How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door
A variety of issues can cause difficulties in operating sliding patio doors. Luckily, most of these issues can be fixed easily.
Cleaning your patio door sliding will fix it the easiest. You'll want to use a brush and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. Then, you can apply lubrication to the tracks to enhance their performance.
1. Tracks that are dirty or damaged Tracks
Dirt and debris in the track are the primary cause of a sticky patio door. Pine straw, bird droppings and salt, sand, winter roads and other nasty things can clog up the track. It is essential to regularly clean and lubricate your sliding doors.
Start by putting on some rubber gloves and a pair of safety goggles to protect your eyes. Make RepairMyWindowsAndDoors of a shop vacuum or a brush to remove any gunk that is loose. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar into spray bottles. Spray a small coating of the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the track and sill. Rinse and dry the area using paper towels. This will prevent scratching and further damage to the track and sill.
After the tracks have been cleaned, use a toothbrush to scrub the areas that are stuck. You can also sand off rough spots on the bottom track, and then re-lubricate your rollers to restore smooth operation.
Another reason for a sticky door is a misaligned roller, which can also be remedied by adjusting the height and positioning of the rollers. If you are replacing the weather stripping, it's a great idea to do it to ensure a snug fitting and increase energy efficiency.
Leaking tracks can be an issue that can cause to structural damage and mold growth within your home. It is possible to fix the problem yourself if the leak is contained to a specific section of the track. Simply seal the joint. If however, the issue is extensive, it's best to contact a professional to repair the patio door.
2. Broken or Torn Screen
A patio door that isn't designed for adequate airflow could make your home feel uncomfortable and uncomfortable. It could also be a perfect entry point for mosquitoes and pests. It is important to call an expert when you spot an unfinished screen or fog in between the glass panes.
If you have an old screen that is hanging on your patio door, it is simple to replace it with a brand new screen. You can find screen material in pre-measured roll sizes that will be able to fit the majority of door sizes. You can also purchase a complete screen repair kits that include the screen, spline and roller in one package.
Installing a new screen begins by laying the new material on a firm surface. Then, using your scissors, cut it into lengths to the point that about an inch or two of the screen covers on each side of the frame. Then, take the old spline as well as any screen that is left over from the window frame with your utility knife.
Now you can lay out the new screen spline starting at the bottom-left corner of the frame. Start by moving it to the edges. Once the spline is in place, run your screen rolling tool across it several times to push it tightly into the groove of the frame. Trim any excess screen and spline it with your utility knife, making sure not to cut the interior of the frame. Check the spline and see if there are any distortions or ripples. Adjust the screen if needed.
3. Leaking Seals
If you notice water pooling around the patio door or becoming stuck between the glass panes, it's a sure indication that your seals and frames are deteriorating. This can lead mold and decay, and higher energy bills due to air leakage and drafts.
Caulking and flashing that is not properly installed could result in leaky seals. It is crucial to employ an experienced professional who will install patio doors and ensure that the frame is properly caulked and flashed.
In addition to installing the flashing, you'll also want to make sure that any gaps or cracks are sealed with caulking that's approved for use in the specific weather conditions. For example, if you live in a humid area such as Ontario you'll need to choose a caulking that is resistant to moisture.
The shims that are placed under the door frame can also cause leaks. They are usually made of wood and are used to keep the sheathing in line with the framing. However, if they're not set up properly, they could create an opening that allows moisture to enter your home.
Spraying the frame using a garden nozzle or hose is an excellent way to test seals. If you see an airborne mist escaping these areas, contact an expert who will come and take a closer examination of the installation. It's possible to add a few caulks or replace the shims. Whatever the case, addressing these issues quickly will prevent costly repairs and damage down the road. It is always better to repair your frame or patio door before it's too late to put off the repair.
4. Warped Frame
When wood is exposed to outside factors, like a change in humidity, it will 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 failure. This is especially the case for doors that divide garages and basements that are damp from living spaces.
A few minor repairs are able to generally correct a frame that is warped. Start by examining the frame to make sure that all the bolts and screws have been tightened and secured. Replace any loose or missing screws. Then, you can replace the hinge screws with larger ones that are at least 2 inches long. This will allow the screw to pierce the wall framing instead of the door jamb and pull the frame back in place.
You could also put in shims. These are thin pieces that can be placed on top of the hinges. This will allow you to fine-tune how the frame is set. Shims can aid in supporting the frame and spread the weight evenly over larger areas that will stop the frame from becoming damaged over time.
For more severe frame warps, you might want to think about hiring a professional to repair. A professional will examine the frame thoroughly to determine the severity and offer a complete solution. They can also add additional bracing to strengthen the frame and help to keep it from sagging in the future. In the majority of cases this is a much more cost-effective and durable solution than buying new patio door components. If the frame has significantly warped, you may require replacing the entire jamb of the door, not just the actual door.
5. Cosmetic Damage
Over time, patio doors will endure a significant amount of wear and wear and. Surface damage can cause your doors to look less than desirable and impact the aesthetic of your home. The good news is that the majority of cosmetic damage is easily repaired with bonding fillers or paint. If the door has large 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 with time. This can result in gaps that allow air from outside to infiltrate your home and increase energy bills. A professional door repair specialist can install new weatherstripping in order to decrease energy loss and increase insulation.
Moisture on the exterior of your door is never good news However, patio doors are particularly vulnerable to it. This moisture can cause wood rot, which is costly and difficult to fix. The best way to protect your home is to have any leaks immediately replaced by a certified professional.
Over time the patio door may be misaligned as a result of regular use or foundation changes. This can cause the patio doors to jam, or make it difficult to open and close. A technician for door repair can adjust the hinges and tracks to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn-out hinges and rollers to restore proper functionality.