How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door
Patio doors that slide can become difficult to operate due to a myriad of problems. Most of these issues can be fixed easily.
The most effective way to fix your sliding patio door is by cleaning it. Make use of a brush and soapy water to wash the tracks. Next you can apply lubrication to increase their mobility.
1. Tracks that are dirty or damaged Tracks
Dirt and debris in the track are the primary cause of a sticky patio door. Sand and salt from winter roads, pine straw, bird droppings, pet hair, and other nastiness could clog the works. patio door repairs near me is the reason it's crucial to clean and lubricate your sliding doors regularly.
Start by putting on rubber gloves and a pair of safety glasses to shield your eyes. Use a shop vacuum or a brush to remove any loose gunk. Then, mix equal amounts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray a small amount of the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the track and sill. Rinse the area dry it off with paper towels to avoid scratching or further damaging the sill and track.
After the tracks are cleaned you can take your toothbrush and go in there to scrub the more difficult areas that are stuck. You can also rub rough spots onto the bottom tracks and then relubricate the wheels to restore smooth operation.
A misaligned door could be caused by misaligned rollers. This can be fixed by adjusting the rollers' height and position. It's a good idea replace the weather stripping that surrounds the door when you do this to ensure a snug fit and improve energy efficiency.
Leaking from the track is also a serious problem that can lead to mold growth and structural damage to your home. It is possible to repair the issue on your own in the event that the leak is limited to a single section of the track. Simply seal the joint. If however, the issue is widespread, it's recommended to call in an expert to repair the patio door.
2. Broken or Torn Screen
A patio door that does not allow for a good air flow can make your home feel stuffy and uncomfortable. It could also be a welcoming entry point for mosquitoes and pests. It is recommended to contact a professional immediately if you notice a broken screen or fog that has formed between the glass panes.
If you have a basic sliding patio door, the most straightforward solution is to replace the screen with a new one. You can buy screen material in rolls that are pre-measured to fit a variety of doors of standard sizes. You can also purchase full screen repair kits that include the screen, spline and roller all in one package.
The process of installing a new screen starts by placing the new material on a flat surface. Use your scissors to cut the screen to the desired length in a way that it is able to overlap the frame on both sides by approximately an inch. Next, remove the old spline and any screen that's left from the window frame with your utility knife.
Now you can lay down the new screen spline, starting at the lower left corner of the frame and work towards the edges. Once the spline is in position, run your screen rolling tool over it several times to push it in the groove of the frame. Then trim any excess screen and spline using your utility knife, taking care not to cut the inside of the window frame. Examine the spline to determine whether there are any distortions or ripples. Adjust the screen if necessary.
3. Leaking Seals
If you see water getting trapped or pooling between the glass panes of your patio door, this is a sign that the seals and frame have lost their strength. This could lead to mold and decay, and increased energy bills because of drafts and air leakage.
Leaking seals are usually caused by poorly installed caulking or flashing. To prevent this from happening, it's essential to work with a professional who has previous experience installing patio doors and will ensure the frame is properly caulked and flashed.
You'll want to fill in any cracks or gaps with caulking rated for your particular kind of weather. For example, if you live in a humid climate such as Ontario, you'll want to select a caulking product that is resistant to humidity.
Another common cause of leaking seals is when the shims under the door frame are not properly installed. They are usually made of wood and help keep the sheathing level with the framing. However, if they're not set up correctly, they can create a gap that allows moisture to enter your home.
Spraying the frame using a garden nozzle or hose is an excellent method to test the seals. If you notice the presence of a mist in these areas, call an expert to come in and conduct a thorough examination of the installation. It's possible that a little additional caulking is all required, or the shims require to be replaced. Whatever the case, addressing these issues quickly will prevent costly repairs and damage down the road. It's always better to take the initiative in fixing your patio door and frame than to 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 become warped. If a sagging frame begins to develop it makes the door harder to operate and eventually lead to damage or complete failure. This is particularly true for doors that separate basements and garages that are damp from living areas.
A damaged frame can be corrected by some minor repairs. Begin by looking at the frame to make sure that all screws and bolts are secure and tight. Replace any loose or missing screws. Replace the hinge screws with longer ones, preferably 2 inches or more. This allows the screw to be able to penetrate the wall framing, not the door jamb, which pulls the frame back in place.
You could also put in shims. These are thin pieces that can be placed in front of the hinges. This will allow you to fine-tune the way that the frame is placed. Shims can assist in supporting the frame and distribute the weight evenly across larger areas and prevent the frame from becoming more damaged over time.
For more severe frame warps, you might want to think about hiring a professional to repair. A professional can conduct an exhaustive inspection to determine the extent of the issue and provide you with a comprehensive repair solution. They can also put in additional bracing to reinforce the frame and prevent it from sagging in the future. This is typically an easier and more durable solution than buying new patio door components. If the frame is badly damaged, you may require replacing the entire jamb of the door instead of just the door itself.
5. Cosmetic Damage
Over time, patio doors experience a fair amount of wear and tear. Damage to the surface can leave your doors looking less than desirable and impact the appearance of your home. The good news is that the majority of cosmetic damage can be repaired with the help of bonding fillers as well as paint. However should the door have significant dents or cracks it is best to replace it instead of trying to repair it.
Similar to the seal around windows, a door's weatherstripping may become less effective over time. It could result in gaps that allow air from outside to enter your home, which leads to higher energy costs. A door repair professional can install new weatherstripping to reduce energy loss and improve insulation.
Moisture around the exterior of a door is always a bad thing however it can be particularly dangerous when it comes to your patio doors. This moisture can cause wood rot which is expensive and difficult to fix. The best method to protect your home is to have any leaks fixed immediately by a certified professional.
Over time a patio door could become misaligned due to normal use or foundation changes. This can cause patio doors to jam, or make it difficult to open or close. A technician can realign tracks and hinges to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn-out hinges and rollers to ensure proper functioning.