Sliding Patio Doors Repairs Your sliding glass patio doors provide natural light and boost your home's energy efficiency. However, as time passes, they may begin to show signs of wear and tear that will require some attention. The majority of problems with sliding patio doors are relatively easy to fix. Find out how you can keep your sliding patio doors looking and working like new. Tracks that are damaged or dirty The tracks of your sliding patio door may be filthy or blocked. Over time, the dust and grime of everyday usage accumulates on the tracks and can cause the door to jam or even break down completely. This buildup can be minimized by incorporating regular light cleaning of tracks and sliding doors in your routine chores. Begin by sweeping or vacuuming any large debris from the tracks, and then wipe them clean with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaning product, such as dish soap. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to help remove stubborn dirt and grease stains. If your sliding door still not moving smoothly even after you have followed these steps, this could indicate that there is more damage. This could require a professional to repair or replace the door. There are a few simple solutions you can try before calling a professional to avoid expensive repairs or replacements. Place a mat under your sliding doors. This will help to catch dirt before it gets to the tracks. Regularly trim any plants and bushes that are in close proximity to your sliding door to limit the amount of debris tracked into the tracks. Close the door correctly to ensure that you don't damage the rollers or wheels. You can extend the life of your doors by maintaining them clean and lubricated. Rollers that are misaligned Sometimes, a patio may become out of alignment. This is usually due to dirt, or other obstructions which can be easily removed. Sometimes it's due to a bent roller or track. In this case you can straighten the rollers by removing them by using the adjustment screws and then cleaning with ruby alcohol. These parts are prone to damage. If your doors remain stuck then you could try lubricating the rollers to reduce friction and make it easier for them to slide. Use a silicone-based product, as petroleum-based lubricants can draw dirt more quickly. It is also essential to clean the tracks and rollers before applying lubricant. After you've cleaned your rollers, you can reinstall them using their adjustment screws. It's recommended to use the same lubricant you used for cleaning them. Be https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wythenshawe-patio-door-repairs-near-me/ to push the rollers fully in their channels when reinstalling them. Then, you can test your door to see whether it slides more smoothly. If the problem persists it is possible to remove the door and check the rollers and tracks. If the tracks or wheels are bent badly it could be necessary to replace them. In such a scenario it's a good idea to contact an expert for the installation. Warped Glass Sliding glass door are great to bring the outdoors into the room and letting in natural sunlight, but they may also be prone to damage that requires repair or replacement. Cracking, warping, and fading are some of the most common problems. The materials that compose the sliding glass patio doors start to deteriorate when exposed to sunlight, heat and other environmental factors. Cracking often results from impact damage, such as from a ball or lawn mower run-in, while fading usually happens due to repeated contact with sunlight and other natural elements. If your sliding glass patio doors are difficult to open or close it could be an indication that the tracks and rollers aren't working properly. This issue may result from accumulation of dirt, rust or debris in the track, or misaligned wheels or a lack of lubrication. Cleaning the rollers and tracks clearing obstructions and applying silicone spray can help resolve this problem. The locking mechanism might be faulty which makes it difficult to open and close your sliding patio doors. It could be caused by misalignment, wear and tear or the combination of both. To fix this, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the hidden adjustment screws located at the bottom. Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio doors are a frequent issue that can greatly decrease their energy efficiency. They usually result from damaged weather stripping and poor alignment of the doors, which can be easily fixed by replacing the old weather stripping and aligning the doors. Loose Handle If the handle of a sliding door is loose, it can be quite frustrating and cause it difficult for people to open the door. This issue is usually caused by a misaligned locking mechanism, which can be fixed by loosening the screws that secure it and tightening them until they are snug against the jamb of the door. Another reason for a handle to become loose is that it is detached from the spindle that connects the interior and exterior handles. This is usually the result of a number of reasons, including excessive use, wear-and-tear or just aging. If the problem is not treated promptly, it could eventually lead to the entire handle becoming loose and potentially falling off entirely. To solve this issue it is necessary to locate the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. The screws are typically hidden behind plastic tabs which can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver, in some instances) screwdriver. Keep these screws in a safe place to prevent them from being lost. After the handles have been removed, the next step is to remove the loose spindle. This can be accomplished by tapping the end with a mallet or hammer until it is free of its position within the door. The new handle is fitted by putting the spindle into the hole for the handle inside and the other end through the hole on the outside of the handle. Once the handle is installed, tighten it by screwing back the screws and then check to ensure that the lock and unlock mechanism is working correctly. Poor weatherstripping A worn or cracked weatherstripping may allow water and air to seep through your patio doors, compromising the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. It can let in moisture and create drafts, which will increase the cost of cooling and heating. It is easy to replace damaged weatherstripping, even without the assistance of a professional. The first step is to take off the old stripping by loosening its staples using an screwdriver or pinning it gently with a putty knife, and then lifting it off the door. Then, you can clean the area, and then apply a layer of weatherstripping that is secured with an adhesive. This will prevent leaks and increase the comfort. If your sliding patio door is not functioning as it should, you need to fix the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage and to ensure that they are functional for years to come. Depending on how serious the problem is the best option is an DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement could be the best choice. Most sliding patio door problems are caused by dirty rollers, misaligned tracks, or a loose handle. These issues can be solved by regular maintenance and cleaning including lubricating and adjusting the track, and tightening the hardware. If these steps aren't working, it's best consult a professional for advice to make sure that your patio door is functioning as it should. Make sure to check the warranty information prior to you decide to repair or replace your patio door. This will save you money in the long run on repairs and replacements.