The Most Successful Repair Patio Door Experts Have Been Doing 3 Things
How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door
Sliding patio doors can become difficult to operate due to a variety of issues. Most of these problems can be fixed easily.
Cleaning your sliding patio door will fix it the easiest. Use a brush and some soapy water to clean the tracks. Then, you can apply lubrication to the tracks to improve their performance.
1. Tracks that are dirty or damaged Tracks
One of the main causes of a sticky or squeaky patio door is dirt and debris in the track. Sand and salt from winter roads, pine straw and bird droppings, pet hair, and other unpleasant things can clog the work. It's important to regularly lubricate and scrub your sliding doors.
Begin by putting on rubber gloves and safety glasses to shield your eyes. Utilize a shop vacuum cleaner or a brush to remove any gunk that is loose. Next, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in spray bottles. Spray a small amount the solution on your cleaning brushes, and scrub the track. Rinse and dry the area with paper towels. This will stop scratching and further damage to the track and sill.
Once the tracks are clean you can take your toothbrush and go in there to scrub the harder areas that are stuck. You can also sand down rough spots on the bottom track. You can then re-lubricate your rollers to ensure smooth operation.
Another reason for a sticky door is a misaligned roller, which can also be corrected by altering the height and position of the rollers. When you replace the weather stripping, it's a good idea to do this to ensure a secure fitting and improve energy efficiency.
Leaking from the track is an issue that could lead to mold growth and structural damage to your home. If the leak is confined to a particular section of the track, you might be able to repair it yourself by re-sealing the joint. However, if the problem is widespread, it's best to seek out an expert to repair the patio door.
2. Broken or damaged screen
A patio door that isn't designed for efficient airflow can make your home feel stuffy and uncomfortable. It can also create a cozy entryway for insects and mosquitoes. If patio door repairs got a damaged screen or notice that fog is building up between the panes glass it's best to contact a professional as soon as you can.
If you have a basic sliding patio door, the easiest option is to replace your screen with a brand new one. Screen material is available in pre-measured roll sizes that will accommodate the majority of door sizes. It's also offered in complete screen repair kits that include screen along with spline, roller and spline all in a single package.
To put up the new screen, begin by finding a solid surface you can work from and then lay out your replacement material on it. Then, use your scissors to cut it to length so that about an inch or two of the screen overlaps on both sides of the frame. Then, take the old spline and any excess screen from the window frame using your utility knife.
It is now possible to lay the new screen spline, starting at the bottom-left corner of the frame. Then, work your way up until you reach the perimeter. Once the spline is placed, use your screen rolling tool to push it into the groove. Cut off any excess screen and spline with your utility knife, being careful not to cut through the interior of the frame. Check the spline and see if there are any distortions or ripples. Adjust the screen if needed.
3. Seals that leak
If you notice that water is getting a foothold around the patio door, or getting trapped between the glass panes, it's a clear indication that your frame and seals are deteriorating. This can lead mold and rot, as well as increased energy bills because of drafts and air leakage.
Leaking seals are usually caused by improperly installed caulking or flashing. To prevent this from happening, it's essential to work with an expert who has previous experience installing patio doors and can ensure the frame is properly caulked and flashed.
In addition to properly installing the flashing, you'll also ensure that any cracks or gaps are sealed with caulking that's rated for use with your specific type of weather conditions. If you live in an area that has humid climates, such as Ontario or the province of Ontario, you'll need to choose caulking products that are able to withstand the elements of moisture.
The shims which are put under the door frame can also cause leaks. They are typically made from wood and help keep the sheathing in line with the framing. But, if they are not installed correctly, they could create a gap that allows moisture to enter your home.
One way to test the seals by spraying the frame using the help of a garden nozzle or hose. If you notice a mist coming in through these areas, you need to call a professional come take a closer look at the installation. It's possible that a bit of additional caulking is all needed, or perhaps the shims have to be replaced. In either case, fixing the issue promptly will help avoid future damage and costly repairs. It is always better to take the initiative in fixing your patio door and frame instead of waiting until it's too late!
4. Warped Frame
When wood is exposed outside forces, such as a change of humidity, it may absorb or lose moisture that can cause warping. If a frame is sagging it makes the door less functional and ultimately cause damage or complete failure. This is especially true for doors that separate damp basements and garages from living areas.
A sagging frame can be corrected with minor repairs. Start by checking the frame to make sure that all screws and bolts 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 in place.
You can also add shims, which are small 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 more of the area. This will stop the frame from getting more distorted with age.
For more severe frame warps, you may want to consider hiring a professional to fix the issue. A professional can conduct an exhaustive examination to determine the severity of the issue and offer a complete repair solution. They can also install bracing in order to strengthen the frame to stop it from sagging. In most cases this is a more cost-effective and durable solution than simply buying new patio door parts. If the frame has been severely damaged, you might have to replace the entire jamb of the door, not only the door itself.
5. Cosmetic Damage
Over time, patio doors will be subject to a lot of wear and tear. Damage to the surface can make your doors appear less than desirable, and can affect the appearance of your home. The positive side is that the majority of cosmetic damage can be repaired by using bonding fillers and paint. If the door has huge dents or cracks it is best to replace it rather than trying to repair it.
Weatherstripping on doors can lose its effectiveness with time, similar to the seal around windows. It could result in gaps that allow outside air to enter your home, which can lead to higher energy costs. A professional door repair specialist can install new weatherstripping in order to decrease energy loss and increase insulation.
Moisture on the outside of your door is not good news however patio doors are particularly susceptible to it. This moisture can lead to wood rot that is costly and difficult to fix. Water leaks should be addressed immediately by an expert.
A patio door could be misaligned with time due to foundation changes or normal usage. This can cause the patio doors to become jammed, or make it difficult to open or close. A door repair technician can realign the tracks and hinges to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn-out rollers and hinges in order to restore proper functionality.