How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door
Patio doors that slide can become difficult to operate due to a range of issues. Most of these issues are easily fixable.
Cleaning your patio door sliding will make it easier to fix it. You'll need brushes and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. Then 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 cause of sticky patio doors. Bird droppings, pine straw and salt, sand, winter roads and other nasty things can cause a blockage in the track. It is important to regularly lubricate and scrub your sliding doors.
Put on a pair of rubber gloves and goggles to shield your eyes. Make use of a shop vacuum or a brush to remove any loose gunk. Mix equal parts of white vinegar in spray bottles. Spray a small amount the solution on your cleaning brushes, and scrub the track. Rinse the area and dry it using paper towels to avoid scratching or harming the track and sill.
After the tracks are cleaned, take a toothbrush and get in there to scrub the tougher areas that are stuck. You can also smooth rough spots on the bottom tracks and then relubricate the wheels to restore smooth operation.
A door that is not aligned properly could be caused by misaligned rollers. This can be fixed by altering the rollers' height and positioning. When you replace the weather stripping, it's an excellent idea to do this to ensure a secure fitting and to increase the efficiency of your energy.
Leaks from the track is also a serious problem that can lead to mold growth and structural damage to your home. If the leak is limited to one section of the track, you may be able to repair it yourself by re-sealing the joint. If the problem is widespread it is best to call a professional to fix the patio door.
2. Broken or Torn Screen
A patio door that doesn't allow for efficient airflow can make your home feel stuffy and uncomfortable. It could also be a perfect entry point for insects and mosquitoes. If you have a torn screen or see fog growing between the panes of glass It's a good idea to call in professional help as soon as possible.
If you have an old screen on your patio door, it's easy to replace it with a brand new screen. Screen material is available in rolls that have been pre-measured to fit most doors of standard sizes. You can also purchase a complete screen repair kit that includes the screen, spline and roller in one box.
To put up the new screen, start by locating a solid surface to work from and then lay out your replacement material across it. Then, using your scissors, cut it to length to ensure that an inch or two of the screen overlaps on each side of the frame. Then with your utility blade, remove the old spline, as well any screen that is not needed.
You can now lay the new screen spline starting at the bottom-left corner of the frame. Work your way around until you reach the perimeter. Once the spline has been put in position, run your screen rolling tool across it several times, pushing it in the groove of the frame. Cut off any excess screen and spline it with your utility knife, making sure not to cut into the inside of the frame. Check the spline to see if there are any distortions or ripples. Adjust the screen if needed.
3. Leaking Seals
If you notice that water is pooling or trapped between the glass panes of your patio door, it is a sign that the frame and seals have lost their integrity. This could lead to rot and mold as well as increased energy bills due to air leakage and drafts.
Leaking seals can be caused by improperly installed caulking or flashing. It is essential to hire an experienced professional who can install patio doors and ensure that the frame is caulked and flashed.
You'll want to seal any gaps or cracks with caulking rated for your particular type of weather. For instance, if you live in a humid area such as Ontario, you'll want to select a caulking option that can stand up to humidity.
Another reason that leaks seals is when the shims beneath the door frame aren't installed correctly. They are typically made of wood and keep the sheathing in line with the framing. But in RepairMyWindowsAndDoors that they aren't properly installed, they may create a gap which allows moisture to get into your home.
One way to test your seals is by spraying the frame using the help of a garden nozzle or hose. If you see a mist coming in through these areas, it's time to call a professional examine the frame at the installation. It's possible that a bit of more caulking is all that's required, or maybe the shims have to be replaced. Whatever the case solving these issues as quickly as possible will prevent costly repairs and damage down the road. It is always better to repair your patio door or frame before it's too late than to wait.
4. Warped Frame
When wood is exposed to outside forces such as a fluctuation of humidity, it could absorb or lose moisture that can cause warping. If a frame is sagging, it can make the door more difficult to operate and ultimately cause damage or even complete failure. This is especially the case for doors that divide garages and basements that are damp from living spaces.
A damaged frame can be fixed with some minor repairs. Start by examining the frame to make sure that all the bolts and screws have been tightened and secured. Replace any loose or missing screws. Replace the hinge screws with longer ones, usually 2 inches or more. This will allow the screw to pierce the wall framing instead of the door jamb and pull the frame back into place.
You can also add shims, which are thin pieces of wood that can be positioned behind the hinges in order to fine-tune the frame's positioning. Shims can help to support the frame and distribute the weight evenly over more of a larger area, which will prevent the frame from becoming more damaged over time.
For more severe frame warps, you may want to consider hiring a professional to repair. A professional can inspect the frame thoroughly to determine the extent of the problem and offer a complete solution. They can also put in additional bracing to reinforce the frame and help prevent it from sagging in the future. In the majority of cases this is a more cost-effective and durable solution than simply purchasing new patio door components. If the frame is significantly warped, it may be necessary to replace the entire jamb of the door instead of just the door.
5. Cosmetic Damage
Over time, your patio doors can show many wear and tear. Surface damage can cause your doors to look less than desirable and impact the appearance of your home. The good news is that most cosmetic damage can be fixed using bonding fillers and paint. However when the door has significant cracks or dents it is recommended to replace it instead of trying to repair it.
Like the seal around windows, doors' weatherstripping may lose its effectiveness over time. This can create gaps that allow air from outside to get into your home, leading to higher energy costs. A professional door repair specialist can install new weatherstripping to reduce energy loss and improve insulation.
Moisture on the exterior of your door isn't good news however patio doors are particularly susceptible to it. This moisture can cause wood rot which is expensive and difficult to repair. Water leaks should be repaired immediately by an expert.
Over time a patio door could be misaligned as a result of normal usage or foundation changes. This can cause patio doors to jam, or make it difficult to open and close. A technician for door repair can realign the tracks and hinges to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn out rollers and hinges in order to ensure proper functioning.