Sliding Patio Door Repairs A sliding patio door is a great way to let in more light and enjoy your outdoor space. However, if the door isn't gliding smoothly or looks dingy, it can be a real pain. Many of these issues are fixable with a few DIY skills. Here are a few common issues and their solutions: Tracks that are damaged or dirty Over time, the tracks of a sliding patio can be clogged by dust, dirt and other debris. Regular cleaning and lubrication can assist your sliding patio door move smoothly. A filthy track could make the door stick or even make it impossible to open or close, so the first thing you must do is clean it. Begin by sweeping off any loose debris. Then use a cleaning solution and brush to clean away any visible dirt. Be https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-corby/ to clean all the nooks and corners and also the areas where the door joins its frame. After you've scrubbed it, wash the track using a hose or bucket of clean water. Finally, apply an oil that you can buy from the store to remove moisture and stop future corrosion. Test the door by sliding it forwards and backwards to see if you can move it with ease. If your door is still stuck it could be because the rollers have been damaged or misaligned. This can cause the door to move slower. In the majority of cases, you can fix this by adjusting the wheels and then lubricating them. It might be time to replace them if your door is old. Before reassembling the track, lay a drop cloth on the floor. Then take off the two plugs covering the screws for adjustment of the rollers at the bottom of the frame. To retract the rollers, insert the screwdriver in each hole and turn counterclockwise. This will allow you the space to take off the door and place it on sawhorses. Handle is not working properly Over time, your sliding door handle can become detached from the strike plate it is attached to. The good part is that a loosened handle can be easily fixed. Make use of a screwdriver to tighten the screws that connect the door handle in place to the strike plate. But, be cautious not to tighten too much, as this could damage the inner mechanism and cause the handle to no longer work properly. The issue with sliding patio doors that is difficult to slide is typically caused by debris blocking the rollers. Dirt, hair, and other debris often get stuck in the tracks, which makes the door stop smoothly sliding. Begin by cleaning the rollers and applying a sliding door lubricant to ensure smooth operation. Another issue that is common is when the lock on your patio door stops working properly. This could be because of an incorrectly aligned lock or a broken handle. The lock mechanism can be repaired or the handle adjusted. A screen door that won’t shut or open isn't a pleasant experience. A damaged screen can be dangerous. If the screen isn't aligned properly with the door frame it will rub against frames and cause wear and tear on both the screen and door. The solution to screen that isn't functioning correctly is quite easy. First, make sure that the latching rod is still in place. If not, take it off and replace it with a brand new one. Reinstall the screen after replacing the rod that latches it. Make sure the hinges are set correctly. Install screws into the holes of the frame for a neat appearance. Faulty Weatherstripping The weather stripping that is placed between your frame and door helps close the gap, keeping out drafts, cold air and insects. It's time to replace it if it's damaged, cracked or has become hardened. It's generally fairly simple to do. Some people simply cut out the worn section and replace it, but it's much easier to replace the whole piece. First, ensure that the gap isn't near the seat point at which the weather strip has been fixed to the frame. If it is, you'll have to reseal the weather strip to the frame using weather strip adhesive. Then, take a look at the area around your weather strip. Examine for a tear crack, or rip that could be letting cold air in, then utilize your dollar bill to test whether the weather strip is sealed with a positive seal. Simply place the bill half way across the seal and close the door to see whether it pulls away from the metal flange of the weather strip. If it is easy to remove, it's time to replace the weather strip. You may also need to lubricate your run channel (the groove of rubber and felt that runs vertically on both sides of your door) to help prevent the build-up of ice in winter. You can purchase a spray lubricant at your local hardware store that will work however be sure not to splash any on the glass. Another great solution is to spread a thin layer of sand underneath your door prior to when snow starts to fall, which will keep it from sticking to the door as salt does. Be careful not to leave any sand on the floor of the door, however, as it can damage the concrete and rubber of the weather strip over time. Damaged Glass Many circumstances can result in the glass of a sliding patio being cracked or shattered. If your glass patio door is damaged by a knock, bump or other incident, it is vital to replace it as soon as possible to ensure your home is adequately insulated and sealed. Doors that slide can be damaged over time because of their constant use and exposure. Patio doors that aren't functioning properly could be caused by rusty rollers, defective handles and bent tracks. Repair specialists for sliding patio doors can quickly spot the issue and fix the issue or replace the components. In addition to obvious damage, a damaged patio door could also impact your energy costs. Temperature fluctuations and drafts around the patio door are often signs that a gap is present between the door frame and the glass pane. This is costly in both the summer and winter when you are spending money to cool or heat your home. It is possible to repair the damaged glass panel on your sliding patio door without having to take out the entire door. In certain instances this is the best option for you if you are looking to get your door back up and running as soon as possible. It is essential to have the right tools available, whether you're replacing the glass or the frame. This will ensure that the work is done in a safe and efficient manner. This includes gloves as well as a small bar or hammer putty knife, tape, a measuring tape and a glass replacement. DIY Door Store offers all the necessary tools to fix your broken sliding patio doors quickly and easily. Frames that are damaged or loose. Sliding patio door systems are designed to permit easy outdoor-indoor movement and offer the natural flow. As with all home appliances sliding patio doors are susceptible to wear and tear that can hinder their function. While some issues are easy to fix yourself however, some require the assistance of a professional to ensure your door is in optimal condition. Visible signs of damage such as dents and scratches suggest it's time to consider sliding door replacement. These damages impact the security and energy efficiency of your patio door, as well as its appearance. Rollers or tracks that are not aligned properly are common issues that cause your sliding door to not function correctly. This is usually due to debris or dirt accumulation on the track, and is usually fixed by using a pair of pliers to straighten out the rails. Cleaning regularly the tracks and rollers on your sliding patio doors is vital. Dirt can cause them to become stiff or stuck, preventing them from moving freely. By using a hand brush or vacuum, or spray-down using a jet wash will assist in clearing any obstructive build-up. Adding a silicone-based lubricant to your tracks can also aid in smooth operation and help prevent premature wear. Over time, slamming your patio door may cause serious damage to the frame and the glass panel. This could result in a frayed or broken frame or tracks, as well as a bent handle that is difficult to open and close. Screen doors that slide open are generally more susceptible to this kind of damage, as the frames are typically less sturdy than those on glass sliding doors. If you've got a damaged frame for your screen door it can be fixed by resealing with silicone lubricant, then applying a new sealant to the glass's perimeter.