How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door
Patio doors that slide can become difficult to operate due to a range of issues. Luckily, most of these issues can be easily fixed.
The most efficient way to fix your sliding patio door is to clean it. You'll need the brush and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. After that you can lubricate them to increase their mobility.
1. Tracks that are damaged or dirty
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 unpleasant things can clog the process. This is why it's important to clean and lubricate your sliding doors regularly.
Put on some rubber gloves and goggles to protect your eyes. Then, vacuum the tracks with the help of a shop vac or a brush to remove the gunk. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray a small amount the solution onto your cleaning brushes, and scrub the track. Rinse and dry the area using paper towels. This will help prevent scratching and further damage to the track and sill.
After the tracks have been cleaned then use a toothbrush to scrub the more stubborn areas that are stuck. You can also rub rough spots onto the bottom tracks. You can then apply lubrication to the wheels to ensure smooth operation.
Another reason for a squeaky door is the misalignment of the rollers that can be fixed by adjusting the height and position of the rollers. It's a good idea to replace the weather stripping around the door when you do this to ensure a secure fit and increase energy efficiency.
Leaks from the track is also a serious issue that could lead to mold growth and structural damage to your home. You may be able solve the issue yourself when the leak is restricted to a single section of the track. Simply replace patio door repair near me . If however, the issue is extensive, it's best to seek out a professional to repair 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 can also be a welcome entryway for mosquitoes and pests. You should call a professional as soon as you notice a broken screen or fog between the glass panes.
If you have a basic sliding patio door, the most straightforward option is to replace your existing screen with a new one. You can find screen material in pre-measured rolls that will accommodate the majority of door sizes. It's also available as complete screen repair kits that contain the screen along with spline, roller and spline all in one package.
For the installation of the new screen, begin by locating a solid surface you can work from and then laying your new material across it. Cut the screen to the length you want and make sure it covers the frame on both sides by around 1 inch. Then using your utility knife, remove the old spline as well the excess screen.
Now you can put down the new screen spline beginning at the bottom left corner of the frame and work through the entire perimeter. After the spline is put in place, use your screen rolling tool to push it into the groove. Cut off any excess spline or screen with your utility blade, taking care not to cut the inside frame of the window. You should also examine the spline for ripples or distortions and adjust the screen as needed.
3. Leaking Seals
If you notice that water is pooling or trapped between the glass panes of your patio door, this is a sign that the frame and seals have lost their elasticity. This could lead to mold and rot, not to mention increased energy costs due to drafts and air leakage.
Leaking seals are often caused by poorly installed flashing or caulking. It is essential to hire an experienced professional who will install patio doors and make sure that the frame is properly caulked and flashed.
In addition to properly installing the flashing, you'll want to make sure that any cracks or gaps are closed with caulking rated for use with your particular type of weather conditions. For instance, if you reside in a humid climate like Ontario you'll need to select a caulking option that will stand up well to humidity.
Another common cause of leaking seals is when the shims beneath the door frame are not properly installed. These are typically made from wood and help to keep the sheathing in line with the framing, but if they're not placed properly, they could create a gap that allows moisture into your home.
Spraying the frame using a garden nozzle or hose is a good way to test seals. If you see an airborne mist entering these areas, you need to call a professional inspect the frame at the installation. It's possible that you only need to add a little caulking or replace the shims. In either case, fixing the issue fast will avoid any further damage and costly repairs. It is always best to repair your frame or patio door before it's too late than to put off repairs.
4. Warped Frame
When wood is exposed to external forces like a fluctuation 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 particularly the case for doors that divide garages and basements that are damp from living spaces.
A damaged frame can be fixed with a few minor repairs. Start by examining the frame to ensure that all bolts and screws have been tightened and secured. Replace any loose or missing screws. Replace the hinge screws with longer ones, preferably 2 inches or more. This will allow the screw to penetrate the wall framing instead of the door jamb, and pull the frame back in the right place.
You can also include shims. They are small pieces that can be placed in front of the hinges. This allows you to adjust how the frame is set. Shims can assist in supporting the frame, and distribute the weight evenly across a larger area. This will stop the frame becoming more distorted with age.
For more severe frame warps, you might want to think about hiring a professional for repair. A professional will examine the frame in depth to determine the extent of the problem and provide a complete solution. They can also install additional bracing to reinforce the frame and prevent it from sagging in the future. This is typically an easier and more durable option than purchasing new patio door components. If the frame is seriously warped, it may be necessary to replace the entire jamb of the door instead of just the door.
5. Cosmetic Damage
Over time, your patio door can suffer from many wear and wear and tear. Damage to the surface could make your doors look less than desirable, and affect the aesthetics of your home. The good news: most cosmetic damage can easily be repaired using bonding fillers or paint. If the door has huge cracks or dents it is best to replace it instead of trying to repair it.
Like the seal around windows, doors' weatherstripping can lose its effectiveness as time passes. This can result in gaps that let air from outside get into your home, causing an increase in the cost of energy. A door repair professional can install new weatherstripping to decrease energy loss and improve insulation.
Moisture on the exterior of doors is always bad news however, it's particularly dangerous for your patio doors. This moisture can lead to wood rot, which is costly and difficult to fix. Water leaks should be addressed immediately by an expert.
A patio door could become misaligned over time due to foundation modifications or normal usage. This can cause the patio doors to jam, or make it difficult to open or close. A door repair technician can realign the hinges and tracks to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn-out rollers and hinges in order to restore proper functionality.