Sliding Patio Door Repairs A sliding patio is a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of your outdoor space and let more light in. If the door isn't moving smoothly or appears dingy, it can be a pain. Many of these issues are fixable with a few DIY skills. Here are some common issues and their solutions: Tracks that are dirty or damaged Over time, a sliding patio door's tracks may be clogged with dirt, dust and other debris. A regular cleaning routine and lubrication can ensure that your door can move smoothly. A filthy track can cause the door to become stuck or make it difficult to open or close So the first thing you need to do is clean it. Begin by removing any debris that is floating around with the help of a brush. Use the brush and cleaning solution to clean away any visible dirt. Be sure to clean the nooks and crannies and any areas where the door connects to the frame. After you've scrubbed the track, rinse 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 rusting. Before you reinstall the door, test it by sliding it back and forth to determine whether it can move freely. If your door is still sticking, it's possible that the rollers are damaged or misaligned, which could hinder movement. In most cases you can fix the issue by changing the wheels and lubricating. If your door is old, it might be time to consider a new replacement. Before reassembling the track lay a drop cloth on the floor and pop off the two plugs that cover the roller adjustment screws on the bottom of the frame. To retract the rollers, put an screwdriver into each hole and turn it counterclockwise. This will allow you enough space to remove the door from the sawhorses, and place it on the sawhorses. Handle is not working properly In time, your sliding door handle can become detached from the strike plate it is attached to. The good news is that the issue of loose handles is usually very easy to fix. Make use of a screwdriver to tighten the screws holding the door handle to the strike plate. But, be cautious not to over-tighten as this could cause damage to the mechanism inside and result in the handle not to longer work properly. If a sliding patio door becomes difficult to slide, the problem is usually caused by debris blocking the rollers. Dust, dirt, hair and fur often get into the tracks, causing the door to stop moving smoothly. Begin by cleaning the rollers and applying an oil for sliding doors to ensure smooth operation. Another issue that is common is when the lock on your patio door isn't working correctly. This could be due to an incorrectly aligned lock or damaged handle. A simple solution is to replace the lock mechanism, or adjust the handle of the door. A screen door that doesn't close or unlock isn't an enjoyable experience. A broken screen door can also be dangerous. If the screen isn't aligned correctly with the door frame, it will rub against the frames and result in wear and tear on both the screen and the door. If your screen doesn't function properly, the solution is pretty easy. Make sure whether the latching bar is still in place. If not, take it off and replace it with a new one. Once you've replaced your rod for latching, install the screen and make sure the hinges are set properly. Install screws into the holes of the frame for a finished appearance. Poor weatherstripping The weather stripping on your door and frame will help to seal the gap, preventing cold air, drafts, and pests. It's time to replace it if it is cracked, discoloured or hardened. It's generally fairly simple to do. Some people just cut out the worn area and replace it, but it's much easier to replace the entire part. First, make sure that the gap isn't near the seat point where the weather strip has been placed on the frame. If it is, you'll need to reattach it to the frame using weather strip adhesive. Next, examine the entire periphery of your weather strip. Use your dollar bill to verify whether the weather strip is sealed. Place the bill halfway across the seal, then close the door. If it's easy to remove from the flange made of metal on the weather strip, it's time to replace it. If it's not difficult to do, it's time to replace it. You may need to lubricate your run channel (the groove made of felt and rubber on both sides of the door) to avoid the build-up of ice in winter. You can buy a spray lubricant from your local hardware store that works however be sure not to splash any on your glass. Another great solution is to spread a thin layer of sand under your door prior to when snow starts falling and prevent it from sticking as salt does. Be careful not to leave any sand in the bottom of the door, though it may cause damage to the rubber and concrete of the weather strip in the course of time. Glass that is damaged Many circumstances can result in sliding glass patio doors becoming damaged or broken. If your glass for your patio door is damaged due to a knock or bump, or any other cause it is crucial to replace it immediately to ensure your home is well-insulated and sealed. Over time, sliding doors are susceptible to damage from frequent use and exposure elements. Doors that aren't working properly can be caused by rusty rollers, damaged handles or bent tracks. Sliding patio door repair specialists are able to quickly identify the root of the issue and fix any issues or replacements. Apart from obvious damage, a damaged patio door could also impact your energy costs. A gap between the frame of the patio door and the glass could cause drafts and temperature variations. This is a major expense in the winter and summer months when you are spending money to cool or heat your home. It is possible to repair a broken glass panel on your sliding patio door without having to take out the entire door. In certain instances it is the best option if you're looking to get your door back functioning as soon as possible. No matter if you are replacing the glass or just the frame, it is essential to have the required tools in your arsenal so that the job can be done quickly and safely. This includes gloves and a small pry bar or hammer, a putty knife, tape, a measuring tape and replacement glass. DIY Door Store offers all the necessary tools to repair your damaged sliding patio doors quickly and easily. Frames that aren't in good shape or damaged Sliding patio doors are designed to permit an easy transition from indoor to outdoor and provide an unnatural flow. But, just like any other home appliance, they're prone to wear and tear over time, which impacts their functionality. Certain damages are simple to repair, while others require assistance from a professional to keep your door in good condition. The visible signs of damage such as dents and scratches suggest it's time to consider sliding door replacement. These damages not only reduce the appearance of your patio doors but they also affect security and energy efficiency. A misaligned track, or rollers, can cause your sliding door not to function as it should. This can be due to dirt or debris accumulation on the track, and is usually fixed by using a pair of pliers to straighten the rails. Regularly cleaning the tracks and rollers on your sliding patio doors is crucial. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-stevenage/ can cause them to become stiff or stuck, preventing them from moving freely. By using a hand brush or vacuum cleaner, or a spray-down that includes a jet wash will aid in removing any obstructions. The addition of a silicone-based lubricant your tracks will aid in smooth operation and help prevent premature wear. Over time, slamming your patio door may cause serious damage to both the frame and the glass panel. This could result in a loose or broken frame as well as bent tracks and a handles that become difficult to open and close. Screen doors that slide are typically more prone to this kind of damage since the frames are generally less robust than those on glass sliding doors. Fortunately, if you have a broken screen door frame it is usually repaired by sealing the gap with silicone lubricant and then applying a new sealant around the edges of the glass.