How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door
A variety of issues can cause difficulties in operating sliding patio doors. Most of these problems are fixable.
Cleaning your sliding patio door will make it easier to fix it. You'll want to use brushes and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. After that, you can lubricate them to improve their movement.
1. Dirty or Damaged Tracks
One of the most common causes of a sticky or squeaky patio door is dirt and debris in the track. Sand and salt from winter roads, pine straw and bird droppings, pet hair, and other nastiness can gum up the process. This is the reason it's crucial to clean and lubricate your sliding doors regularly.
Put on a pair of rubber gloves and goggles to shield your eyes. Make use of a shop vacuum or a brush to clean any gunk that has escaped. Next, mix equal parts water and white vinegar in spray bottles. Spray a small amount of the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the track and sill. Rinse the area then dry it with paper towels to avoid scratching and harming the track and sill.
When the tracks are clean you can take a toothbrush and get in there to scrub the more difficult areas that are stuck. You can also sand down rough spots on the bottom track, and then re-lubricate the rollers to restore smooth operation.
A misaligned door can also be caused by rollers that are not aligned properly. This can be fixed by altering the rollers' height as well as their position. When you replace the weather stripping, it's a good idea to do it to ensure that it fits snugly and improve energy efficiency.
Leaks from the track are an issue that could lead to mold growth and structural damage to your home. You may be able repair the issue on your own if the leak is contained to a specific section of the track. Simply replace the joint. If however, the issue is widespread, it's recommended to call in a professional to repair the patio door.
2. Broken or Torn Screen
A patio door that doesn't allow for a good air flow can make your home feel stuffy and uncomfortable. It can also be a perfect entry point for pests and mosquitoes. If you have a torn screen or notice that fog is building up between the panes glass It's best to call in professional help as soon as possible.
If you have a standard sliding patio door, the most straightforward solution is to replace the screen with a new one. Screen material is available in pre-measured rolls that should fit most common door sizes. It's also available as complete screen repair kits that contain the screen, spline and roller all in one package.
To put up the new screen, start by locating a flat surface you can work from and then lay out your replacement material across it. Use your scissors to cut the screen to the length you want in a way that it is able to overlap the frame on both sides by around an inch. Next, remove the old spline along with any screen that's left from the window frame using your utility knife.
It is now possible to lay the new screen spline, starting at the bottom-left corner of the frame. Then, work your way up to the edges. Once the spline is in place, run your screen rolling tool over it several times, pushing it in the groove of the frame. Trim any excess screen and spline it with your utility knife, taking care not to cut into the inside of the window frame. Check the spline to see if there are any ripples or distortions. Adjust the screen if necessary.
3. Leaking Seals
If you notice that water is getting trapped or pooling between the glass panes of your patio door, it is an indication that the seals and frame have lost their strength. This can lead to rot and mold, not to mention increased energy bills due to air leakage and drafts.
Leaking seals are usually caused by improperly installed flashing or caulking. It is important to hire an experienced professional who can install patio doors and make sure that the frame is properly caulked and flashed.
You'll want to seal any cracks or gaps with caulking that is designed for your specific kind of weather. If you reside in an area with humid climates, such as Ontario, then you will be looking for caulking products that are able to be able to withstand the effects of the elements of moisture.
The shims which are put under the door frame can also cause leaks. These are usually made of wood and keep the sheathing in line with the framing. But in the event that they aren't properly installed, they may cause a gap, which could allow moisture to get into your home.
Spraying the frame using a garden nozzle or hose is a good way to test the seals. If you notice an airborne mist escaping these areas, call an expert to come and take a closer examination of the installation. It's possible that a little more caulking is all that's required, or the shims have to be replaced. Either way, addressing these issues quickly will avoid costly repairs and damages down the road. patio door repair near me 's always better to take the initiative in fixing your patio door and frame rather than wait until it's too late!
4. Warped Frame
If wood is exposed to external forces, such as a change of humidity, it could absorb or lose moisture which could cause warping. A sagging frame can make it difficult to operate the door and eventually cause damage or failure. This is particularly true for doors that separate garages and basements that are damp from living areas.
A few minor repairs can generally correct a frame that is warped. Begin by inspecting the frame to make sure that all bolts and screws are tight and secure. Replace any loose or missing screws. Then, replace hinge screws with longer ones that are at least 2 inches long. This will allow the screw to bite the wall framing instead of the door jamb and pull the frame back into the right place.
You could also put in shims. They are small pieces that can be put on top of the hinges. This will allow you to tweak how the frame is positioned. Shims can assist in supporting the frame and spread the weight evenly over larger areas and prevent the frame from becoming more warped over time.
For more severe frame warps you might want to think about hiring a professional for repair. A professional will examine the frame thoroughly to determine the extent of the problem and offer a comprehensive solution. They can also install bracing to strengthen the frame to prevent it from sagging. In the majority of cases this is a much more affordable and durable option than simply purchasing new patio door components. If the frame has significantly warped, you may require replacing the entire jamb of the door instead of just the actual door.
5. Cosmetic Damage
Over time, patio doors can show the effects of wear and tear. Damage to the surface can cause your doors to look less than desirable and impact the look of your home. The good news: most cosmetic damage can easily be repaired using bonding fillers or paint. However should the door have significant dents or cracks it is recommended to replace it instead of trying to repair it.
Similar to the seal around windows, a door's weatherstripping may become less effective over time. This can cause gaps that allow air from outside to get into your home, causing an increase in the cost of energy. A professional door repair service can install new weatherstripping to reduce energy loss and increase insulation.
Moisture on the exterior of your door is not good news However, patio doors are particularly susceptible to it. The moisture could cause wood rot, which is costly and difficult to repair. The best method to protect your home is to have any water leaks repaired immediately by a professional trained to do so.
Over time, a patio door can be misaligned as a result of regular use or foundation changes. This can cause patio doors to become jammed, or make it difficult to open and shut. A door repair technician can realign the tracks and hinges to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn-out hinges and rollers to restore proper functionality.