How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door
A variety of issues can make it difficult to operate sliding patio doors. Most of these issues are easily fixable.
Cleaning your sliding patio door is the simplest way to fix it. You'll want to use a brush and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. Then, you can apply lubrication to the tracks to increase their performance.
1. Dirty tracks or damaged tracks
One of the main causes of a squeaky or sticky patio door is dirt and debris in the track. Bird droppings, pine straw, sand and salt from winter roads and other nasty things can clog up the track. It's important to regularly clean and lubricate your sliding doors.
Put on some rubber gloves and goggles to shield your eyes. Use a shop vacuum or a brush to clean any loose gunk. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar into spray bottles. Spray a small amount the solution on your cleaning brushes and scrub the track. Rinse the area and dry it off with paper towels to avoid scratching or damage to the track and sill.
After the tracks have been cleaned using a toothbrush, scrub the more difficult areas that are stuck. You can also sand rough spots on the bottom tracks, and then replenish the wheels with lubricant to ensure smooth operation.
Another cause of a sticky door is a misaligned roller and can be remedied by adjusting the height and positioning of the rollers. It is a good idea to replace the weather stripping on the door after doing this to ensure a tight fit and increase energy efficiency.
Leaking from the track is an issue 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 fix it yourself by re-sealing the joint. If the issue is extensive it is best to call an expert to repair the patio door.
2. Broken or damaged screen
If your patio door does not allow for airflow, it can make your home feel uncomfortable and uncomfortable. It can also create a welcoming entryway for insects and mosquitoes. It is important to call a professional immediately if you notice an unfinished screen or fog between the glass panes.
If you have an old screen on your sliding patio door, it's easy to replace it with a new screen. You can find screen material in pre-measured rolls that should accommodate the majority of door sizes. You can also purchase a complete screen repair kits that include the screen, spline and roller all in one package.
For the installation of the new screen, start by locating a flat surface that you can work on and laying out your replacement material across it. Then use your scissors to cut it into lengths so that about an inch or two of the screen overlaps on both sides of the frame. Next, remove the old spline as well as any screen that is left over from the window frame using your utility knife.
Now you can lay the new screen spline starting at the bottom left corner of the frame, and work towards the edges. Once the spline has been put in place, run the screen rolling tool across it several times to push it in the groove of the frame. Cut off any excess spline or screen with your utility blade making sure not to cut the inner frame of the window. Check the spline and see if there are any ripples or distortions. Adjust the screen if necessary.
3. Leaking Seals
If you see water pooling or trapped between the glass panes of your patio door, it is a sign that the seals and frame have lost their elasticity. This can cause mold and rot and even higher energy costs due to drafts and air leakage.
Leaking seals are often caused by improperly installed caulking or flashing. To avoid this from happening, it's essential to work with an experienced professional who has previous experience installing patio doors and who can ensure the frame is properly caulked and flashed.
In addition to properly installing the flashing, you'll ensure that any cracks or gaps are closed with caulking suitable for the specific weather conditions. If you reside in an area that has humid climates, such as Ontario, then you will want to select the caulking product that is able to withstand the elements of moisture.
The shims that are placed under the door frame may also cause leaks. They are typically made of wood and keep the sheathing level with the framing. But when they aren't properly installed, they may cause a gap, which could allow moisture to get into your home.
One way to test the seals by spraying the frame with an hose or garden nozzle. If you notice the mist forming in these areas, it's time to call a professional examine the frame at the installation. It's possible to add a little caulking or replace the shims. In either case, addressing the issue promptly will help avoid the possibility of further damage and costly repairs. It is always better to fix your patio door or frame before it's too late to put off the repair.
4. Warped Frame
When wood is exposed outside forces such as a fluctuation of humidity, it may absorb or lose moisture, which could lead to warping. A frayed frame can make it difficult to operate the door, and eventually cause damage or even failure. This is particularly relevant for doors that separate basements and garages that are damp from living areas.
A sagging frame can be corrected by some minor repairs. Start by examining the frame to make sure that all bolts and screws have been tightened and secured. Replace any screws that are missing or loose. Replace the hinge screws with larger ones, with a preference of 2 inches or more. This will allow the screw to be able to penetrate the wall framing, not the door jamb, which will pull the frame back in place.
You can also include shims. They are small pieces that can be put in front of the hinges. This will allow you to fine-tune how the frame is positioned. Shims will help support the frame, and distribute the weight evenly over the larger area. This will prevent the frame becoming more distorted with age.
You might want to engage a professional to repair more serious frame warps. A professional can perform an extensive inspection to determine the severity of the issue and provide you with an extensive repair solution. They can also install bracing in order to strengthen the frame and prevent it from sagging. This is usually an easier and more durable alternative to buying new patio door components. If the frame is severely damaged, it could be necessary to replace the entire jamb instead of just the door itself.
5. Cosmetic Damage
Over time, the patio door can suffer from a lot of wear and tear. Damage to the surface could make your patio doors appear less appealing and can affect the appearance of your home. The positive side is that the majority of cosmetic damage can be corrected using bonding fillers and paint. If the door has significant dents or cracks it is best to replace it rather than trying to repair it.
Like the seal around windows, doors' weatherstripping may be less effective with time. This can create gaps that allow air from outside to enter your home, leading to higher energy costs. A professional door repair service can install new weatherstripping to decrease energy loss and increase insulation.
Moisture in the exterior of a door is always a problem, but it's especially dangerous when it comes to your patio doors. This moisture can cause wood rot, which can be difficult and expensive to fix. The best method to protect your home is to have any leaks repaired immediately by a certified professional.
Over time the patio door may be misaligned due to normal usage or foundation changes. sliding glass patio door replacement cost can cause doors to jam or make it difficult to open and shut. A technician for door repair can realign the hinges and tracks to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn out hinges and rollers to restore functionality.