Sliding Patio Door Repairs
A sliding patio door is an ideal way to let in more natural light and let you enjoy your outdoor space. However, when the door isn't moving smoothly or looks dirty it could be a real pain.
Fortunately, most of these problems can be fixed with a little DIY know-how. Here are a few common issues and their solutions.
Tracks that are dirty or damaged
Over time the tracks of a sliding patio may be clogged by dirt, dust and other debris. Regular cleaning and lubrication can help your sliding patio door move smoothly.
Cleaning the track is the first step. A dirty track can cause the door to snag or make it impossible to be shut or open. Start by removing any loose debris with the help of a broom. Then, use a cleaning solution and brush to clean away any visible dirt. Make sure you clean all the nooks and corners and also the areas where the door joins its frame.
After you've scrubbed the track, rinse it using an hose or bucket of clean water. Apply lubricant from a store to prevent rust and displace moisture. Before reinstalling the door try moving it back and forth to determine whether it moves easily.
If your door is still sticking, it's possible that the rollers are damaged or misaligned. This can also impede movement. In most cases you can fix it by adjusting the wheels and lubricating. If your door is old, it might be time to think about a replacement. Before reassembling the track lay a piece of cloth on the floor and take off the two plugs covering the roller adjustment screws at the bottom of the frame. To retract the rollers, place a screwdriver into each hole and turn it counterclockwise. This will give you enough room to remove the door from the sawhorses, and put it back on the 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 holding the door handle to the strike plate. However, be careful not to tighten too much, as this can harm the mechanism within and result in the handle not to longer function properly.
When a sliding patio doors becomes difficult to slide, it is usually caused by debris clogging the rollers. Dirt, hair, and other debris are often stuck in the tracks which makes the door stop smoothly sliding. To ensure smooth operation, begin by cleaning the rollers.
A typical issue is when your sliding patio door lock no longer works. This could be due to the lock being misaligned or having a broken handle. The easiest solution is to replace the lock mechanism, or realign the door handle.
A screen door that won’t close or unlock isn't an enjoyable experience. A defective screen could be dangerous. If the screen isn't properly aligned with the door frame, it will rub against the frames and result in wear and tear on both the screen as well as the door. If your screen doesn't work properly, the solution is quite simple. Check whether the latching bar still in place. If it is not in place, remove it and replace it with the replacement. Once you've replaced your latching rod, reinstall the screen and make sure the hinges are in place. Attach screws to the holes in the frame for a neat appearance.
Faulty weatherstripping
The weather stripping seals the gap between your frame and door, which helps to prevent drafts and cold as well as insects. It's time to replace it if it is cracked, discoloured or hardened. It's generally not difficult to do. Some people just replace the worn part, but it's more straightforward to replace the entire thing.
First, check that the gap isn't near the seat point at which the weather strip was attached to the frame. If it is, you'll have to reseal the weather strip to the frame using the weather strip adhesive.
Next, check the entire length of your weather strip. Utilize a dollar bill to verify if the weather strip is sealed. Just place the bill part of the way across the seal and close the door to see if it easily pulls away from the flange made of metal of the weather strip. If it's easy to do you're ready to replace it.
It is also possible to lubricate your run channel (the groove of rubber and felt that runs vertically along both sides of your door) to help prevent the build-up of ice in winter. You can buy a spray lubricant from your local hardware store that works, but be sure not to splash any on your glass.
Another great solution is to apply a thin layer of sand beneath your door before the snow begins to fall, which will keep it from sticking as salt does. It is not advisable to leave sand at the bottom of your door because it will damage the rubber and concrete of the weather strip.
Damaged Glass
Many circumstances can result in the glass of a sliding patio being cracked or shattered. If your patio door glass is damaged by a bump, bump or other incident, it is vital to replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your home is adequately insulated and sealed.
Over time, sliding doors become prone to damage due to frequent use and exposure elements. Doors that aren't functioning properly could be caused by rusty rollers, damaged handles and bent tracks. Sliding patio door repair specialists are able to pinpoint the cause of the problem and fix any issues or replacements.
In addition to obvious damage, a damaged patio door could also impact your energy bills. A gap between the frame of the patio door and the glass can cause drafts and temperature differences. This can be costly in the summer and winter when you must pay for heating or cool your home.
You can fix a damaged panel of your sliding patio without having to remove the entire door. In certain situations it is the best option for you if you are looking to get your door up and running as soon as possible. Continued if you are replacing the glass or the frame, it is crucial to have the necessary tools available so that the job can be completed quickly and safely. These include gloves as well as a small bar or hammer, putty knife, tape, measuring tape, and replacement glass. DIY Door Store has all of these materials available to easily and inexpensively repair your own damaged sliding patio door.
Frame that is damaged or loose.
Sliding patio doors are designed to ease access to the outdoors and indoors, and also allow for natural flow of traffic. Like any other home appliance, sliding patio doors are susceptible to wear and tear that can hinder their function. While some damages may be simple to repair yourself, others require professional assistance to ensure your door is in optimal condition.
If you see visible indications of damage such as scratches and dents It's likely time to replace your sliding door. These damages do not just diminish the aesthetics of your patio doors, but they also affect energy efficiency and security.
Misaligned track or rollers are common problems that cause your sliding door to stop functioning properly. This is usually due to debris or dirt accumulation on the track and is usually fixed by using a pair of pliers to straighten out the rails.
Regularly cleaning the tracks and rollers on your sliding patio doors is essential. Dirt can cause them to become stiff or stymied, which can stop them from moving smoothly. Using a hand brush or vacuum, or spray-down using a jet wash will help to clear away any obstructions. The addition of a silicone-based lubricant your tracks can also aid in smooth operation and help prevent premature wear.
Over time, slamming your patio door could cause severe damage to the frame and the glass panel. This can result in damaged or loose frames, bent tracks and a handle that is difficult to open and close. Screen doors that slide open are generally more susceptible to this kind of damage, as the frames are generally less robust than those on glass sliding doors. If you've got a damaged screen door frame, it can be repaired by resealing the frame with silicone lubricant and applying a new sealant around the glass's perimeter.
