How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door
Many issues can cause difficulties in operating sliding patio doors. Fortunately, the majority of these issues are easily solved.
The most efficient method to repair your sliding patio door is to clean it. You'll want to use the brush and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. You can then lubricate the tracks to enhance their performance.
1. Dirty or damaged tracks
Dirt and debris in the track are the primary reason for a sticky patio door. Pine straw, bird droppings and salt, sand, winter roads and other things can cause a blockage in the track. This is why it's essential to scrub and lubricate your sliding doors on a regular basis.
Begin by putting on rubber gloves and a pair of safety glasses to shield your eyes. Clean the tracks using an air vac or brushes to get rid of loose gunk. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray a small amount the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the track. Rinse the area, and 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 in order to restore smooth operation.
A door that is not aligned properly could be the result of misaligned rollers. This can be fixed by altering the rollers' height and positioning. It is a good idea to replace the weather stripping on the door whenever you do this to ensure a snug fit and increase the efficiency of your energy.
Leaking tracks can also be an issue that could lead to mold growth and structural damage within your home. You may be able repair the issue on your own in the event that the leak is limited to a small portion of the track. Simply re-seal the joint. If the problem is widespread, you should call a professional to fix the patio door.
2. Broken or Torn Screen
If your patio door doesn't allow airflow, it could make your home feel uncomfortable and uncomfortable. It can also create a welcoming entryway for pests like mosquitoes and flies. If you've damaged a screen or notice fog building up between the panes glass it's a good idea to seek professional assistance as soon as you can.
If you have a standard sliding patio door, the most straightforward solution is to replace the screen with a brand new one. You can buy screen material in rolls that are 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 package.
Installing a new screen begins by laying the new material on a solid surface. Use your scissors to cut the screen to the length you want and make sure it covers the frame on both sides by about an inch. Then with your utility blade remove the old spline, as well as any excess screen.
Now you can put down the new screen spline starting at the bottom left corner the frame, and work towards the edges. Once the spline has been placed, use your screen rolling tool to push it into the groove. Cut off any excess screen and spline it with your utility knife, taking care not to cut through the interior of the window frame. Check the spline and see if there are any distortions or ripples. Adjust the screen if necessary.
3. Seals that leak
If you notice water getting trapped or pooling between the glass panes of your patio door, this is an indication that the frame and seals have lost their strength. This can lead mold and rot, as well as increased energy bills because of drafts and air leakage.
Leaking seals are usually caused by poorly installed caulking or flashing. It is important to hire an experienced professional who will install patio doors and ensure that the frame is properly caulked and flashed.
In addition to ensuring that you install the flashing, you'll be sure that any cracks or gaps are sealed with caulking that is suitable for your specific type of weather conditions. If you live in an area with humid climates, such as Ontario or the province of Ontario, you'll want to select a caulking product that can stand up to humidity.
The shims which are put under the door frame can also cause leaks. They are typically made from wood and keep the sheathing at a level with the framing. However in the event that they aren't installed correctly, they could create a gap which allows moisture to enter your home.
One way to test the seals by spraying the frame with the help of a garden nozzle or hose. If you notice a mist coming in through these areas, it's time to call a professional to come take a closer look at the installation. It's possible that you only need to apply a bit of caulking or replace the shims. In any case solving these issues as quickly as possible can prevent costly repairs and further damage later on. It is always better to repair your patio door or frame before it's too late than to put off repairs.
4. Warped Frame
When wood is exposed to outside forces like a fluctuation in humidity, it may absorb and lose moisture, which can cause the frame to become warped. If a frame is sagging it makes the door more difficult to operate and eventually lead to damage or complete failure. This is especially relevant for doors that separate garages and basements with damp living spaces.
A few minor repairs are able to typically correct a warped frame. Start by examining the frame to make sure that all of the screws and bolts are secure and tight. Replace any missing or loose screws. Next, try replacing the hinge screws with larger ones that are 2 or more inches long. This allows the screw bite into the wall framing, not the door jamb, which will pull the frame back in place.
You can also add shims, which are tiny pieces of wood that can be placed behind the hinges to fine-tune the frame's position. Shims can help to support the frame and spread the weight evenly over a wider area that will stop the frame from becoming stretched over time.
For more severe frame warps, you may want to consider hiring a professional for repair. A professional will examine the frame in depth to determine the extent of the problem and offer a complete solution. patio door repairs near me can also install bracing to strengthen the frame to stop it from sagging. This is typically a more durable and cost-effective solution than buying new patio door components. If the frame is severely damaged, you might need to replace the entire jamb of the door instead of just the actual door.
5. Cosmetic Damage
Over time, patio doors can endure a significant amount of wear and tear. Surface damage can cause your doors to look less than appealing and can affect the appearance of your home. The good news is that most cosmetic damage can easily be repaired with bonding fillers or paint. However should the door have significant cracks or dents it is recommended to replace it instead of trying to repair it.
Weatherstripping on doors can lose its effectiveness with time, just like the seal around windows. This can create gaps that allow air from outside to get into your home, which can lead to higher energy costs. A door repair professional can install new weatherstripping to decrease energy loss and improve insulation.
Moisture around the exterior of a door is always bad news however, it's particularly dangerous when it comes to your patio doors. The moisture could cause wood rot that is costly and difficult to repair. Water leaks should be addressed immediately by a professional.
Over time the patio door may be misaligned due to regular use or foundation changes. This can cause the patio doors to jam, or make it difficult to open and close. Technicians can adjust tracks and hinges to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn-out hinges and rollers to restore functionality.
