Sliding Patio Door Repairs A sliding patio is a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of your outdoor space and let in more light. If the door isn't moving smoothly or looks dirty, it can be a pain. Many of these issues are fixable with a few DIY skills. Here are a few common issues and their solutions: Tracks that are dirty or damaged Tracks Over time, the tracks of a sliding patio may get clogged with dirt, dust and other debris. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help your sliding patio door move smoothly. Cleaning the track is the first step. A dirty track can cause the door to stick or cause it to be impossible to shut or open. Begin by sweeping off any particles that are floating around. Use the brush and cleaning solution to clean away any visible grime. Be sure to clean all the nooks and corners, as well as the areas where the door meets its frame. After you've scrubbed the track, rinse it using a hose or bucket of clean water. Apply a lubricant from the store to prevent rusting and displace water. Test the door by moving it back and forth to see if it can move it without difficulty. If your door is still sticking, it's possible that the rollers are damaged or misaligned, which can also hinder movement. In the majority of cases, you can fix the issue by moving the wheels and lubricating. It could be time to replace them when your door is old. Before reassembling the track lay a piece of cloth on the floor. Then take off the two plugs covering the screws for adjustment of the rollers on the bottom of the frame. Put a screwdriver into each hole and turn them counterclockwise to retract the rollers. This will allow you enough space to remove the door from the sawhorses and place it on the sawhorses. A faulty handle In time, the handle on your sliding door may become loose from the strike plate it hangs on. The good part is that a loosened handle can be fixed easily. Use a screwdriver and tighten the screws that hold the door handle to the strike plate. Be cautious not to tighten too much the screws, as this could cause damage to the mechanism inside, causing the handle to cease working properly. If a sliding patio door becomes difficult to slide, it is often caused by debris blocking the rollers. Hair, dirt and other particles often get stuck in the tracks, which causes the door to stop sliding smoothly. To ensure smooth operation, start by cleaning the rollers. Another issue that is common is when the lock on your patio door no longer works correctly. This could be due to a misaligned, or broken handle. The lock mechanism can be replaced or the handle re-aligned. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-bedford/ that doesn't close or unlock isn't an enjoyable experience. A faulty screen can be dangerous. If the screen is not aligned correctly with the door frame it will rub on the frames and cause wear to both the screen as well as the door. The solution to a screen that doesn't function correctly is quite simple. First, verify that the latching rod is still in the correct position. If it's not in place, remove it and replace with an alternative. Install the screen again after replacing the rod that latches it. Make sure the hinges are correctly set. For a finished look, add screw covers to the holes in the frame. Weatherstripping that isn't working properly The weather stripping is used to seal the gap between your door and frame, preventing drafts or cold, as well as insects. If it's cracked or hardened It's time to replace it. It's usually not difficult to do. Some people simply cut out the worn section and replace it, but it's much easier to replace the whole part. First, make sure that the gap is not near the seat point where the weather strip has been attached to the frame. If so, you will need to seal the weather strip to the frame using weather strip adhesive. Then, examine the entire perimeter of your weather strip. Utilize a dollar bill to verify if the weather strip is sealed. Place the bill in a part of the seal, then close the door. If it's easy to pull away from the metal flange on the weather strip, you should replace it. If it is easy to remove, it's time to replace the weather strip. It is also possible to lubricate the run channel (the groove made of rubber and felt that runs vertically along both sides of your door) to stop ice from building up during winter. You can purchase a spray lubricant at your local hardware store that can be used however be sure not to splash any on your glass. Spreading a thin layer sand under your door will stop it from sticking, just like salt. It is not advisable to leave sand at the bottom of your door because it can cause damage to the concrete and rubber of the weather strip. Damaged Glass There are a myriad of circumstances that could result in sliding glass for patio doors becoming cracked or shattered. If your glass for your patio door is damaged by a knock, bump or other incident it is essential to replace it immediately to ensure that your home is adequately insulated and sealed. Over time, sliding doors become susceptible to damage because of frequent use and exposure to the elements. Rusty rollers, damaged handles and bent tracks are some of the problems that can lead to a patio door not functioning properly. Repair experts for sliding patio doors are able to quickly identify the root of the issue and make any necessary repairs or replacements. In addition to obvious damage, a damaged patio door can also affect your energy costs. Drafts and noticeable temperature differences around the patio door are typically signs that a gap is present between the frame and the glass pane. This can be costly in winter and summer, when you have to pay for heating or cool your home. It is possible to repair the damaged glass panel on your sliding patio door without having to remove the entire door. In certain situations it is the best option for you if you want to get your door up and running as soon as you can. It is essential to have the right tools available for replacement, whether it's the frame or glass. This will ensure that the job is done efficiently and safely. This includes gloves and a small hammer or pry bar, a putty blade as well as a measuring tool and a replacement glass. DIY Door Store has all of these items available so that you can easily and affordably fix your own damaged sliding patio door. Frame that is damaged or loose. Sliding patio doors are designed to facilitate an easy transition from indoor to outdoor and provide an unnatural flow. But, as with any other piece of home equipment, they're prone to wear and tear over time which can affect their performance. Certain damage are simple to repair, while others require assistance from a professional to keep your door in good condition. The visible signs of damage like scratches and dents indicate it's time for sliding door replacement. These damages do not just diminish the appearance of your patio doors, but they also impact security and energy efficiency. A wrongly aligned track, or rollers, could cause your sliding door to not to function properly. This usually happens due to debris or dirt getting stuck on the track. You can solve this problem by using pliers to straighten the rails. Cleaning regularly the rollers and tracks on your sliding patio doors is vital. Dirt can cause them to become stiff or stymied, which can stop them from moving smoothly. Utilizing a hand-brush, vacuum, or even spray-down using a jet wash can assist in clearing any obstructive build-up. The addition of a silicone-based lubricant your tracks can also aid in smoother operation and prevent premature wear. When repeated, slamming on the door to the patio could cause serious damages to the frame as well as the glass panel. This can lead to a broken or loose frame, bent tracks and a handle that is difficult to open and shut. Screen doors that slide open are generally more prone to this type of damage because the frames are generally less durable than those of glass sliding doors. Fortunately, if you have a broken screen door frame it can be repaired by resealing the gap using silicone lubricant, and then applying new sealant around the edges of the glass.