Sliding Patio Door Repair Tips From The Most Effective In The Business
Sliding Patio Door Repairs
A sliding patio is a great way to take advantage of your outdoor space and let more light in. However, if the door isn't gliding smoothly or appears dingy it could be a real hassle.
Fortunately, a majority of these issues can be resolved by a little DIY knowledge. Here are a few of the most common issues and their solutions.
Tracks that are dirty or damaged Tracks
Over time the sliding patio door's tracks may get clogged by dust, dirt and other debris. Adding a regular cleaning routine and lubrication will ensure that your door will move smoothly.
Cleaning the track is the first step. A dirty track may cause the door to snag or even make it impossible to open or shut. Begin by removing any debris that has fallen off using a brush. Use a brush that contains an appropriate cleaning solution to get rid of any visible grime. Make sure to get into the nooks and crannies and also any areas where the door meets the frame.
After you've scrubbed it, rinse the track using a hose or bucket of clean water. Apply a lubricant from the store to stop rusting and displace water. Try sliding it backwards and forwards to see if it can move it freely.
If your door continues to stick, it could be that the rollers are damaged or misaligned. This can also cause the door to move slower. In most instances, you can correct this by readjusting the wheels and then lubricating them. If your door is old, however it could be the right time to consider a new replacement. Before reassembling track, lay down a dropcloth on the floor. Remove the two plugs that cover the roller adjustment screws found at the bottom of frame. Insert a screwdriver in each hole and turn them counterclockwise to retract the rollers. This will allow you the space you need to remove the door and place it on sawhorses.
Faulty Handle
In time, the handle on your sliding door may loosen from the strike plate it rests on. The good news is that a loose handle can be fixed easily. Use a screwdriver and tighten the screws holding the door handle in place to the strike plate. Be careful not to over-tighten as this can damage the inner mechanism and cause the handle to no longer function properly.
The issue with sliding patio doors that is difficult to slide is usually caused by debris that blocks the rollers. Dirt, hair and other particles are often stuck in the tracks which makes the door stop sliding smoothly. To promote smooth operation, start by cleaning the rollers.
A common problem is when the sliding patio door lock no longer is working. This could be because of the lock being misaligned or having a broken handle. The lock mechanism could be replaced or the handle re-aligned.
A screen door that doesn't close or unlock isn't a pleasant experience. A damaged screen door could also be dangerous. If the screen isn't properly aligned with the door frame it will rub against the frames and cause wear and tear on both the screen and the door. The solution to screen that isn't functioning properly is pretty easy. Verify that the latching bar is still in place. If not, take it out and replace it with a new one. After you've replaced the rod that latches, put it back on the screen and make sure the hinges are set properly. Add screw covers to the holes of the frame to give it a finished appearance.
Poor weatherstripping
The weather stripping on your door and frame will help to seal the gap, keeping out cold air, drafts and insects. It's time to replace it if it is damaged, cracked, or hardened. This is usually pretty easy to do. Some people replace only the worn part, but it's much easier to replace the entire item.
First, make sure that the gap is not near the seat point at which the weather strip has been placed on the frame. If it is, you'll need to reattach it to the frame using weather strip adhesive.
Next, check the entire length of your weather strip. Find a tear, rip or crack which could be allowing cold air through, then make use of your dollar bill to test whether the weather strip has a positive seal. Simply place the bill part towards the seal and close the door to check whether it is able to pull away from the flange of metal of the weather strip. If it is easy to remove, it is time to replace the weather strip.
You may also have to lubricate your run channel (the groove made of rubber and felt that runs vertically on both sides of your door) to stop the accumulation of ice during winter. You can buy a spray lubricant from your local hardware store that works however be careful not to get any on your glass.
Another great solution is to apply a thin layer of sand beneath your door prior to the snow begins to fall to prevent it from sticking as salt would. Be sure to not leave any sand in the bottom of the door, however, as it can cause damage to the rubber and concrete of the weather strip over time.
Damaged Glass
Many circumstances can result in a sliding patio glass being damaged or broken. Whether it's from an accident or a bump, if the glass on your patio door is damaged, it's important to replace it promptly to ensure that your home is sealed and well-insulated.
Over time, sliding doors are susceptible to damage from regular use and exposure to elements. The rusting of the rollers, broken handles and bent tracks are just some of the problems that can result in a patio door not functioning correctly. Sliding patio door repair specialists are able to quickly identify the root of the issue and make any necessary repairs or replacements.
A damaged patio door could impact your energy costs in addition to the obvious damage. The presence of drafts and noticeable temperature variations around the patio door are typically indications that a gap is present between the frame and the glass. This can be costly both in the summer and winter when you have to pay to cool or heat your home.
patio door repairs near me can repair a damaged panel on your patio without having to remove the whole door. In certain instances it is the best choice if you're looking to get your door back up and running as soon as you can. It is important to have the right tools at hand for replacement, whether it's the frame or glass. This will ensure that the work is done safely and efficiently. This includes gloves and a small hammer or pry bar as well as a putty knife as well as a measuring tool and replacement glass. DIY Door Store has all of these tools available to easily and affordably fix your own broken sliding patio door.
Frames that are loose or damaged
Sliding patio doors are designed to facilitate an easy transition from indoor to outdoor and provide the natural flow. However, like any home appliance they're susceptible to wear and tear over time, which affects their functionality. While some issues are simple to repair by yourself but others require assistance from a professional to ensure your door stays in top condition.
Signs of damage that are visible like scratches and dents are a sign that it's time for sliding door replacement. These damages do not just diminish the appearance of your patio doors but they also affect energy efficiency and security.
Rollers or tracks that are not aligned properly are common issues that cause your sliding door to not function properly. This usually happens due to dirt or debris accumulating on the track. It is possible to fix this by using pliers to straighten the rails.
Regularly cleaning the rollers and tracks on your sliding patio doors is essential. Dirt can cause them to become stiff or stymied, which can stop them from moving easily. By using a hand brush or vacuum, or a spray-down that includes a jet wash will aid in removing any obstructions. Add a silicone-based grease to your tracks to ensure smooth operation and to prevent premature wear.
Over time, slamming the door to the patio could cause severe damage to the frame as well as the glass panel. This can lead to a broken or loose frame bent tracks, a damaged handle that is difficult to open and close. Sliding screen door frames are usually less durable than glass sliding doors, which makes them more vulnerable to being damaged. If you do have damaged screen door frames it can be repaired by resealing the gap with silicone lubricant and applying new sealant around the perimeter of the glass.