Sliding Patio Door Repairs
A sliding patio is a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of your outdoor space and let more light in. When the door doesn't move smoothly or appears dingy, it can be a pain.
Fortunately, most of these problems can be solved by a little DIY knowledge. Here are some common problems and solutions:
Dirty or Damaged Tracks
Over time the sliding patio door's tracks may become clogged with dust, dirt and other debris. Regular cleaning and lubrication could assist your sliding patio door move smoothly.
Cleaning the track is the first step. A filthy track could cause the door to stick, or even make it impossible to shut or open. Begin by sweeping away any particles that are floating around. Use a brush that contains a cleaning solution to remove any visible dirt. Make sure to get into the nooks and crannies and also any areas where the door meets the frame.
After you've scrubbed it, wash the track using a hose or bucket of clean water. Then, apply repair patio door lock that you can buy from the store to displace moisture and prevent future corrosion. Test the door by sliding it backwards and forwards to determine if it is able to move it without difficulty.
If your door is still stuck, it could be that the rollers are damaged or misaligned, which could also impede movement. In most instances, you can correct this by readjusting the wheels and lubricating them. If your door is very old, it might be the time to consider a replacement. Before reassembling the track lay a drop cloth on the floor and take off the two plugs covering the roller adjustment screws at the bottom of the frame. To retract the rollers, place an screwdriver into each hole and turn it counterclockwise. This will allow enough space to take the door from the sawhorses, and put it back on the sawhorses.
Handle is not working properly
In time the handle on your sliding door may become loose from the strike plate it is mounted on. The good thing is that a loose handle can be easily fixed. Utilize a screwdriver and tighten the screws holding the door handle to the strike plate. However, be careful not to over-tighten as this could damage the inner mechanism and cause the handle to no longer function properly.
The issue with a sliding patio door that isn't easy to slide is typically caused by debris blocking the rollers. Dust, dirt, hair and fur often get into the tracks, causing the door to not slide smoothly. To ensure smooth operation, start by cleaning the rollers.
Another common issue is that the lock on your patio door isn't working correctly. This could be due to a misaligned, or broken handle. The easiest solution is to replace the lock mechanism, or realign the door handle.
A screen door that doesn't shut or open isn't an enjoyable experience. A faulty screen door can also be dangerous. If the screen isn't aligned properly with the door frame, it could rub against frames and result in wear and tear on both the screen as well as the door. The solution to screen that isn't functioning properly is pretty simple. Verify that the latching bar is still in place. If not, remove it and replace it with a brand new one. Once you've replaced the rod that latches, put it back on the screen and make sure the hinges are properly set. To give your frame a polished look make sure you attach screw covers to the holes in the frame.
Weatherstripping that isn't working properly
The weather stripping helps seal the gap between your frame and door, which helps to prevent drafts or cold, as well as pests. It's time to replace it if it's cracked, discoloured, or hardened. It's usually not difficult to do. Some people replace only the worn part, but it's much easier to replace the entire item.
First, check that the gap is not near the seat point where the weather strip is fixed to the frame. If it is, you'll have to reseal it to the frame with weather strip adhesive.
Next, examine the entire periphery of your weather strip. Make use of your dollar bill to check if the weather strip is sealed. Simply place the bill half way across the seal and close the door to see if it easily pulls away from the flange of metal of the weather strip. If it is easy to remove, it is time to replace the weather strip.
You may require lubrication of your run channel (the groove comprised of rubber and felt on both sides of the door) in order to prevent the build-up of ice in winter. You can buy an oil spray at your local hardware store that works, but be careful not to get any on your glass.
Spreading a thin layer sand underneath your door will prevent it from sticking, much like salt. It is not advisable to leave sand in the bottom of your door because it will harm the concrete and rubber of the weather strip.
Glass that is damaged
There are many situations that can result in a sliding patio door glass becoming cracked or shattered. If your glass patio door is damaged by a bump or bump, or some other occurrence it is crucial to replace it as soon as possible to ensure your home is properly insulated and sealed.
Over time, sliding doors are prone to damage due to regular use and exposure to elements. The rusting of the rollers, broken handles and bent tracks are just some of the problems that can result in a patio door not functioning properly. Repair specialists for sliding patio doors are able to quickly pinpoint the issue and make the necessary repairs or replace the components.
Besides obvious visible damage, a broken patio door can also affect your energy bills. Temperature fluctuations and drafts around the door are usually signs that a gap is present between the frame and the glass pane. This is a major expense in the summer and winter when you are spending money to cool or heat your home.
It is possible to repair the damaged glass panel on your sliding patio door without having to take out the entire door. This is the most effective solution in some cases in the event that you require to get your sliding patio door up and running in a short time. It is crucial to have the right tools available regardless of whether you're replacing the frame or the glass. This will ensure that the job is done safely and efficiently. This includes gloves and a small pry bar or hammer, a putty knife, tape, measuring tape, and replacement glass. DIY Door Store offers all these items to help you repair your damaged sliding patio doors easily and affordably.
Frames that aren't in good shape or damaged
Sliding patio doors are designed to ease access to the outdoors and indoors, and also allow for a natural flow of traffic. However, like any home appliance they are susceptible to wear and tear over time which impacts their functionality. Certain damages are simple to repair, but others require expert assistance to keep your door in top condition.
The visible signs of damage like scratches and dents are a sign that it's time for sliding door replacement. These damages impact the security and energy efficiency of your patio door as in addition to its appearance.
Misaligned track or rollers are common issues that cause your sliding door to not function properly. This is usually due to debris or dirt getting stuck on the track. You can solve this problem by using the pliers to straighten the rails.
It is crucial to clean the rollers and tracks of your sliding patio doors as dirt can result in stiff or sticky doors that won't move easily. Using a hand brush or vacuum, or a spray-down with a jet wash will help to clear away any obstructive build-up. Applying a silicone-based lubricant on your tracks can help to facilitate smooth operation and protect against premature wear.
Over time, slamming your patio door may cause serious damage to the frame and the glass panel. This can result in a frayed or broken frame, bent tracks and a handle that is difficult to open and close. Sliding screen door frames are usually less durable than glass sliding doors, making them more vulnerable to being damaged. Fortunately, if you have damaged screen door frames, this can often be repaired by sealing the gap with silicone lubricant, and then applying new sealant around the perimeter of the glass.