How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door
A variety of problems can make it difficult to operate sliding patio doors. Most of these problems are easily fixable.
Cleaning your patio door sliding will fix it the easiest. You'll need a brush and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. Next, you can lubricate them to improve their movement.
1. Dirty or damaged tracks
Dirt and debris in the track are the main cause of sticky patio doors. Bird droppings, pine straw and salt, sand, winter roads and other things can cause a blockage in the track. It is essential to clean and lubricate your sliding doors.
Put on a pair of rubber gloves and goggles to protect your eyes. Then, vacuum the tracks with an air vac or a brush to remove loose gunk. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar into the spray bottle. Spray a small coating of the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the sill and track. Rinse the area and then dry it with paper towels to avoid scratching and harming the track and sill.
After the tracks have been cleaned then use a toothbrush to scrub the more difficult areas that are stuck. You can also sand rough spots on the bottom tracks. You can then relubricate the wheels to restore smooth operation.
Another reason for a squeaky door is the misalignment of the rollers, which can also be corrected by altering the height and positioning of the rollers. If you are replacing the weather stripping, it's a good idea to do it to ensure a snug fitting and improve energy efficiency.
Leaking tracks can also be a serious issue that can cause to structural damage and mold growth in your home. If the leak is restricted to one section of the track, you might be able fix it yourself by sealing the joint. If the issue is extensive, you should call a professional to fix the patio door.
2. Broken or Torn Screen
If your patio door doesn't allow for airflow, it will make your house feel stuffy and uncomfortable. It could also be a welcome entryway for mosquitoes and pests. If you have a torn screen or notice fog growing between the panes of glass, it's a good idea to contact a professional immediately.
If you have an old screen that is hanging on your patio door, it is easy to replace it with a new one. You can find screen material in pre-measured rolls that should be able to fit the majority of door sizes. It's also offered in complete screen repair kits that contain the screen, spline and roller all in one package.
The process of installing a new screen starts by laying the new material on a firm surface. Then, use your scissors to cut the screen to length to the point that about an inch or two of the screen overlaps on both sides of the frame. Then with your utility blade remove the old spline as well the excess screen.
Now you can lay the new screen spline, starting at the lower left corner of the frame and working your way around the perimeter. Once the spline is in place, run your screen rolling tool over it several times to push it tightly into the groove of the frame. Trim any excess spline and screen with your utility blade Be careful not to cut the inner frame of the window. Check the spline to see whether there are any ripples or distortions. Adjust the screen if necessary.
3. Leaking Seals
If you see water getting a foothold around the patio door or becoming trapped between the glass panes, it's a clear sign that your seals and frames are deteriorating. This could lead to rot and mold as well as increased costs for energy due to air leakage and drafts.
Leaking seals can be caused by improperly installed caulking or flashing. To stop this from happening, it's important to find an experienced professional who has experience installing patio doors and will make sure that the frame is properly caulked and flashed.
In addition to ensuring that you install the flashing, you'll also want to make sure that any cracks or gaps are sealed with caulking that's rated for use with your particular type of weather conditions. If you reside in a region that has humid climates, such as Ontario and the like, then you'll need to choose the caulking product that is able to stand up to the elements of moisture.
Another reason for leaky seals is when the shims underneath the door frame aren't installed correctly. These are usually made of wood and keep the sheathing at a level with the framing. But in the event that they aren't properly installed, they may cause a gap, which could allow moisture to get into your home.
One method to test the seals by spraying the frame with a hose or garden nozzle. If you notice an airborne mist entering these areas, it's time to call a professional inspect the frame at the installation. replace patio doors may only need to add a little caulking or replace the shims. In either case, addressing the issue fast will avoid future damage and costly repairs. 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 external factors, like a change in humidity, it can absorb and lose moisture, which could cause the frame to warp. A sagging frame can make it difficult to operate the door and eventually cause damage or even failure. This is especially true for doors that separate basements and damp garages from living areas.
A few minor repairs are able to typically correct a warped frame. Start by checking the frame to make sure that all bolts and screws are tightened and secured. Replace any missing or loose screws. Replace the hinge screws with larger ones, with a preference of 2 inches or more. This allows the screw be able to penetrate the wall framing, not the door jamb, which will pull the frame back into position.
You could also consider adding shims, which are thin pieces of wood that can be positioned behind the hinges to adjust the position of the frame. Shims can assist in supporting the frame and spread the weight evenly across more of a larger area, which will prevent the frame from becoming damaged over time.
For more severe frame warps you might want to think about hiring a professional for repair. A professional can inspect the frame in depth to determine the severity and offer a comprehensive solution. They can also install bracing to strengthen the frame to prevent it from sagging. In the majority of instances this is a more cost-effective and durable solution than buying new patio door parts. If the frame is severely warped, it may be necessary to replace the entire jamb of the door instead of just the door itself.
5. Cosmetic Damage
Over time, patio doors can experience many wear and wear and. Damage to the surface can cause your doors to look less than appealing and can affect the aesthetic of your home. The positive side is that the majority of cosmetic damage can be repaired using bonding fillers and paint. If the door has significant cracks or dents it is recommended to replace it rather than trying to repair it.
Like the seals around windows, a door's weatherstripping could be less effective as time passes. This can cause gaps that let air from outside get into your home, causing an increase in energy bills. A professional door repair service can install new weatherstripping in order to reduce energy loss and increase insulation.
Moisture around the exterior of doors is always bad news however, it's particularly dangerous for your patio doors. This moisture can lead to wood rot that is costly and difficult to fix. The best method to protect your home is to have any water leaks fixed immediately by a trained professional.
A patio door could be misaligned over time due to foundation changes or normal usage. This could cause the doors to jam or become 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 ensure proper functioning.