sliding patio doors repairs (
Bravejournal blog entry)
Your sliding glass patio doors help provide natural light and boost your home's energy efficiency. As time passes, they could start to show signs that need some maintenance.
The majority of problems with sliding patio doors are fairly simple to fix. Learn more about how you can keep your patio doors looking and operating like new:.
Dirty or damaged tracks
The tracks of your sliding patio door could be dirty or clogged. Over time, the dust and grime from daily use build up on the track and can cause the door to become jammed or even break down completely.
The buildup can be slowed by regular light cleaning of tracks and sliding doors in your routine chores. Begin by brushing or vacuuming any big debris from the tracks, and then wiping them down with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaning product, such as dish soap. Add a little vinegar to your cleaning product can also aid in the removal of stubborn grease and dirt staining.
If your sliding door not working smoothly after you've completed these steps, it could be a sign there is a more significant damage. This may require a professional to
repair patio door lock or replace the door. But, there are simple fixes you can try before calling the experts to prevent costly repairs or replacements.
It is important to put a doormat near the bottom of your sliding doors to help keep dirt out before it has a chance to reach the tracks. Regularly trim any plants or bushes that are in close proximity to your sliding door to reduce the amount of debris that gets tracked into the tracks. Finally, be sure to close the door properly so it doesn't crash into the tracks and damage the rollers and wheels. By keeping your doors clean and well-lubricated, you can prolong their lifespan significantly.
Rollers that are misaligned
Sometimes, a patio could be misaligned. Most often, this is due to dirt or other obstructions that can be easily fixed. However, it could also be due to a bent track or roller. In this instance you can straighten the rollers by taking them off by using the adjustment screws and then cleaning with the rubbing alcohol. These parts are often fragile.
If your doors are still sticking, you can lubricate the rollers. This will lessen friction and allow them to move more easily. It is recommended to apply a silicone-based lubricant because petroleum-based lubricants can attract dirt faster. It is also crucial to clean the tracks and rollers prior to applying lubricant.
After you've cleaned the rollers, you are able to reinstall them using the screws for adjustment. It's also a good idea to apply the same lubricant that you used when cleaning them. Be sure to push the rollers completely into their channels before reinstalling them. You can test your door now and see if it moves smoothly.
If the issue persists, it could be necessary to remove the door and check the tracks and rollers. If the tracks or wheels are bent badly, you may need to replace them. In such a scenario it's a good idea to get an expert to install the tracks.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass door are great for bringing outside into the room and letting natural light in but they could also be susceptible to damage that requires repair or replacement. Some of the most common problems that occur include cracking, warping and fade. Warping happens when the materials that make up your sliding glass patio door begin to degrade due to exposure to heat, sun and other environmental elements. The most common cause of cracking is impact damage such as the impact of a lawnmowers or ball hitting into the door. Fading is usually due to repeated exposure to sunlight as well as other elements.
If your sliding glass patio doors are difficult to open or close, it could be an indication that the tracks and rollers aren't working properly. This issue could be caused by accumulated dirt or rust in the track or wheels, or by a lack or lubrication. Cleaning the tracks and rollers clearing obstructions and applying silicone spray can help solve this issue.
The locking mechanism could be faulty and make it difficult to open or shut your sliding patio doors. It could be due to misalignment, wear and tear or a combination of both. To fix this, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustable screws on the bottom.
Drafts or air leaks that surround your sliding patio door are a common issue that can affect the efficiency of your home's energy usage. They are usually caused by damaged weather stripping and poor door alignment, which can be easily fixed by replacing the old weather stripping and re-aligning the doors.
Loose Handle
It can be quite frustrating when the handle of a sliding door becomes loose. It makes it difficult to open the door. The reason for this is an improperly aligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosening and tightening the screws that hold it in place.
Another common reason for a loose handle is that it is detached from the spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles. This is often caused by a variety of reasons, including excessive use, wear-and-tear or just general aging. If the issue isn't treated promptly, it could eventually result in the whole handle becoming loose and possibly falling off completely.
To solve this issue it is necessary to identify the screws that join the interior and exterior handles. These screws are usually hidden behind tabs of plastic which can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in certain instances) screwdriver. Keep these screws in a safe place to ensure they don't get lost.
After removing the handles the next step will be to remove the spindle. You can do this by pounding the end of the spindle with the hammer until it's removed from its position inside the door. The new handle can be installed by simply placing the spindle into the hole on the handle inside and placing the other end of the spindle through the hole in the exterior handle. Once the handle has been installed, tighten it by screwing back the screws. Then, test to ensure the lock and unlock mechanism functions correctly.
Poor weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that's cracked or worn can let air and water be able to seep into your patio door, causing damage to your home's comfort and energy efficiency. In addition to letting in moisture, it could create drafts and also increase your cooling or heating costs. It is good news that replacing damaged weatherstripping is a simple fix that doesn't require any assistance from a professional. You can take off the old weatherstripping by loosing the staples with the help of a screwdriver or by gently prying it with a putty blade and then pulling it away from the door. Then, you can wash the area and apply a new layer of weatherstripping. This is secured by a foam seal that helps ensure that there are no leaks and to increase comfort.
If your sliding
patio door lock repairs doors are no working as they should, it's crucial to take action immediately to avoid further damage and keep them functional for a long time to come. Depending on how severe the problem is, it's possible to choose a DIY solution or a professional
repair patio door lock/replacement might be the best choice.
The most common issues with sliding patio doors include dirty rollers due to debris in the tracks, misaligned wheels and a loose handle. These issues can usually be addressed through regular cleaning and maintenance, such as changing the track's lubricant and adjust and tightening the hardware. If these methods are not working, you should seek professional advice in order to make sure that your patio is working exactly as it should. Review the warranty information before you decide to repair or replace your patio door. This will save you money in the future for repairs and replacements.
