How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door
A variety of issues can cause difficulties in operating sliding patio doors. The majority of these issues are fixable.
Cleaning your patio door sliding will make it easier to fix it. Use a brush along with some soapy water to clean the tracks. Next you can lubricate them to increase their mobility.
1. Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks
One of the most common causes of a sticky or squeaky patio door is the accumulation of dirt and debris in the track. Sand and salt from winter roads, pine straw, bird droppings, pet hair and other nastiness can gum up the process. This is why it's important to scrub and lubricate your sliding doors regularly.
Start 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 any gunk that has escaped. Mix equal parts of white vinegar in the spray bottle. Spray a small amount the solution on your cleaning brushes, and scrub the track. Rinse and dry the area using paper towels. This will prevent scratching and further damage to the sill and track.
Once the tracks are clean, take a toothbrush and get in there to scrub the more difficult areas that are stuck. You can also sand rough spots on the bottom tracks, and then relubricate the wheels to restore smooth operation.
Another cause of a sticky door is a misaligned roller that can be fixed by adjusting the height and positioning of the rollers. When replacing the weather stripping, it's a great idea to do so to ensure that it fits snugly and increase energy efficiency.
Leaking tracks can be an issue that can result in to mold growth and structural damage in your home. If the leak is confined to a particular section of the track, you might be able to fix it yourself by re-sealing the joint. If the issue is extensive, you should call an expert to fix 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 mosquitoes and other pests. You should call a professional immediately if you notice an unfinished screen or fog between the glass panes.
If you have an old screen on your patio door, it's easiest to replace it with a new one. You can buy screen material in rolls that are already measured to fit the majority of doors of standard sizes. It's also offered in complete screen repair kits that include screen along with spline, roller and spline all in a single package.
For the installation of the new screen, start by locating a solid surface that you can work on and laying out your replacement material across it. Use your scissors to cut the screen to the length you want, so that it overlaps the frame on both sides by about 1 inch. Then, using your utility blade remove the old spline, as well as any excess screen.
Now you can lay out the new screen spline starting at the lower left corner of the frame. Work your way around to the edges. Once the spline is in place, run the screen rolling tool over it several times, pushing it tightly into the groove of the frame. Then trim any excess screen and spline it with your utility knife, being careful not to cut into the interior of the window frame. Check the spline and see whether there are any distortions or ripples. Adjust the screen if necessary.
3. Leaking Seals
If you see water building up around the patio door, or getting stuck between the glass panes, it's a sure sign that your seals and frames are deteriorating. This can cause mold and rot, not to mention increased energy bills due to air leakage and drafts.
Incorrectly installed flashing and caulking can lead to leaky seals. To avoid this from happening, it's essential to hire a professional who has expertise installing patio doors and can ensure that the frame is correctly flashed and caulked.
In addition to ensuring that you install the flashing, you'll be sure that any gaps or cracks are sealed with caulking that's approved for use in the specific weather conditions. For instance, if you reside in a humid area such as Ontario it is important to choose a caulking that is resistant to humidity.
The shims which are put beneath the door frame could also cause leaks. These are typically made from wood and are used to keep the sheathing even with the framing, however when they're not installed correctly, they can create gaps that allow moisture into your home.
One method to test the seals by spraying the frame using a hose or garden nozzle. If you see an airborne mist entering these areas, you need to call a professional to examine the frame at the installation. It's possible that you only need to apply a bit of caulking or change the shims. Either way, addressing these issues quickly can prevent costly repairs and damages down the road. It is always better to be proactive in fixing your patio door and frame than to wait until it is too late!
4. Warped Frame
When wood is exposed to external forces like a fluctuation in humidity, it may absorb and lose moisture, which could cause the frame to warp. If a sagging frame begins to develop it could make the door less functional and ultimately cause damage or even complete failure. This is especially true for doors that separate damp basements and garages from living spaces.
A few minor repairs are able to generally correct a frame that is warped. Begin by checking the frame to ensure that all the bolts and screws are tightened and secured. Replace any loose or missing 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 the right place.
You can also try adding shims, which are tiny pieces of wood that can be put behind the hinges in order to fine-tune the position of the frame. Shims can help support the frame and spread the weight evenly over more of the area. This will stop the frame becoming more warped with time.
You might consider hiring a professional to repair more serious frame warps. A professional can perform an exhaustive inspection to determine the severity of the problem and provide you with a complete repair solution. replacement patio door can also install bracing to strengthen the frame in order to prevent it from sagging. This is usually an easier and more durable alternative to buying new patio door components. If the frame is severely stretched, it might be necessary to replace the entire jamb of the door instead of just the door.
5. Cosmetic Damage
Over time, patio doors be subject to a lot of wear and tear. Damage to the surface could make your doors appear less appealing and impact the overall appearance of your home. The good news is that the majority of cosmetic damage can be easily repaired using bonding fillers or paint. However when the door has significant dents or cracks it is recommended to replace it rather than trying to repair it.
The weatherstripping on doors may lose its effectiveness with time, just like the seal around windows. It can result in gaps that allow outside air to enter your home, which leads to higher energy costs. A professional door repair service can install new weatherstripping to reduce energy loss and improve insulation.
Moisture on the exterior of a door is always a problem however, it's particularly dangerous when it comes to your patio doors. This moisture can cause wood rot, which can be costly and difficult to repair. The best way to safeguard your home is to have any leaks immediately replaced by a certified professional.
Over time the patio door may be misaligned as a result of normal usage or foundation changes. This can cause the patio doors to jam, or make it difficult to open and shut. A technician can adjust tracks and hinges to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn-out rollers and hinges to restore their functionality.