors repairpatio door lock repair door without having to remove the entire door. This is the ideal option in certain circumstances if you need to get your sliding patio door back up and running quickly. It is essential to have the right tools available for replacement, whether it's the frame or glass. This will ensure that the work is done safely and efficiently. This includes gloves as well as a small bar or hammer putty knife, tape, measuring tape, and a replacement glass. DIY Door Store has all of these materials available to easily and affordably fix your own damaged sliding patio door.
Frame that is damaged or loose.
Sliding patio doors are designed to simplify access from indoors to outdoors and allow for a natural flow of traffic. As with all home appliances, sliding patio doors are subject to wear and tear that can affect their functionality. Some damages are easy to repair, while others require assistance from a professional to keep your door in good condition.
If you can see evidence of damage, like dents and scratches It's likely time to replace your sliding door. These damages can affect the security and energy efficiency of your patio door, as well as its aesthetics.
A improperly aligned track, or even rollers, could cause your sliding door to function properly. This usually happens due to dirt or debris getting stuck on the track. You can fix this by using pliers to straighten the rails.
Cleaning the tracks and rollers on your sliding patio doors is vital. Dirt can cause them to become stiff or stuck, preventing them from moving freely. Remove any obstructions using a vacuum, a handbrush or even spraying them down with a jetwash. Use a silicone-based grease on your tracks to ensure smooth operation and avoid premature wear.
When repeated, slamming on the door of the patio can cause serious damage to the frame as well as the glass panel. This could result in broken or loose frames or tracks that are bent, as well as a handles that are difficult to open and close. Sliding screen doors are generally more prone to this type of damage since the frames are generally less sturdy than those on glass patio door repair sliding doors. If you have a damaged frame for your screen door it can be fixed by sealing it with silicone lubricant and applying a new sealant to the glass's perimeter.