10 Wrong Answers To Common Patio Doors Repairs Questions Do You Know The Right Ones?

Sliding Patio Doors Repairs Your sliding glass patio doors provide natural light and boost your home's energy efficiency. In time, they might begin to show signs that suggest some attention. Luckily, most of the issues with sliding patio doors are simple to fix. Find out how you can keep your sliding patio doors looking like new. Dirty or damaged Tracks One of the main reasons for sliding patio doors that don't open is clogged or dirty tracks. Over time, the dirt and grime of daily use can accumulate on the track. This can cause the door jam or to break down completely. Regularly cleaning sliding doors and their tracks in your household chores can help to reduce the amount of accumulation. Start by sweeping or vacuuming any large debris from the tracks and then wipe them clean with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaning product, such as dish soap. Adding a bit of vinegar to your cleaning product can also aid in the removal of stubborn grease and dirt stains. If you find that your sliding door isn't able to move smoothly after completing these steps, it could be the sign of more severe damage that requires professional repair or replacement. But, there are simple fixes that you can try before calling the experts to save on costly repairs or replacements. Place a doormat under your sliding doors. This will help to catch dirt before it gets to the tracks. You should also regularly trim any plants or bushes close to your sliding doors in order to limit the amount of debris trapped in the tracks. Close the door in a timely manner to ensure that you don't damage the rollers or wheels. patio door repairs can increase the lifespan of your doors by maintaining them clean and lubricated. Rollers that are misaligned Sometimes, a sliding patio can become misaligned. This usually happens due to dirt, or other obstructions that can be easily removed. Sometimes it's due to a bent roller or track. In this instance you can straighten the rollers by removing them using the adjustment screws and cleaning with ruby alcohol. Be careful because these parts can be delicate. If your doors are stuck, you can apply lubrication to the rollers. This will lessen friction and allow them to slide more easily. Make use of a silicone-based product since petroleum-based lubricants tend to attract dirt more quickly. It is essential to clean the tracks and rollers prior to applying lubricant. After cleaning the rollers, you can put them back in place using their adjustment screws. It's also a good idea to apply the same lubricant that you used to clean them. When you are reinstalling the rollers make sure you push them all the way into their channels. You can now test your door and see if it moves smoothly. If the problem continues, it could be necessary to take the door off and inspect the rollers and tracks. If the tracks or rollers are bent in a way, they may need to be replaced. In such a scenario, it's a good idea to get an expert for the installation. Warped Glass Sliding glass doors are great for bringing natural sunlight and the outdoors into a room, but they can also be susceptible to damages that require repair or replacement. Cracks, warping and fading are a few of the most common problems. The materials that make up the sliding glass patio doors start to break down when exposed sunlight, heat and other environmental factors. Cracking often results from the impact of a collision, for example from a ball or lawn mower run-in, and fading generally happens due to repeated contact with sunlight or other elements found in nature. If your sliding glass patio doors are difficult to close or open it could be a sign that their rollers and tracks aren't functioning properly. This issue may result from accumulation of dirt, rust or debris in the track, or misaligned wheels or the lack of lubrication. This problem can be resolved by regularly cleaning the tracks and rollers and clearing obstructions. Another reason why your sliding patio doors may be difficult to open or close is that the locking mechanism is no longer working. This could be due to the alignment of the track or wear and tear, however, a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanisms by turning the adjustment screws that are located at the bottom of the track. Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio doors are a common issue that can significantly decrease their energy efficiency. They typically originate from damaged weather stripping and an improper alignment of the door, which can be easily fixed by replacing the old weather stripping and re-aligning the doors. Loose Handle It can be a hassle when the handle of sliding doors becomes loose. It becomes difficult to open. This is typically caused by a misaligned locking mechanism, which can be corrected by loosening the screws that hold it in place and tightening them until they fit against the door jamb. Another reason that is commonly cited for a handle to become loose is that it has separated from the spindle that connects it to the handles' exterior and interior. This usually happens as a result of a variety of factors, including over use, wear and tear, or simply the general aging. If the issue isn't addressed promptly, the handle could be loosened and fall off. To fix this problem it is necessary to identify the screws that join the interior and exterior handles. They are typically hidden behind tabs made of plastic which can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in certain cases) screwdriver. Securely store these screws to prevent them from being lost. After removing the handles then the next step would be to remove the spindle. You can do this by pounding the ends of the spindle with a hammer until it is removed from its position inside the door. The new handle is fitted by placing the spindle inside the handle hole inside and the other end through the hole on the outside of the handle. Once the handle is in place it can be tightened by screwing the screws back in and then ensuring that the lock and unlock mechanisms work properly. Poor weatherstripping A cracked or worn weatherstripping may let water and air be able to seep through your patio doors, compromising the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. It could let in moisture and create drafts, which can increase your cooling and heating costs. The good news is that replacing the weatherstripping is a simple repair that doesn't require professional help. You can remove the old weatherstripping by loosing the staples with a screwdriver, or gently squeezing it with a putty blade and then taking it off the door. You can then clean the area and apply a layer of weatherstripping that is secured with an adhesive. This will prevent leaks and enhance comfort. If your sliding patio doors are no working as they should, it's essential to take action immediately to prevent further damage and to keep them functional for years to come. Depending on the degree of the issue, DIY or professional repair/replacement could be the best option. Most problems with sliding patio doors are caused by dirty rollers, faulty tracks, and a loose handle. In the majority of cases these issues can be resolved by regular maintenance and cleaning, which includes lubricating the track, adjusting the rollers and tightening hardware. However, if these methods don't work, it's best consult a professional for advice to make sure that your patio door is functioning exactly as it should. Make sure to check the warranty information prior to you decide to replace or repair your patio door. This will save you money in the future on repairs and replacements.