Sliding patio doors repairs (click to find out more)

Your sliding glass patio doors bring natural light and improve your home's energy efficiency. However, over time they can show signs of wear and tear that will require some maintenance.

Most sliding patio door problems are fairly easy to repair. Find out how you can keep your sliding patio doors looking and functioning like new.

Tracks that are damaged or dirty

The tracks of your sliding patio door may be filthy or blocked. Over time, the dust and grime of everyday use build up on the track and can cause the door to become jammed or even collapse completely.

Including regular light cleaning of sliding patio door repairs near me doors and their tracks as part of your household chores can help to reduce the amount of accumulation. Start by brushing or vacuuming large pieces of debris off the tracks. Then, use warm water and non-abrasive cleansing products, such as dish soap, to clean them. Add a little vinegar to your cleaning product can also help remove stubborn dirt and grease stains.

If you notice that your sliding door doesn't move smoothly after completing these steps, it may be the sign of more severe damage and requires a professional repair or replacement. There are a few simple solutions you can try before calling in professionals to avoid expensive repairs or replacements.

It is essential to put a doormat on the bottom of your sliding doors in order to keep dirt out before it can get to the tracks. Regularly trim any plants or shrubs that are located near your sliding door to limit the amount of debris that is tracked into the tracks. Close the door in a timely manner to avoid damaging the rollers and wheels. You can prolong the life of your doors by keeping them clean and well-lubricated.

Misaligned Rollers

Sometimes, a patio can become misaligned. Usually, this is due to obstructions or dirt that can be easily removed. Sometimes it's due to bent tracks or a bent roller. In the latter scenario, you may be able to straighten the roller by removing them using the adjustment screws and cleaning them with rubbing alcohol. Be careful, as these parts can be delicate.

If your doors still stick then you could try applying lubrication to the rollers to decrease friction and allow them to slide. It is best to make use of a silicone-based lubricant since petroleum-based ones tend to attract dirt faster. It is also important to clean the tracks and rollers prior to applying lubricant.

After cleaning the rollers, you can put them back in place using the adjustment screws. It's recommended to use the same lubricant you used for cleaning them. When you reinstall the rollers, be sure to push them all the way into their channels. You can test your door now and see if it moves smoothly.

If the problem persists, it might be necessary to uninstall your door and examine the tracks and rollers for any other issues. If the tracks or wheels are badly bent, you may need to replace them. It's best to hire an expert to install the tracks or rollers in this scenario.

Warped Glass

Sliding glass door are great for bringing outside into a room and letting natural light in however, they can also be prone to damage that needs repair or replacement. Some of the most common problems that occur include warping, cracking and fading. Warping occurs when the materials that comprise your sliding glass patio door start to degrade due to heat, sun and other environmental factors. The most common cause of cracking is the impact of a collision, for example from a ball or lawn mower run-in, while fading usually occurs due to repeated contact with sunlight or other natural elements.

If your sliding glass patio doors are difficult to open or close it could be an indication that their rollers and tracks aren't working properly. This issue may result from accumulated dirt, rust or debris in the track, wheels that are not aligned or the lack of lubrication. This problem can be resolved by regularly cleaning the tracks, rollers and clearing obstructions.

The locking mechanism might be faulty which makes it difficult to open and close your sliding patio door glass repair doors. This could be caused by an issue with alignment or wear and tear but the solution is to adjust the locking mechanisms by turning the adjustment screws that are located in the bottom of the track.

Drafts or air leaks that occur around your sliding patio doors are a frequent problem that can drastically decrease their energy efficiency. They usually result from worn weather stripping and poor door alignment, which can be easily corrected by replacing the weather stripping and aligning the doors.

Loose Handle

When a sliding door's handle becomes loose, it could be quite annoying and make it difficult for people to open the door. The reason for this is a misaligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosing and tightening the screws that hold it in the correct position.

Another common reason for a loose handle is that it is detached from the spindle that connects it to the handles' exterior and interior. This is typically the result of a combination of factors, such as excessive use wear and tear or just general ageing. If the issue isn't addressed quickly, it could eventually lead to the entire handle becoming loose and eventually falling off completely.

To solve this issue, you should first find the screws that connect 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 some cases) screwdriver. Securely store these screws to avoid losing them.

After the handles have been removed, the next step is to take off the spindle that has become loose. This can be done by tapping the end with a mallet or hammer until it falls free from its position within the door. Then, the new handle can be put in place by simply putting the spindle into the hole on the interior handle and then putting the other end of the spindle into the hole in the exterior handle. Once the handle is installed, tighten it by screwing back the screws and then test to make sure the lock and unlock mechanism works properly.

Faulty weatherstripping

A damaged or cracked weatherstripping may let water and air get through your patio doors, which can compromise the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. It can let in moisture and create drafts, which can increase the cost of cooling and heating. It is good news that replacing damaged weatherstripping is an easy fix that doesn't require professional assistance. You can take off the old weatherstripping by loosening the staples with the help of a screwdriver or by gently prying it with the help of a putty blade, and then pulling it away from the door. Then, you can wash the area and apply a fresh layer of weatherstripping that is secured by a foam seal to prevent leaks and enhance the comfort.

If your sliding patio door isn't functioning as it should, you need to address the issue immediately to avoid further damage and to keep them functional for many years to be. Depending on the degree of the issue, DIY or professional repair/replacement may be the best choice.

Most sliding patio door problems are caused by dirty rollers, misaligned tracks, or an untidy handle. These issues can usually be solved by regular cleaning and maintenance including lubricating and adjusting the track, and tightening the hardware. If these steps aren't working, it's best consult a professional for advice to make sure that your patio sliding door repair near me door is working as it should. Before you decide to replace or repair your patio door, make certain to verify its warranty information to confirm that it is covered under the manufacturer's warranty. This will save you money in the long run on repairs and replacements.