How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door
Patio doors sliding down can be difficult to operate due to a myriad of problems. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be fixed easily.
Cleaning your patio door sliding is the simplest way to fix it. You'll want to use the brush and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. Then, you can apply lubrication to the tracks to enhance their performance.
1. Dirty tracks or damaged tracks
One of the most common causes of a sticky or squeaky patio door is dirt and debris in the track. Pine straw, bird droppings and salt, sand, winter roads and other things can clog up the track. It's important to regularly clean and lubricate your sliding doors.
Start by putting on some rubber gloves and safety goggles to protect your eyes. Utilize a shop vacuum cleaner or a brush to clean any gunk that has escaped. Then, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in the spray bottle. Spray a small amount of the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the track and sill. Rinse and dry the area with paper towels. This will prevent scratching and further damage to the track and sill.
When the tracks are clean you can take your toothbrush and go in there to scrub the harder areas that are stuck. You can also rub rough spots onto the bottom tracks, and then replenish the wheels with lubricant to ensure smooth operation.
Another reason for a sticky door is misaligned rollers, which can also be remedied by adjusting the height and positioning of the rollers. It's a good idea to replace the weather stripping that surrounds the door when you do this to ensure a tight fit and increase energy efficiency.
Leaking from the track is also a serious problem that could lead to mold growth and structural damage to your home. You might be able to repair the issue on your own if the leak is contained to a specific section of the track. Simply re-seal the joint. If the issue is extensive you should contact an expert to fix the patio door.
2. Broken or Torn Screen
If your patio door doesn't allow airflow, it could make your home feel stale and uncomfortable. It could also be a perfect entry point for insects and mosquitoes. It is important to call a professional when you spot the screen is damaged or there is a fog in between the glass panes.
If you have a basic sliding patio door, the simplest option is to replace your screen with a new one. You can purchase screen material in rolls that are pre-measured to fit most door sizes. It's also available as complete screen repair kits that include the screen as well as the spline, roller and roller in a single package.
For the installation of the new screen, begin by locating a solid surface to work from and then laying your new material across it. Use your scissors to cut the screen to the desired length in a way that it is able to overlap the frame on both sides by about one inch. Then with your utility blade remove the old spline as any screen that is not needed.
Now you can put down the new screen spline starting at the bottom left corner of the frame and work your way around the perimeter. Once the spline has been set, use the screen rolling tool to push it into the groove. Trim any excess spline and screen using a utility blade making sure not to cut into the inner frame of the window. Examine the spline to determine whether there are any distortions or ripples. Adjust the screen if needed.
3. Leaking Seals
If you notice that water is pooling around the patio door or getting stuck between the glass panes, it's an obvious indication that your seals and frames are losing their integrity. This can lead mold and decay, as well as higher energy bills due to air leakage and drafts.
Leaking seals are often caused by poorly installed caulking or flashing. To stop patio door repairs near me from happening, it's essential to find an expert who has previous experience installing patio doors and can make sure that the frame is properly caulked and flashed.
In addition to ensuring that you install the flashing, you'll also be sure that any cracks or gaps are closed with caulking approved for use in the specific weather conditions. For example, if you live in a humid area such as Ontario it is important to choose a caulking 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 usually made of wood and are used to keep the sheathing level with the framing, but when they're not installed correctly, they can cause an opening that allows moisture into your home.
One method to test the seals by spraying the frame with a hose or garden nozzle. If you see an airborne mist entering these areas, it's time to call a professional inspect the frame at the installation. You may only need to add a little caulking or change the shims. In either case, fixing the issue quickly will prevent the possibility of further damage and costly repairs. It's always better to take the initiative in fixing your patio door and frame than to wait until it's too late!
4. Warped Frame
When wood is exposed to outside forces such as a fluctuation of humidity, it could absorb or lose moisture, which could cause warping. A sagging frame can make it difficult to operate the door, and eventually cause damage or failure. This is particularly relevant for doors that separate garages and basements that are damp from living spaces.
A few minor repairs are able to usually fix a sagging frame. Start by checking the frame to ensure that all the screws and bolts have been tightened and secured. Replace any missing or loose screws. Replace the hinge screws by larger ones, with a preference of 2 inches or more. This will allow the screw to bite the wall framing instead of the door jamb, and pull the frame back in place.
You can also try adding shims, which are thin pieces of wood that can be positioned behind the hinges to adjust the frame's positioning. Shims can assist in supporting the frame and spread the weight evenly over a larger area. This will stop the frame from becoming more warped with time.
You might want to engage a professional to repair more severe frame warps. A professional can perform an exhaustive inspection to determine the extent of the problem and provide you with an extensive repair solution. They can also install bracing to strengthen the frame to prevent it from sagging. This is typically a more durable and cost-effective alternative to buying new patio door components. If the frame is severely damaged, you might need to replace the entire jamb of the door, not just the door itself.
5. Cosmetic Damage
Over time, patio doors will experience a fair amount of wear and tear. Damage to the surface can make your doors look less than attractive and affect the appearance of your home. The good news is that most cosmetic damage can easily be repaired with bonding fillers or paint. However, if the door has significant cracks or dents, it will be best to replace it rather than trying to repair it.
Similar to the seal around windows, a door's weatherstripping may be less effective over time. It can result in gaps that allow air from outside to infiltrate your home, which can lead to higher energy costs. A professional door repair service can install new weatherstripping to reduce energy loss and improve insulation.
Moisture in the exterior of doors is always a problem, but it's especially risky when it comes to your patio doors. The moisture could cause wood rot which is expensive and difficult to fix. The best way to protect your home is to have any water leaks repaired immediately by a professional trained to do so.
Over time the patio door may become misaligned due to normal use or foundation changes. This can cause the patio doors to jam, or make it difficult to open and close. A technician can realign hinges and tracks for smooth operation. They can also replace worn-out hinges and rollers to restore functionality.