Sliding Patio Doors Repairs Your sliding patio doors will bring in natural light to your home and improve its energy efficiency. However, over time they can show signs of wear and tear that require some maintenance. The majority of problems with sliding patio doors are relatively easy to fix. Learn more about how to keep your patio doors looking and functioning like new:. Tracks that are damaged or dirty The tracks of your sliding patio door could be filthy or clogged. Over time, the grit and grime of everyday use accumulates on the track and can cause the door to jam or even collapse completely. This buildup can be minimized by including regular light cleanings of sliding doors and tracks in your daily household chores. Start by cleaning any large debris from the tracks, and then wipe them clean with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner like dish soap. A little vinegar added to your cleaning product can also aid in the removal of stubborn dirt and grease stains. If your sliding door is not working smoothly after you've completed these steps, it could indicate that there is more damage. This may require a professional to repair or replace the door. But, there are easy fixes you can try before calling in the experts to avoid costly repairs or replacements. Install a doormat underneath your sliding doors. This will help trap dirt before it reaches the tracks. You should also regularly cut back any bushes or plants near your sliding doors to limit the amount of debris tracked into the tracks. Make sure to close the door in a way that it doesn't slam into the tracks and cause damage to the wheels and rollers. You can extend the life of your doors by keeping them clean and lubricated. Rollers that are misaligned Sometimes, a patio can become misaligned. It is usually due to dirt or other obstructions which can be easily removed. However, it can be due to bent tracks or rollers. In the latter case it is possible to re-align the roller by taking them out with the adjustment screws and cleaning them with rubbing alcohol. These parts can be fragile. If your doors are still stuck then you could try applying lubrication to the rollers to decrease friction and make it easier for them to slide. Make use of a silicone-based product as petroleum-based lubricants can draw dirt more quickly. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-corby/ is also essential to clean the rollers and tracks before lubricating them. Once you've cleaned the rollers, you can reinstall them with the adjustment screws. It's recommended to use the same lubricant you used when cleaning them. Make sure you push the rollers completely in their channels when reinstalling them. You can test your door now and see if it glides smoothly. If the problem continues, it is possible to remove the door and check the rollers and tracks. If the rollers or tracks are bent in a way, they may need to be replaced. In this case it's a good idea to contact an expert to install the tracks. Warped Glass Sliding glass door are great for bringing outside into your home and letting in natural light but they could also be susceptible to damage that requires repair or replacement. Cracks, warping, and fading are some of the most frequently encountered issues. The materials that compose the sliding glass patio doors start to break down when exposed sunlight, heat and other environmental elements. Cracking is often caused by impacts, such as a lawnmower or ball smacking into the door. Fading typically occurs because of repeated exposure to sunlight as well as other elements. If you have sliding glass patio doors that aren't easy to close and open, this could indicate that the rollers and tracks aren't working correctly. This could be due to the accumulation of dirt, rust, or debris in the track, or misaligned wheels or the lack of lubrication. This problem can be resolved by regularly cleaning the rollers, tracks and clearing obstructions. Another reason why your sliding patio doors are difficult to open or close is that the locking mechanism has become faulty. This could be caused by misalignment or wear and tear but a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanism by using the adjustment screws located in the bottom of the track. Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio doors are a typical issue that can significantly reduce their energy efficiency. These problems are usually caused by weather stripping that is worn out or poor door alignment. This issue can be easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping, and realigning your doors. Loose Handle It can be quite frustrating when the handle of a sliding door becomes loose. It becomes difficult to open the door. This issue is usually caused by an incorrectly aligned locking mechanism which can be fixed by loosening the screws that secure it and tightening them until they fit against the door jamb. Another reason that is commonly cited for a loose handle is that it has separated from the spindle that connects it with the handles' exterior and interior. This is usually the result of a variety of factors, such as excessive use wear and tear or just general ageing. If the issue isn't resolved promptly, it may eventually result in the entire handle becoming loose and eventually falling off completely. To resolve this issue, you should first find the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. They are typically hidden by tabs made of plastic that can be removed with a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of some handle styles, a Phillips-head screwdriver). It's a good idea store these screws somewhere safe to ensure that you don't lose them. Once the old handles have been removed the next step is to take off the spindle that is loose. You can do this by pounding the end of the spindle with an hammer until freed from its position within the door. The new handle is installed by inserting the spindle into the handle hole inside and the other end into the hole in the handle on the outside. After the handle is installed then tighten it by screwing back the screws, and then check to ensure that the lock and unlock mechanism functions properly. Weatherstripping that isn't working properly Weatherstripping that's cracked or worn can let air and water be able to seep into your patio door, causing damage to your home's comfort and energy efficiency. In addition to allowing moisture, it can also cause drafts and increase your cooling or heating costs. It's simple to replace defective weatherstripping, even without the assistance of a professional. You can take off the old weatherstripping by loosening the staples using a screwdriver, or gently prying it off with the help of a putty blade, and then taking it off the door. You can then clean the area, and apply a layer of weatherstripping that is backed with a foam seal. This will prevent leaks and enhance the comfort of your. If your sliding patio doors are no longer functioning as they should, it's crucial to address the issue immediately to avoid further damage and to keep them functional for a long time to come. Depending on the severity of the issue, DIY or professional repair/replacement may be the best solution. Most problems with sliding patio doors are caused by dirty rollers, misaligned tracks, or an untidy handle. These issues are usually resolved through regular cleaning and maintenance like applying lubrication and adjusting the track, and tightening the hardware. If these methods are not working, you should seek out professional help to ensure that your patio is working exactly as it should. Make sure to check the warranty information prior to you decide to repair or replace your patio door. This can save you money on repairs or replacements in the future.