How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door
Sliding patio doors can become difficult to operate due to a range of issues. Most of these problems are easily fixable.
The most efficient method to repair your sliding patio door is by cleaning it. Make use of a brush and soapy water to wash the tracks. Then, you can apply lubrication to the tracks to enhance their performance.
1. Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks
One of the main causes of a squeaky or sticky patio door is dirt and debris that has accumulated in the track. Bird droppings, pine straw and salt, sand, winter roads, and other nasties things can block the track. It's important to clean and lubricate your sliding doors.
Start by putting on rubber gloves and a pair of safety glasses to shield your eyes. Utilize a shop vacuum cleaner or a brush to remove any gunk that has escaped. Mix equal parts of white vinegar into the spray bottle. Spray a small amount of the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the track and sill. Rinse the area, and then dry it with paper towels to avoid scratching and damage to the track and sill.
After the tracks have been cleaned, use a toothbrush to scrub the more difficult areas that are stuck. You can also rub rough spots onto the bottom tracks and then replenish the wheels with lubricant to ensure smooth operation.
Another reason for a sticky door is a misaligned roller and can be fixed by adjusting the height and position of the rollers. If you are replacing the weather stripping, it's an excellent idea to do it to ensure a secure fitting and to increase the efficiency of your energy.
Leaking tracks can be an issue that could cause mold growth and structural damage in your home. You might be able to repair the issue on your own if the leak is contained to a small portion of the track. Simply seal the joint. If the issue is extensive it is best to call an expert to fix the patio door.
2. Broken or Torn Screen
A patio door that isn't designed for a good air flow can make your home feel stuffy and uncomfortable. It could also create a welcoming entryway for pests like mosquitoes and flies. It is recommended to contact an expert immediately if you notice the screen is damaged or there is a fog that has formed between the glass panes.
If you have a basic sliding patio door, the simplest option is to replace your screen with a new one. You can find screen material in pre-measured roll sizes that will be able to fit the majority of door sizes. It's also available in full screen repair kits that include screen, spline and roller all in a single package.
To put up the new screen, start by locating a solid surface to work from and then lay out your replacement material across it. Use your scissors to cut the screen to the length you want, so that it overlaps the frame on both sides by about 1 inch. Next, remove the old spline as well as any excess screen from the window frame using your utility knife.
Now you can put down the new screen spline beginning at the lower left corner of the frame, and work towards the edges. Once the spline is placed, use your screen rolling tool to push it into the groove. Then trim any excess screen and spline with your utility knife, making sure not to cut through the inside of the frame. Also, check the spline for distortions or ripples, and then adjust the screen as needed.
3. Seals that leak
If you notice that water is getting trapped or pooling between the glass panes of your patio door, this is an indication that the seals and frame have lost their integrity. This can cause mold and rot and even higher energy costs due to drafts and air leakage.
Incorrectly installed flashing and caulking could result in leaky seals. To avoid this from happening, it's crucial to work with an expert who has expertise installing patio doors and will ensure the frame is properly flashed and caulked.
In addition to properly installing the flashing, you'll be sure that any gaps or cracks are sealed with caulking that's rated for use with your particular type of weather conditions. If you reside in an area with humid climates, such as Ontario, then you will want to select the caulking product that is able to withstand the elements of moisture.
Another reason that leaks seals is when the shims underneath the door frame aren't properly installed. These are typically made from wood and help keep the sheathing even with the framing. However, if they're not placed properly, they could create a gap that allows moisture to enter your home.
One way to test your seals is by spraying the frame with a hose or garden nozzle. If you see the presence of a mist in these areas, contact a professional who can come and take a closer inspection of the frame. It's possible that a bit of additional caulking is all required, or maybe the shims have to be replaced. In any case solving these issues as quickly as possible will prevent costly repairs and damages down the road. It is always best to repair your patio door or frame before it's too late to wait.
4. Warped Frame
When wood is exposed outside forces such as a fluctuation of humidity, it may absorb or lose moisture that could cause warping. A sagging frame can make it difficult to operate the door and eventually cause damage or even failure. This is especially the case for doors that divide basements and garages that are damp from living areas.
A few minor repairs are able to generally correct a frame that is warped. Begin by looking at the frame to ensure that all screws and bolts are secure and tight. Replace double glazed patio door repairs 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 into the right place.
You can also include shims. These are thin pieces that can be put in front of the hinges. This will allow you to tweak the way that the frame is placed. Shims will help support the frame and spread the weight evenly across a larger area. This will prevent the frame from getting more distorted with age.
You may want to hire an expert to repair serious frame warps. A professional will inspect the frame in depth to determine the extent of the problem and offer a comprehensive solution. They can also install bracing in order to strengthen the frame in order to keep it from sliding. In most cases this is a more affordable and durable option than buying new patio door components. If the frame has severely damaged, you might need to replace the entire jamb of the door instead of just the actual door.
5. Cosmetic Damage
Over time, patio doors will endure a significant amount of wear and wear and. Surface damage can make your doors look less than desirable and impact the appearance of your home. The good news is that most cosmetic damage is easily repaired with bonding fillers and paint. If the door has large dents or cracks it is recommended to replace it instead of trying to repair it.
Similar to the seal around windows, a door's weatherstripping can be less effective as time passes. It can result in gaps that allow outside air to infiltrate your home, leading to higher energy costs. A professional in door repair can install new weatherstripping to reduce energy loss and improve insulation.
Moisture on the outside of your door is not good news However, patio doors are particularly vulnerable to it. The moisture could cause wood rot, which is costly and difficult to repair. The best way to protect your home is to have any water leaks repaired immediately by a certified professional.
A patio door can be misaligned with time due to foundation changes or normal usage. This can cause the doors to jam or become difficult to open and close. A technician can realign tracks and hinges to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn out rollers and hinges in order to ensure proper functioning.