Your sliding patio doors will let in natural light to your home, and will increase its energy efficiency. As time passes, they could start to show signs that need some attention.
Luckily, the majority of problems with sliding patio doors are simple to address. Find out how you can keep your sliding double glazed patio door repairs doors looking like new.
Dirty or damaged tracks
The tracks of your sliding patio door may be filthy or blocked. Over time, the grit and grime from daily use build up on the track and can cause the door to become jammed or even fall apart completely.
Regularly cleaning sliding doors and their tracks in your chores at home can help minimize this accumulation. Start by sweeping or vacuuming any large debris from the tracks and then wipe them clean using warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner like dish soap. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to help remove stubborn dirt and grease staining.
If you find that your sliding door still won’t move smoothly after following these steps, it could be a sign of more serious damage and requires a professional repair or replacement. There are a few simple solutions you can try before calling in professionals to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
It is essential to put a doormat near the bottom of your sliding doors in order to keep dirt out before it can reach the tracks. It is also important to trim any plants or bushes close to your sliding doors in order to minimize the amount of debris that gets trapped in the tracks. Close the door properly to avoid damaging the rollers and wheels. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated, you will extend their life substantially.
Misaligned Rollers
Sometimes, a patio can become misaligned. Usually, this is due to obstructions such as dirt or other which can be easily removed. Sometimes it’s due bent tracks or a bent roller. In this instance, you can realign the rollers by removing them with the adjustment screws, and then cleaning with rubbing alcohol. These parts are prone to damage.
If your doors still stick then you could try lubricating the rollers to reduce friction and allow them to slide. Choose a silicone-based lubricant, because petroleum-based lubricants may draw dirt more quickly. It is crucial to clean the tracks and rollers prior to lubricating.
After cleaning the rollers you can put them back in place using the adjustment screws. Use the same lubricant you used to clean them. Make sure to push the rollers fully into their channels before reinstalling them. You can test the door and see if it slides smoothly.
If the problem continues, it may be necessary to take the door off and inspect the tracks and rollers. If the tracks or wheels are bent badly they may require you to replace them. It is recommended to hire a professional to install the tracks or rollers in this situation.
Warped Glass
Sliding glass doors are ideal to bring in the outdoors and natural sunlight into a space, but they are also susceptible to damage that requires repair or replacement. Cracks, warping and fading are just a few of the most common problems. Warping happens when the materials that comprise your sliding glass patio door begin to degrade due to heat, sun and other environmental factors. Cracks are usually caused by impacts, such as the impact of a lawnmowers blade or ball that is smashed into the door. Fading usually occurs due to repeated exposure to sunlight and other elements.
If you have sliding glass patio door repair upvc patio door repairs doors that aren’t easy to open and close, this could indicate that the rollers and tracks aren’t working correctly. This issue may result from accumulated dirt, rust or debris in the track, wheels that are not aligned or an absence of lubrication. This issue can be solved by cleaning the tracks, rollers and removing obstructions.
The locking mechanism might be faulty, making it difficult to open and shut your sliding patio doors. This could be caused by the alignment of the track or wear and tear, but the solution is to adjust the locking mechanisms by using the adjustment screws located at the bottom of the track.
Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio doors are a common problem that can drastically reduce their energy efficiency. These issues are typically caused by worn-out weather stripping or poor door alignment. This can be easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and realigning your doors.
Loose Handle
It can be frustrating when the handle of a sliding door becomes loose. It makes it difficult to open the door. This problem is usually caused by an incorrectly aligned locking mechanism which can be fixed 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 loose handle is that it has separated from the spindle that connects it to the handles on the exterior and interior. This usually happens as a result of a mix of factors, including excessive use wear and tear or simply the general aging. If the problem is not treated promptly, it could eventually lead to the entire handle becoming loose, and possibly falling off completely.
The best method to solve this problem is by first locating the screws that attach the interior and exterior handles. They are typically hidden behind tabs of plastic that can be removed with a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver, in some cases) screwdriver. Securely store these screws to prevent them from being lost.
After removing the handles, the next step will be to remove the spindle. This can be done by tapping the end of the spindle using a hammer until it is removed from its place within the door. The new handle is fitted by placing the spindle into the handle hole inside and the other end into the hole in the handle on the outside. Once the handle is in place, it can be tightened by screwing the screws back into place and then testing to ensure that the locking and unlock mechanisms function properly.
Faulty Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping that is cracked or worn can allow water and air to get into your patio door, which can compromise your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. It can let in moisture and create drafts that will increase your cooling and heating costs. It’s simple to replace defective weatherstripping with no professional help. You can take off the old weatherstripping by loosening the staples with a screwdriver, or gently prying it with the help of a putty blade, and then pulling it from the door. Then, you can clean the area and apply a new layer of weatherstripping that is backed by a foam seal that helps prevent leaks and enhance comfort.
If your sliding patio door isn’t working as it should, you need to address the issue immediately to prevent further damage and to keep them functional for many years to be. Depending on the severity of the issue, DIY or professional repair/replacement could be the best option.
The most frequent issues that arise with sliding patio doors include dirty rollers from debris in the tracks, misaligned wheels and a loose handle. These issues are usually resolved by regular cleaning and maintenance like changing the track’s lubricant and adjust, and tightening the hardware. However, if these measures don’t work, it’s best consult a professional for advice to ensure that your local patio door repairs door is working exactly as it should. Before you decide to replace or repair your patio door, be sure to verify the warranty information to ensure that it is covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. This will save you money in the future for repairs and replacements.