How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door
Patio doors that slide can become difficult to operate due to a range of problems. The majority of these issues are fixable.
Cleaning your sliding patio door is the simplest way to fix it. Use a brush along with some soapy water to wash the tracks. You can then lubricate the tracks to improve their performance.
1. Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks
Dirt and debris in the track are the primary reason for a sticky patio door. Bird droppings, pine straw and salt, sand, winter roads and other things can cause a blockage in the track. It is important to clean and lubricate your sliding doors.
Put on a pair of rubber gloves and goggles to protect your eyes. Utilize a shop vacuum cleaner or a brush to remove any loose gunk. Mix equal parts of white vinegar into spray bottles. Spray a small amount of the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the track and sill. Rinse the area dry it off with paper towels to avoid scratching or further damaging the sill and track.
After the tracks have been cleaned then use a toothbrush to scrub the areas that are stuck. You can also sand rough spots on the bottom tracks and then relubricate the wheels to restore smooth operation.
A door that is not aligned properly could be caused by rollers that are not aligned properly. This can be corrected by changing the rollers' height as well as their position. It's a good idea replace the weather stripping that surrounds the door after doing this to ensure a secure fit and increase energy efficiency.
Leaking tracks are also a serious issue that can cause mold growth and structural damage in your home. If the leak is confined to one section of the track, you might be able fix it yourself by re-sealing the joint. If the problem is widespread it is best to call an expert to repair the patio door.
2. Broken or Torn Screen
If your patio door does not allow airflow, it could make your house feel stuffy and uncomfortable. It could also be a perfect entry point for pests like mosquitoes and flies. It is recommended to contact a professional when you spot the screen is damaged or there is a fog that has formed between the glass panes.
If you have an old screen on your patio door, it's easiest to replace it with a new screen. You can purchase screen material in rolls that have been pre-measured to fit most doors of standard sizes. You can also purchase full screen repair kit that includes the screen, spline, and roller in one box.
To put up the new screen, begin by finding a solid surface that you can work on and laying out your replacement material across it. Then, use your scissors to cut the screen to length so that about an inch or two of the screen overlaps on each side of the frame. Next, remove the old spline as well as any screen that's left from the window frame using your utility knife.
Now you can lay the new screen spline, starting at the bottom left corner the frame and working through the entire perimeter. Once the spline has been put in place, run your screen rolling tool over it several times, pushing it into the groove of the frame. Cut off any excess screen and spline it with your utility knife, taking care not to cut the interior of the window frame. Check the spline to see whether there are any distortions or ripples. Adjust the screen if necessary.
3. Seals that leak
If you notice that water is pooling around the patio door or getting trapped between the glass panes, it's an obvious indication that your frame and seals are deteriorating in their quality. This can lead to mold and rot as well as increased energy costs due to air leakage and drafts.
Leaking patio door lock repairs near me can be caused by improperly installed caulking or flashing. It is important to hire an experienced professional who can install patio doors and ensure that the frame is properly caulked and flashed.
You'll need to fill any cracks or gaps with caulking rated for your particular kind of weather. For example, if you live in a humid climate such as Ontario you'll need to select a caulking option that is resistant to moisture.
The shims which are put under the door frame may also cause leaks. They are typically made from wood and help keep the sheathing at a level with the framing. But when they aren't installed correctly, they can create a gap that allows moisture to enter your home.
One way to test your seals is by spraying the frame using an hose or garden nozzle. If you see a mist coming through these areas, you should contact an expert who will come in and conduct a thorough inspection of the frame. It's possible to add a little caulking or replace the shims. In any case, addressing these issues quickly will avoid costly repairs and damages down the road. It is always better to fix your patio door or frame before it's too late to wait.
4. Warped Frame
When wood is exposed to external forces like a fluctuation in humidity, it may absorb and lose moisture, which can cause the frame to warp. A sagging frame could make it difficult to operate the door and eventually cause damage or even failure. This is especially relevant for doors that separate garages and basements that are damp from living areas.
A few minor repairs are able to typically correct a warped frame. Begin by checking the frame to make sure that all bolts and screws have been tightened and secured. Replace any screws that are loose or missing. Replace the hinge screws by longer ones, preferably 2 inches or more. This will allow the screw to pierce the wall framing instead of the door jamb, and pull the frame back into the right place.
You can also try adding shims, which are tiny pieces of wood that can be put behind the hinges to adjust the frame's position. Shims can aid in supporting the frame and distribute the weight evenly across larger areas and prevent the frame from becoming more stretched over time.
You might consider hiring an expert to repair serious frame warps. A professional can conduct an exhaustive inspection to determine the extent of the issue and offer a comprehensive repair solution. They can also install bracing to strengthen the frame and prevent it from sagging. This is usually the most durable and cost-effective option than purchasing new patio door components. If the frame is severely warped, it may be necessary to replace the entire door jamb instead of just the door itself.
5. Cosmetic Damage
Over time, patio doors can be subject to a lot of wear and tear. Surface damage can make your doors appear less appealing and can affect the appearance of your home. The good news: most cosmetic damage is easily repaired using bonding fillers or paint. If the door has large cracks or dents it is recommended to replace it instead of trying to repair it.
Like the seals around windows, doors' weatherstripping may be less effective over time. This can cause gaps that let air from outside get into your home, causing an increase in energy bills. A professional door repair can install new weatherstripping to decrease energy loss and improve insulation.
Moisture on the outside of your door is never good news however patio doors are especially vulnerable to it. This moisture can lead to wood rot which is expensive and difficult to repair. Water leaks should be addressed immediately by a professional.
Over time the patio door may be misaligned as a result of regular use or foundation changes. This could cause doors to jam or become difficult to open and close. A technician for door repair can realign the tracks and hinges to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn out hinges and rollers to ensure proper functioning.