How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door Patio doors sliding down can be difficult to operate due to a myriad of issues. Most of these issues are easily fixable. The most efficient method to repair your sliding patio door is to clean it. Use a brush and some soapy water to wash the tracks. Next you can apply lubrication to improve their movement. 1. Tracks that are dirty or damaged Tracks Dirt and debris in the track are the main reason for a sticky patio door. Sand and salt from winter roads, pine straw and bird droppings, pet hair and other nastiness can gum up the process. This is why it's important to scrub and lubricate your sliding doors on a regular basis. Wear rubber gloves and goggles to protect your eyes. Clean https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-crawley/ using the help of a shop vac or brushes to get rid of the gunk. Mix equal parts of white vinegar in the spray bottle. Spray a tiny amount of the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the sill and track. Rinse the area dry it using paper towels to avoid scratching or damaging the sill and track. When the tracks are clean you can take the toothbrush and go there to scrub the more difficult areas that are stuck. You can also sand away rough spots on the bottom track and then re-lubricate the rollers to ensure smooth operation. A door that is not aligned properly could be caused by misaligned rollers. This can be fixed by adjusting the rollers' height and positioning. When replacing the weather stripping, it's a good idea to do so to ensure a secure fitting and increase energy efficiency. Leaking tracks can be an issue that could lead mold growth and structural damage in your home. If the leak is limited to one section of the track, you may be able to fix it yourself by re-sealing the joint. If the problem is widespread it is best to call an expert to repair the patio door. 2. Broken or Torn Screen If your patio door doesn't allow airflow, it will make your house feel stuffy and uncomfortable. It could also create a cozy entryway for mosquitoes and other pests. You should call an expert as soon as you notice a broken screen or fog that has formed between the glass panes. If you have a basic sliding patio door, the simplest solution is to replace your screen with a new one. Screen material can be found in pre-measured roll sizes that will be able to fit the majority of door sizes. You can also purchase full screen repair kit that includes the screen, spline, and roller in one package. To put up the new screen, start by locating a solid surface you can work from and then laying your new material across it. Then, using your scissors, cut the screen to length to ensure that an inch or two of the screen covers on each side of the frame. Next, remove the old spline along with any screen that is left over from the window frame using your utility knife. Now you can lay down the new screen spline starting at the bottom left corner the frame, and work through the entire perimeter. Once the spline is placed, use your screen rolling tool to push it into the groove. Then trim any excess screen and spline it with your utility knife, being careful not to cut the interior of the window frame. Check the spline and see if there are any ripples or distortions. Adjust the screen if necessary. 3. Seals that leak If you notice that water is collecting or accumulating between the glass panes of your patio door, it is an indication that the seals and frame have lost their integrity. This could lead to mold and decay, as well as increased energy bills because of air leakage and drafts. Leaking seals are usually caused by improperly installed flashing or caulking. It is important to hire an experienced professional who is able to install patio doors and make sure that the frame is properly caulked and flashed. You'll want to seal any cracks or gaps using caulking rated for your particular kind of weather. For instance, if you reside in a humid area such as Ontario you'll need to choose a caulking that will stand up well to moisture. Another reason that leaks seals is when the shims under the door frame aren't put in the right place. These are typically made from wood and help keep the sheathing even with the framing, however if they're not set up correctly, they can cause gaps that allow moisture to enter your home. One method to test your seals is by spraying the frame with the help of a garden nozzle or hose. If you see the mist forming in these areas, it's time to contact a professional come take a closer look at the installation. You may only need to add a few caulks or replace the shims. In any case, addressing these issues quickly can prevent costly repairs and damage down the road. It is always better to fix your patio door or frame before it's too late than to put off the repair. 4. Warped Frame If wood is exposed to external forces such as a fluctuation of humidity, it can absorb or lose moisture that could cause warping. If a sagging frame begins to develop it makes the door more difficult to operate and can ultimately lead to damage or complete failure. This is particularly true for doors that separate garages and basements that are damp from living areas. A sagging frame can be corrected with some minor repairs. Start by checking the frame to ensure that all bolts and screws have been tightened and secured. Replace any loose or missing screws. Replace the hinge screws with larger ones, with a preference of 2 inches or more. This allows the screw get into the wall framing, not the door jamb, and pull the frame back into position. You can also add shims. These are thin pieces that can be placed on top of the hinges. This will allow you to tweak the way that the frame is placed. Shims can aid in supporting the frame and distribute the weight evenly over larger areas and prevent the frame from becoming more damaged over time. You might want to engage an expert to repair severe frame warps. A professional can conduct a thorough inspection to determine the severity of the problem and provide you with a complete repair solution. They can also add additional bracing to reinforce the frame and help keep it from sagging in the future. This is typically a more durable and cost-effective option than purchasing new patio door components. If the frame is severely damaged, it could be necessary to replace the entire jamb of the door instead of just the door itself. 5. Cosmetic Damage Over time, patio doors can experience a lot of wear and wear and. Damage to the surface can cause your doors to look less than attractive and affect the aesthetic of your home. The positive side is that the majority of cosmetic damage can be corrected by using bonding fillers and paint. If the door has huge dents or cracks it is recommended to replace it rather than trying to repair it. Like the seals around windows, a door's weatherstripping can lose its effectiveness with time. This can result in gaps that let air from outside enter your home and increase the cost of energy. A professional door repair specialist can install new weatherstripping to reduce energy loss and increase insulation. Moisture on the exterior of your door is not good news However, patio doors are particularly susceptible to it. This moisture can cause wood rot that is costly and difficult to fix. Water leaks should be repaired immediately by an expert. Over time a patio door could be misaligned as a result of regular use or foundation changes. This could cause the doors to jam or become difficult to open and close. A technician can realign tracks and hinges to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn-out rollers and hinges to restore proper functionality.