Sliding patio doors repairs (reviews over at Telegra)

Your sliding glass patio doors help to let in more light and increase your home's energy efficiency. However, over time they may begin to show signs of wear and tear that will require a bit of maintenance.

Luckily, most of the issues with sliding patio doors are simple to fix. Find out how to keep your sliding patio doors looking and functioning like new.

Tracks that are damaged or dirty

The tracks of your sliding patio door may be filthy or blocked. Over time, dirt and grime from everyday usage can accumulate on the track. This can cause the jam to break or to break down completely.

This buildup can be minimized by regular light cleaning of sliding glass patio door repair doors and tracks in your routine chores. Begin by cleaning any large debris from the tracks and then wipe them clean using warm water and a non-abrasive cleaning product, such as dish soap. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to help get rid of stubborn grease and dirt stains.

If your sliding door still won't move smoothly after completing these steps, it could be the sign of more severe damage that requires a professional repair or replacement. There are a variety of simple fixes you can try before calling experts to prevent costly repairs or replacements.

Place a doormat under your sliding doors. This will assist in trap dirt before it reaches the tracks. Make sure to trim the plants and bushes that are in close proximity to the sliding door to decrease the amount of debris that is tracked into the tracks. Also, make sure you close the door correctly so that it doesn't slam into the tracks and damage the wheels and rollers. By keeping your doors clean and well-lubricated, you will extend their life substantially.

Rollers that are not aligned

Occasionally it happens that a sliding patio door becomes misaligned or gets stuck. It is usually due to obstructions such as dirt or other that can be easily removed. However, it can be due to a bent track or roller. In the latter case you might be able to straighten the roller by extracting them with their adjustment screws and cleaning them using ruby alcohol. These parts are prone to damage.

If your doors are still sticking, you can lubricate the rollers. This will lessen friction and allow them to slide more easily. It is best to make use of a silicone-based lubricant since petroleum-based ones tend to draw dirt more quickly. It is also crucial to clean the rollers and tracks before lubricating them.

After cleaning the rollers you can put them back on using the adjustment screws. Make use of the same lubricant you used to clean them. When you reinstall the rollers, be sure to push them completely into their channels. You can test your door now and see if it slides smoothly.

If the problem persists, it might be necessary to remove your door and inspect the tracks and rollers for any other issues. If the tracks or wheels are bent badly, you may need to replace them. It is best to engage a professional to install the tracks or rollers in this case.

Warped Glass

Sliding glass doors are ideal to bring in the outdoors and natural sunlight into a space, but they are also susceptible to damage that requires repair or replacement. Some of the most frequent problems that occur include cracking, warping, and fade. The materials that compose the sliding glass patio doors begin to break down when exposed heat, sunlight and other environmental factors. The most common cause of cracking is injuries caused by impact, like from a ball or lawn mower run-in, and fading generally occurs due to repeated contact with sunlight or other elements found in nature.

If you have sliding glass repairing patio doors doors that are hard to open and close, this could indicate that the tracks and rollers are not functioning correctly. This could be due to the accumulation of dirt, rust, or debris in the track, wheels that are not aligned or the lack of lubrication. Regularly cleaning the tracks and rollers, removing obstructions and applying silicone spray can help resolve this problem.

Another reason your sliding patio doors may be difficult to open or close is because the locking mechanism has become faulty. This could be caused by the alignment of the track or wear and tear, however, a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws that are located at the bottom of the track.

Drafts or air leaks that occur around your sliding patio doors are a common problem that can drastically reduce their energy efficiency. These issues are typically caused by worn-out weather stripping or poor alignment of the door. This issue can be fixed easily by replacing the weather stripping and realigning your doors.

Loose Handle

It can be a hassle when the handle of sliding doors becomes loose. It can be difficult to open. This problem is usually caused by an improperly aligned locking mechanism, which can be fixed by loosening the screws that hold it in place and tightening them until they fit against the door jamb.

Another common reason for a handle to become loose is that it has become detached from the spindle that connects it with the handles on the exterior and interior. This is often caused by a variety of factors, including frequent use, wear-and-tear or just aging. If the problem is not treated promptly, it could eventually lead to the entire handle becoming loose, and possibly falling off completely.

The most effective way to address this issue is to start by finding the screws that join the interior and exterior handles. They are typically hidden behind tabs of plastic that can be removed with a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in certain cases) screwdriver. Keep these screws in a safe place to avoid losing them.

After removing the handles then the next step would be to take off the spindle. This can be accomplished by tapping the end using a mallet or hammer until it comes loose from its position within the door. The new handle can be fitted by simply placing the spindle through the hole on the handle inside and inserting the other end of the spindle through the hole in the outside handle. Once the handle is installed, tighten it by screwing back the screws. Then, test to make sure the lock and unlock mechanism works properly.

Afflicted Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping that's damaged or cracked can allow water and air to get into your patio door frame repair door, causing damage to your home's comfort and energy efficiency. In addition to allowing water, it can create drafts and also increase your cooling or heating costs. It's easy to replace faulty weatherstripping, even without the assistance of a professional. You can take off the old weatherstripping by loosing the staples with the help of a screwdriver or by gently squeezing it with the help of a putty blade, and then pulling it from the door. Clean the area, and then apply a layer of weatherstripping that is secured with a foam seal. This will stop leaks and increase comfort.

If your sliding patio doors are no longer functioning as they should, it's crucial to address the issue immediately to prevent further damage and keep them functional for a long time to come. Depending on how serious the issue is and the severity of the issue, an DIY solution or a repair/replacement by a professional may be the best choice.

The most common issues that are encountered with sliding patio doors are dirty rollers from debris in the tracks, wheels that are not aligned and a loose handle. In most instances, these issues can be resolved through regular maintenance and cleaning, such as fluidizing the track as well as adjusting the rollers and tightening the hardware. However, if these measures don't work, it's best to seek professional advice to make sure that your patio door is working just as it should. Check the warranty information before you decide to repair or replace your patio door. This will save you money in the long run on repairs and replacements.