How Do You Know If You're Prepared To Repair Patio Door
How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door
Patio doors sliding down can be difficult to operate due to a variety of problems. Luckily, most of these issues can be easily fixed.
Cleaning your sliding patio door will fix it the easiest. Use a brush and some soapy water to wash the tracks. You can then lubricate the tracks to improve their performance.
1. Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks
Dirt and debris in the track are the primary reason for a sticky patio door. Bird droppings, pine straw as well as salt and sand from winter roads and other things can clog up the track. This is why it's essential to clean and lubricate your sliding doors regularly.
Begin by putting on rubber gloves and safety goggles to protect your eyes. Then, vacuum the tracks with a shop vac or use a brush to remove the gunk. Next, mix equal parts water and white vinegar 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 using paper towels. This will stop scratching and further damage to the sill and track.
When the tracks are clean you can take the toothbrush and go there to scrub the tougher areas that are stuck. You can also sand down rough spots on the bottom track. You can then re-lubricate your rollers to bring them back to smooth operation.
Another reason for a squeaky door is the misalignment of the rollers, which can also be corrected by altering the height and position of the rollers. It's a good idea replace the weather stripping around the door whenever you do this to ensure a snug fit and increase energy efficiency.
Leaks from the track is also a serious problem that can cause mold growth and structural damage to your home. If the leak is confined to one section of the track, you might be able to repair it yourself by resealing the joint. If however, the issue is widespread, it's recommended to seek out an expert to repair the patio door.
2. Broken or Torn Screen
A patio door that doesn't allow for adequate airflow could make your home feel stuffy and uncomfortable. It could also be a perfect entry point for insects and mosquitoes. It is important to call a professional as soon as you notice an unfinished screen or fog between the glass panes.
If you have a standard sliding patio door, the easiest option is to replace your screen with a new one. Screen material is available in pre-measured rolls that will be able to fit the majority of door sizes. It's also offered in complete screen repair kits that contain the screen along with spline, roller and spline all in one package.
To put up the new screen, begin by finding a solid surface to work from and laying out your replacement material on it. Cut the screen to the length you want and make sure it covers the frame on both sides by around an inch. Next, remove the old spline and any screen that's left from the window frame using your utility knife.
Now you can lay out the new screen spline, starting at the bottom-left corner of the frame. Work your way around to the edges. Once the spline is put in place, use your screen rolling tool to push it into the groove. Cut off any excess screen and spline it with your utility knife, taking care not to cut the interior of the window frame. Also, check the spline for distortions or ripples, and then adjust the screen if needed.
3. Leaking Seals
If you notice that water is pooling around the patio door or getting trapped between the glass panes, it's a clear sign that your frame and seals are deteriorating. This can lead to rot and mold as well as increased energy bills due to air leakage and drafts.
Leaking seals can be caused by poorly installed caulking or flashing. To stop this from happening, it's crucial to find an experienced professional who has experience installing patio doors and will make sure that the frame is properly flashed and caulked.
In addition to ensuring that you install the flashing, you'll want to make sure that any cracks or gaps are closed with caulking suitable for the specific weather conditions. If sliding patio door repair live in a region that has humid climates, such as Ontario or the province of Ontario, you'll want to select a caulking product that can stand up to moisture.
Another reason that leaks seals is when the shims beneath the door frame aren't put in the right place. They are typically made of wood and help keep the sheathing level with the framing. But, if they are not properly installed, they may cause a gap, which could allow moisture to enter your home.
One method to test your seals is by spraying the frame using the help of a garden nozzle or hose. If you see the presence of a mist in these areas, call an expert who will come and take a closer inspection of the installation. You may only need to add a little caulking or change the shims. In either case, fixing the issue fast will avoid future damage and costly repairs. It is always better to fix your patio door or frame before it's too late to put off the repair.
4. Warped Frame
When wood is exposed to outside forces like a fluctuation in humidity, it can absorb and lose moisture, which could cause the frame to warp. A frayed frame can make it difficult to operate the door and eventually cause damage or even failure. This is particularly the case for doors that divide damp basements and garages from living spaces.
A damaged frame can be corrected with some minor repairs. Start by checking the frame to make sure that all the screws and bolts have been tightened and secured. Replace any screws that are missing or loose. Next, try replacing the hinge screws with larger ones that are 2 or more inches long. This will allow the screw to bite into the wall framing instead of the door jamb, which will pull the frame back into place.
You could also consider adding shims, which are tiny pieces of wood that can be placed behind the hinges to adjust the frame's position. Shims can help to support the frame and distribute the weight evenly across more of a larger area and prevent the frame from becoming more damaged over time.
You might want to engage a professional to repair more serious frame warps. A professional will inspect the frame in depth to determine the severity and provide a complete solution. They can also install bracing in order to strengthen the frame to stop it from sagging. This is typically the most durable and cost-effective alternative to buying new patio door components. If the frame has been badly damaged, you may require replacing the entire jamb of the door, not just the actual door.
5. Cosmetic Damage
Over time, patio doors will endure a significant amount of wear and tear. Damage to the surface can make your patio doors appear less than desirable, and can affect the appearance of your home. The good news is that the majority of cosmetic damage can be fixed by using bonding fillers and paint. However should the door have significant cracks or dents it is recommended to replace it rather than trying to repair it.
Similar to the seal around windows, doors' weatherstripping could become less effective over time. This can result in gaps that let air from outside get into your home, causing an increase in the cost of energy. A professional in door repair can install new weatherstripping to decrease energy loss and improve insulation.
Moisture in the exterior of doors is always bad news however, it's particularly dangerous for your patio doors. This moisture can cause wood rot that is costly and difficult to fix. The best way to protect your home is to have any water leaks fixed immediately by a professional trained to do so.
Over time, a patio door can be misaligned due to normal use or foundation changes. This could cause the doors to become jammed or difficult to open and close. A door repair technician can realign the tracks and hinges to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn-out hinges and rollers to restore functionality.