How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door
A variety of problems can cause difficulties in operating sliding patio doors. Luckily, most of these issues can be easily fixed.
The easiest way to repair your sliding patio door is by cleaning it. You'll need brushes and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. You can then lubricate the tracks to increase their performance.
1. Dirty tracks or damaged tracks
Dirt and debris in the track are the main reason for sticky patio doors. Sand and salt from winter roads, pine straw, bird droppings, pet hair and other nastiness can gum up the work. This is why it's important to clean and lubricate your sliding doors regularly.
Wear rubber gloves and goggles to protect your eyes. Clean the tracks using a shop vac or use a brush to remove any gunk that has escaped. Mix equal parts of white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray a small amount the solution on your cleaning brushes, and scrub the track. Rinse the area and then dry it with paper towels to avoid scratching or further harming the track and sill.
When the tracks are clean you can take your toothbrush and go in there to scrub the harder areas that are stuck. You can also rub rough spots onto the bottom tracks and then apply lubrication to the wheels to ensure smooth operation.
A misaligned door can also be the result of misaligned rollers. This can be corrected by changing the rollers' height and positioning. It's a good idea replace the weather stripping that surrounds the door when you do this to ensure a tight fit and improve energy efficiency.
Leaks from the track are also a serious problem that can cause mold growth and structural damage to your home. If the leak is confined to a particular section of the track, you may be able to fix it yourself by re-sealing the joint. If the problem is widespread it is best to call an expert to fix the patio door.
2. Broken or damaged screen
A patio door that doesn't allow for efficient airflow can make your home feel stale and uncomfortable. It could also create a cozy entryway for pests like mosquitoes and flies. You should call a professional as soon as you notice an unfinished 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 existing screen with a new one. Screen material is available in rolls that are pre-measured to fit a variety of doors of standard sizes. It's also available in full screen repair kits that include the screen as well as the spline, roller and roller in a single package.
For the installation of the new screen, start by locating a solid surface to work from and laying out your replacement material across it. Cut the screen to the desired length and make sure it covers the frame on both sides by about one inch. Then, take the old spline and any screen that is left over from the window frame with your utility knife.
You can now lay the new screen spline beginning at the bottom left corner of the frame. Then, work your way up to the perimeter. Once the spline has been placed, use your screen rolling tool to push it into the groove. Trim any excess screen and spline using your utility knife, taking care not to cut into the interior of the window frame. Examine the spline to determine whether there are any distortions or ripples. Adjust the screen if needed.
3. Seals that leak
If you notice that water is pooling or trapped between the glass panes of your patio door, it is a sign that the frame and seals have lost their strength. This can cause rot and mold, not to mention increased costs for energy due to air leakage and drafts.
Poorly installed flashing and caulking could result in leaky seals. It is crucial to employ an experienced professional who is able to install patio doors and ensure that the frame is properly caulked and flashed.
You'll want to seal any gaps or cracks with caulking that is designed for your specific type of weather. If you live in an area with humid climates, such as Ontario and the like, then you'll want to select the caulking product that is able to stand up to moisture.
Another common cause of leaking seals is when the shims underneath the door frame aren't installed correctly. These are usually made of wood and help keep the sheathing level with the framing. However when they aren't installed correctly, they could create a gap which allows moisture to enter your home.
One method to test the seals by spraying the frame with a hose or garden nozzle. If you notice the presence of a mist in these areas, call an expert who will come in and conduct a thorough inspection of the installation. It's possible that you only need to add a little caulking or replace the shims. In any case, addressing these issues quickly will prevent costly repairs and further damage later on. It is always better to be proactive in repairing your frame and patio door than to wait until it's too late!
4. Warped Frame
When wood is exposed outside factors, like a fluctuation of humidity, it can absorb or lose moisture which can cause warping. If a frame is sagging, it can make the door less functional and ultimately cause destruction or even total failure. This is especially true for doors that separate garages and basements with damp living areas.
A few minor repairs can typically correct a warped frame. Start by checking the frame to make sure that all screws and bolts have been tightened and secured. Replace any loose or missing screws. Then, replace the hinge screws with longer ones that are 2 or more inches long. 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 will allow you to tweak how the frame is set. Shims can assist in supporting the frame and spread the weight evenly across larger areas that will stop the frame from becoming warped over time.
For more severe frame warps you may want to consider hiring a professional to repair. A professional can perform a thorough inspection to determine the extent of the problem and offer a complete repair solution. They can also install bracing to strengthen the frame and prevent it from sagging. In most cases this is a much more cost-effective and durable solution than buying new patio door components. If the frame has significantly warped, you may need to replace the entire jamb of the door, not just the actual door.
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Over time, the patio doors can show many wear and tear. Damage to the surface can leave your doors looking less than appealing and can affect the look of your home. The good news is that the majority of cosmetic damage can be repaired by using bonding fillers and paint. If the door has huge cracks or dents, it is best to replace it instead of trying to repair it.
Like the seals around windows, a door's weatherstripping could lose its effectiveness as time passes. This can result in gaps that let air from outside enter your home and increase the cost of energy. A professional door repair can install new weatherstripping to decrease energy loss and improve insulation.
Moisture on the outside of your door is never good news, but patio doors are particularly susceptible to it. This moisture can lead to wood rot, which is difficult and expensive to fix. The best method to protect your home is to have any leaks repaired immediately by a professional trained to do so.
A patio door can become misaligned over time due to foundation modifications or the normal use. This could cause doors to jam or become difficult to open and close. A door repair technician can realign the hinges and tracks to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn hinges and rollers to restore proper functionality.