How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door Sliding patio doors can become difficult to operate due to a range of problems. Luckily, most of these issues are easily solved. The easiest method to fix your sliding patio door is by cleaning it. You'll want to use brushes and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. Then, you can apply lubrication to the tracks to enhance their performance. 1. Tracks that are dirty or damaged Tracks One of the most frequent causes of a sticky or squeaky patio door is dirt and debris in the track. Sand and salt from winter roads, pine straw and bird droppings, pet hair, and other nastiness can gum up the works. This is why it's important to scrub and lubricate your sliding doors on a regular basis. Begin by putting on rubber gloves and safety glasses to shield your eyes. Utilize a shop vacuum cleaner or a brush to remove any gunk that is loose. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in the spray bottle. Spray a small amount of the solution on your cleaning brushes, and scrub the track. Rinse and dry the area with 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 sand away rough spots on the bottom track, and then re-lubricate the rollers in order to ensure smooth operation. A misaligned door could be the result of misaligned rollers. This can be corrected by adjusting the rollers' height as well as their position. When replacing the weather stripping, it's an excellent idea to do so to ensure that it fits snugly and to increase the efficiency of your energy. Leaking from the track is also a serious problem that can cause mold growth and structural damage to your home. If the leak is confined to one section of the track, you might be able fix it yourself by sealing the joint. If the issue is widespread, you should call an expert to fix the patio door. 2. Broken or damaged screen If your patio door doesn't allow for airflow, it can make your house feel stuffy and uncomfortable. It can also create a welcoming entryway for mosquitoes and other pests. It is important to call an expert when you spot the screen is damaged or there is a fog between the glass panes. If you have an old screen on your sliding patio door, it's easiest to replace it with a brand new screen. You can find screen material in pre-measured rolls that should accommodate the majority of door sizes. You can also buy a complete screen repair kit that includes the screen, spline and roller all in one package. Installing a new screen begins by laying the replacement material on a solid surface. Then, use your scissors to cut it into lengths so that about an inch or two of the screen covers on each side of the frame. Next, remove the old spline as well as any screen that's left from the window frame with your utility knife. Now you can lay down the new screen spline, starting at the bottom left corner the frame and work towards the edges. Once the spline is put in place, use your screen rolling tool to push it into the groove. Cut off any excess spline or screen using a utility blade, taking care not to cut into the inner frame of the window. Check the spline and see if there are any ripples or distortions. Adjust the screen if needed. 3. Seals that leak If you notice water getting a foothold around the patio door or getting trapped between the glass panes, it's a clear sign that your frame and seals are losing their integrity. This can lead to rot and mold and even higher energy bills due to air leakage and drafts. Poorly installed flashing and caulking can lead to leaky seals. It is essential to hire an experienced professional who will install patio doors and make sure that the frame is caulked and flashed. You'll want to seal any cracks or gaps using caulking that is suited to your specific kind of weather. If you live in an area with humid climates, such as Ontario or the province of Ontario, you'll want to select the caulking product that is able to be able to withstand the effects of the elements of moisture. Another common cause of leaking seals is when the shims underneath the door frame aren't put in the right place. These are usually made of wood and keep the sheathing in line with the framing. But when they aren't properly installed, they may cause a gap, which could allow moisture to get into your home. Spraying the frame with a garden nozzle or hose is a great method to test the seals. If you see a mist coming through these areas, contact a professional who can come in and conduct a thorough inspection of the installation. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-crawley/ to add a little caulking or change the shims. In either case, addressing the issue fast will avoid the possibility of further damage and costly repairs. It is always better to be proactive in fixing your patio door and frame instead of waiting until it is too late! 4. Warped Frame When wood is exposed to outside forces, such as a fluctuation in humidity, it may absorb and lose moisture, which can cause the frame to warp. A frayed frame can make it difficult to operate the door, and eventually cause damage or even failure. This is especially relevant for doors that separate basements and damp garages from living spaces. A warped frame can usually be corrected with a few minor repairs. Start by checking the frame to ensure that all the bolts and screws have been tightened and secured. Replace any loose or missing screws. Replace the hinge screws with longer ones, usually 2 inches or more. This allows the screw to get into the wall framing instead of the door jamb, which will pull the frame back into position. You can also include shims. These are thin pieces that can be placed in front of the hinges. This will allow you to tweak how the frame is set. Shims can help to support the frame and distribute the weight evenly across larger areas that will stop the frame from becoming damaged over time. For more severe frame warps, you might want to think about hiring a professional for repair. A professional can conduct an exhaustive inspection to determine the severity of the problem and provide you with a complete repair solution. They can also install bracing to strengthen the frame to keep it from sliding. In most cases, this is a more durable and cost-effective solution than simply purchasing new patio door parts. If the frame is severely stretched, it might be necessary to replace the entire jamb of the door instead of just the door. 5. Cosmetic Damage Over time, patio doors will experience a fair amount of wear and wear and tear. Surface damage can make your doors look less appealing, and affect the aesthetics of your home. The good news: most cosmetic damage can be easily repaired with bonding fillers and paint. If the door has huge cracks or dents it is recommended to replace it instead of trying to repair it. Like the seal around windows, a door's weatherstripping could be less effective with time. This can result in gaps that let air from outside get into your home, causing an increase in the cost of energy. A professional door repair service can install new weatherstripping to reduce energy loss and improve insulation. Moisture on the outside of your door isn't good news however patio doors are particularly susceptible to it. The moisture could cause wood rot which is expensive and difficult to repair. The best way to safeguard your home is to have any water leaks fixed immediately by a professional trained to do so. Over time the patio door may be misaligned as a result of normal use or foundation changes. This could cause the doors to jam or become difficult to open and close. Technicians can adjust hinges and tracks for smooth operation. They can also replace worn-out rollers and hinges to restore their functionality.