How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door
Sliding patio doors can become difficult to operate due to a variety of issues. Fortunately, the majority of these problems are easily solved.
The easiest way to fix your sliding patio door is by cleaning it. You'll want to use the brush and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. Next you can apply lubrication to improve their movement.
1. Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks
One of the main 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 works. It is important to regularly lubricate and scrub your sliding doors.
Put on some rubber goggles and gloves to protect your eyes. Then vacuum the tracks with the help of a shop vac or a brush to remove loose gunk. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar into spray bottles. Spray a small amount of the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the track and sill. Rinse and dry the area using paper towels. This will stop scratching and further damage to the sill and track.
After the tracks have been cleaned using a toothbrush, scrub the more stubborn areas that are stuck. You can also sand rough spots on the bottom tracks and then apply lubrication to the wheels to ensure smooth operation.
Another reason for a sticky door is the misalignment of the rollers and can be remedied by adjusting the height and positioning of the rollers. It's a good idea to replace the weather stripping around the door whenever you do this to ensure a snug fit and increase the efficiency of your energy.
Leaking tracks are also an issue that could lead to structural damage and mold growth in your home. If the leak is restricted to one section of the track, you may be able fix it yourself by sealing the joint. If the issue is extensive, it's best to call in an expert to fix the patio door.
2. Broken or Torn Screen
A patio door that isn't designed for a good air flow can make your home feel stale and uncomfortable. It can also be a welcome entryway for mosquitoes and pests. It is important to call a professional when you spot a broken screen or fog in between the glass panes.
If you have an old screen on your patio door, it is easy to replace it with a new one. You can find screen material in pre-measured rolls that will be able to fit the majority of door sizes. You can also buy a complete screen repair kit that includes the screen, spline, and roller in one package.
For the installation of the new screen, start by finding a solid surface to work from and then lay out your replacement material on it. Then use your scissors to cut the screen to length to ensure that an inch or two of the screen covers on both sides of the frame. Then, using your utility blade remove the old spline, as well any screen that is not needed.
You can now lay the new screen spline, starting at the lower left corner of the frame. Work your way around to the perimeter. After the spline is placed, use your screen rolling tool to push it into the groove. Then trim any excess screen and spline with your utility knife, making sure not to cut through the inside of the frame. Also, check the spline for any distortions or ripples and adjust the screen as necessary.
3. Leaking Seals
If you notice water building up around the patio door or getting trapped between the glass panes, it's a clear sign that your seals and frames are deteriorating in their quality. patio door repair RepairMyWindowsAndDoors can lead mold and decay, as well as increased energy bills because of air leakage and drafts.
Leaking seals are usually caused by poorly installed flashing or caulking. To stop this from happening, it's important to work with an experienced professional who has expertise installing patio doors and will make sure that the frame is properly caulked and flashed.
You'll want to seal any cracks or gaps using caulking rated for your particular kind of weather. For instance, if you reside in a humid climate like Ontario it is important to select a caulking option that is resistant to moisture.
The shims which are put beneath the door frame could also cause leaks. They are usually made of wood and help to keep the sheathing even with the framing, but when they're not installed correctly, they can cause an opening that allows moisture into your home.
Spraying the frame with a garden nozzle or hose is an excellent way to test the seals. If you notice a mist coming through these areas, you should contact a professional who can visit and conduct a more thorough inspection of the installation. It's possible that additional caulking is all needed, or perhaps the shims require to be replaced. In either case, fixing the issue promptly will help avoid the possibility of further damage and costly repairs. It'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
When wood is exposed to external forces like a fluctuation in humidity, it can absorb and lose moisture, which can cause the frame to warp. A sagging frame could make it difficult to operate the door and ultimately cause damage or failure. This is particularly relevant for doors that separate garages and basements with damp living areas.
A damaged frame can be fixed with some minor repairs. Begin by inspecting the frame to ensure that all of the bolts and screws are secure and tight. Replace any missing or loose screws. Then, replace the hinge screws with longer ones that are at least 2 inches long. This will allow the screw to get into the wall framing rather than the door jamb, and pull the frame back into position.
You can also add shims. These are thin pieces that can be placed in front of the hinges. This allows you to adjust the way that the frame is placed. Shims will help support the frame and spread the weight evenly across a larger area. This will prevent the frame from getting more warped with time.
You might consider hiring a professional to repair more severe frame warps. A professional can conduct an exhaustive examination to determine the severity of the problem and offer a complete repair solution. They can also put in additional bracing to reinforce the frame and help keep it from sagging in the future. In the majority of instances this is a much more durable and cost-effective solution than simply buying new patio door components. If the frame is badly damaged, you may have to replace the entire jamb of the door instead of just the actual door.
5. Cosmetic Damage
Over time, your patio doors can experience many wear and wear and tear. Surface damage can make your doors look less than desirable and impact the look of your home. The good news is that most cosmetic damage can be corrected with the help of bonding fillers as well as paint. If the door has huge cracks or dents it is recommended to replace it rather than trying to repair it.
Similar to the seal around windows, doors' weatherstripping could become less effective as time passes. This can result in gaps that allow air from outside to get into your home, causing an increase in the cost of energy. A professional door repair specialist can install new weatherstripping in order to reduce energy loss and increase insulation.
Moisture on the exterior of doors is always a bad thing however it can be particularly risky when it comes to your patio doors. This moisture can cause wood rot, which is costly and difficult to repair. Water leaks should be repaired immediately by a professional.
A patio door may be misaligned with time due to foundation changes or the normal use. This could cause the doors to jam or become difficult to open and close. A door repair technician can realign the hinges and tracks to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn-out hinges and rollers to ensure proper functioning.