Sliding Patio Door Repair Tools To Streamline Your Day-To-Day Life
Sliding Patio Door Repairs
A sliding patio is an excellent way to enjoy your outdoor space and let in more light. However, if the door isn't moving smoothly or appears dingy it can be a real pain.
Luckily, the majority of these problems can be solved with a bit of DIY expertise. Here are some common problems and solutions.
Tracks that are dirty or damaged Tracks
Over time the tracks of a sliding patio may be clogged by dust, dirt and other debris. Adding a regular cleaning routine and lubrication can ensure that your door will move smoothly.
Cleaning the track is the first step. A filthy track could cause the door to snag or make it impossible to be shut or open. Begin by sweeping away any loose debris. Then use a cleaning solution and brush to scrub away any visible grime. Make sure to get into the nooks and crevices and any places where the door is affixed to the frame.
After you've scrubbed your track, rinse it off with an hose or bucket of clean water. Then, apply an oil that you can buy from the store to displace moisture and prevent future corrosion. Before you reinstall the door, test it by moving it back and forth to determine if it moves freely.
If your door is still stuck, it's possible the rollers are damaged or misaligned, which could also hinder movement. In most cases, you can fix this by adjusting the wheels and lubricating them. It may be time to replace them when your door is old. Before reassembling the track lay a piece of cloth on the floor. Then take off the two plugs covering the screws for adjustment of the rollers at the bottom of the frame. To retract the rollers, put a screwdriver into each hole and turn it counterclockwise. This will give you the room you'll need to take out the door and set it on sawhorses.
Faulty Handle
Over time, the handle on your sliding door will loosen from the strike plate it is mounted on. The good news is that a loose handle can be fixed easily. Use a screwdriver and tighten the screws holding the door handle to strike plate. However, be careful not to over-tighten as this can harm the mechanism within and cause the handle to no longer operate correctly.
The issue with a sliding patio door that isn't easy to slide is typically caused by debris that blocks the rollers. Dirt, dust, hair and fur are often pushed into the tracks, which causes the door to stop moving smoothly. Start by cleaning the rollers and applying a sliding door lubricant that will promote smooth operation.
A common problem is when your sliding patio door lock no more works. This may be because of a misaligned lock or the handle is damaged. A simple solution is to replace the lock mechanism or to align the door handle.
A screen door that isn't able to close or unlock isn't a pleasant experience. A damaged screen door could also be dangerous. If the screen isn't aligned properly with the door frame, it will rub on the frames and cause wear to both the screen as well as the door. If your screen doesn't work correctly, the fix is fairly easy. Make sure whether the latching bar is still in place. If not, take it off and replace it with a new one. Once you've replaced your latching rod, reinstall the screen, and ensure the hinges are properly set. To give your frame a polished look, add screw covers to the holes in the frame.
Poor weatherstripping
The weather stripping on your door and frame helps close the gap, preventing cold air, drafts and pests. It's time to replace it if it's damaged, cracked, or hardened. It's usually fairly easy to do. Some people only replace the worn part, but it is much easier to replace the entire piece.
First, ensure that the gap isn't close to the point of seating where the weather strip is bonded to the frame. If so, you will need to reseal the weather strip to the frame using weather strip adhesive.
Next, examine the entire area around your weather strip. Find a tear, crack, or rip that could be letting cold air in, then make use of your dollar bill to check whether the weather strip has a strong seal. Simply place the bill part of the way across the seal and close the door to check if it easily pulls away from the metal flange of the weather strip. If it's simple to do, it's time to replace it.
You may also need to lubricate the run channel (the groove of felt and rubber that runs vertically along both sides of your door) to stop the accumulation of ice during winter. You can buy an oil spray at your local hardware store that works, but be careful not to spill any on your glass.
Another option is to spread a thin layer of sand under your door prior to the snow starts falling and prevent it from sticking as salt does. You should not leave sand on the bottom of your door because it will harm the concrete and rubber of the weather strip.
Damaged Glass
Many situations can lead to the glass of a sliding patio being damaged or broken. If it's caused by the impact of a bump or a knock If the glass on your patio door is damaged, it's vital to replace it promptly to ensure that your home is sealed and well-insulated.
Doors that slide can be damaged over time because of their regular use and exposure. Rusty rollers, damaged handles, and bent tracks are some of the issues that could result in the patio door not working correctly. Repair experts for sliding patio doors can quickly determine the cause of the problem and fix any issues or replacements.
Besides obvious visible damage, a broken patio door could also impact your energy costs. A gap between the frame of the patio door and the glass can result in drafts and temperature differences. This can be costly both in winter and summer when you must pay for heating or cool your home.
It is possible to repair a broken glass panel on your sliding patio door without removing the entire door. In certain instances this is the best choice if you want to get your door back up and running as soon as you can. It is important to have the right tools available, whether you're replacing the frame or the glass. This will ensure that the job is done in a safe and efficient manner. This includes gloves and a small hammer or pry bar and a putty blade, a measuring tool, and a replacement glass. DIY Door Store has all of these items available to easily and inexpensively repair your own damaged sliding patio door.
Frames that aren't in good shape or damaged
Sliding patio doors are designed to permit easy indoor-outdoor movement and provide an unnatural flow. But, just like any other piece of home equipment they are susceptible to wear and tear over time that impacts their functionality. Certain damage are simple to repair, while others will require professional help to keep your door in good condition.
If you notice visible evidence of damage, such as scratches and dents It's time to replace your sliding door. These damages do not just diminish the appearance of your patio doors but they also affect security and energy efficiency.
sliding glass patio door repair RepairMyWindowsAndDoors  misaligned track, or rollers, could cause your sliding door not to function as it should. This usually happens caused by dirt or debris that have accumulated on the track. It is possible to solve this issue by using the pliers to straighten the rails.
Cleaning regularly the tracks and rollers on your sliding patio doors is vital. Dirt can cause them to become stiff or stymied, which can stop them from moving freely. You can remove any obstructions by using a vacuum, a handbrush or even spraying down with jetwash. Use a silicone-based grease on your tracks to ensure smooth operation and prevent premature wear.
In time, slamming your patio door could cause severe damage to the frame and the glass panel. This can result in damaged or loose frames, bent tracks and a handle that is difficult to open and shut. Sliding screen door frames are typically less durable than glass sliding doors, which makes them more prone to damage. However, if you've got a broken screen door frame it can be repaired by sealing the gap with silicone lubricant and then applying a new sealant around the edges of the glass.
