How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door
Sliding patio doors can become difficult to operate due to a myriad of issues. Fortunately, the majority of these problems are easily solved.
Cleaning your sliding patio door will make it easier to fix it. You'll need brushes and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. Then, you can lubricate them to make them more mobile.
1. Dirty or damaged tracks
One of the most common causes of a sticky or squeaky patio door is dirt and debris that has accumulated in the track. Bird droppings, pine straw, sand and salt from winter roads, and other nasties things can block the track. It's important to clean and lubricate your sliding doors.
Begin by putting on rubber gloves and safety goggles to protect your eyes. Then vacuum the tracks with an air vac or a brush to remove any gunk that has escaped. Then, 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 the area dry it using paper towels to avoid scratching or harming the track and sill.
After the tracks are cleaned you can take the toothbrush and go there to scrub the harder areas that are stuck. You can also sand off rough spots on the bottom track, and then re-lubricate the rollers to ensure smooth operation.
A door that is not aligned properly could be caused by misaligned rollers. This can be corrected by altering the rollers' height and positioning. It's a good idea replace the weather stripping around the door after doing this to ensure a tight fit and increase the efficiency of your energy.
Leaks from the track are also a serious problem that can cause mold growth and structural damage to your home. If the leak is limited to a particular section of the track, you might be able to fix it yourself by sealing the joint. If however, the issue is extensive, it's best to contact an expert to repair the patio door.
2. patio door replacement or damaged screen
If your patio door doesn't allow for airflow, it could make your home feel stale and uncomfortable. It can also be a perfect entry point for pests like mosquitoes and flies. If you have a torn screen or notice that fog is growing between the panes of glass, it's best to contact a professional immediately.
If you have a standard sliding patio door, the most straightforward solution is to replace the screen with a brand new one. You can purchase screen material in rolls that are already measured to fit the majority of standard door sizes. You can also purchase a complete screen repair kit that includes the screen, spline and roller all in one package.
To install the new screen, begin by locating a solid surface that you can work on and then lay out your replacement material on it. Then, use your scissors to cut it to length to ensure that an inch or two of the screen overlaps on both sides of the frame. Then, using your utility blade, remove the old spline, as well as any excess screen.
Now you can put down the new screen spline, starting at the lower left corner of the frame, and work towards the edges. Once the spline has been put in place, run the screen rolling tool over it several times to push it into the groove of the frame. Trim any excess screen and spline using your utility knife, making sure not to cut the interior of the window frame. Also, check the spline for ripples or distortions and adjust the screen as needed.
3. Leaking Seals
If you notice water pooling or trapped between the glass panes of your patio door, this is an indication that the frame and seals have lost their elasticity. This could lead to mold and rot as well as increased costs for energy due to drafts and air leakage.
Leaking seals are often caused by poorly installed flashing or caulking. To prevent this from happening, it's essential to find an expert who has experience installing patio doors and who can ensure the frame is properly flashed and caulked.
You'll want to fill in any cracks or gaps using caulking that is designed for your specific kind of weather. For instance, if you reside in a humid climate like Ontario you'll need to select a caulking product that will stand up well to humidity.
Another common cause of leaking seals is when the shims underneath the door frame are not installed correctly. These are usually made of wood and help keep the sheathing in line with the framing. However when they aren't installed correctly, they could create a gap which allows moisture to enter your home.
One way to test the seals by spraying the frame with an hose or garden nozzle. If you notice an airborne mist escaping these areas, contact an expert who will come and take a closer inspection of the installation. It's possible that additional caulking is all that's needed, or perhaps the shims require to be replaced. Either way, addressing these issues quickly will avoid costly repairs and damage down the road. It is always best to repair your patio door or frame before it's too late than to put off repairs.
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 sagging frame can make it difficult to operate the door, and eventually cause damage or even failure. This is particularly relevant for doors that separate garages and basements with damp living spaces.
A damaged frame can be corrected by minor repairs. Begin by looking at the frame to ensure that all screws and bolts are secure and tight. Replace any loose or missing screws. Then, replace hinge screws with longer ones that are 2 or more inches long. This will allow the screw to be able to penetrate the wall framing instead of the door jamb, which will pull the frame back into position.
You could also consider adding shims, which are tiny pieces of wood that can be positioned behind the hinges in order to fine-tune the frame's positioning. Shims can help support the frame and distribute the weight evenly across the larger area. This will stop the frame from getting more distorted over time.
You may want to hire a professional to repair more serious frame warps. A professional will inspect the frame in depth to determine the severity and offer a comprehensive solution. They can also add additional bracing to strengthen the frame and help keep it from sliding in the future. In most instances this is a much more durable and cost-effective solution than buying new patio door parts. If the frame is severely damaged, it could be necessary to replace the entire jamb instead of just the door.
5. Cosmetic Damage
Over time, patio doors can show the effects of wear and wear and. Surface damage can cause your doors to look less than attractive and affect the look of your home. The positive side is that the majority of cosmetic damage can be repaired with the help of bonding fillers as well as paint. If the door has large cracks or dents, it is best to replace it instead of trying to repair it.
Similar to the seal around windows, doors' weatherstripping can become less effective with time. It can result in gaps that allow outside air to get into your home, which can lead to higher energy costs. A professional in door repair can install new weatherstripping to decrease energy loss and improve insulation.
Moisture on the outside of your door is not good news, but patio doors are particularly vulnerable to it. This moisture can lead to wood rot which is expensive and difficult to repair. Water leaks should be repaired immediately by a professional.
Over time the patio door may be misaligned as a result of normal use or foundation changes. This can cause the patio doors to become jammed, or make it difficult to open and close. A technician can adjust hinges and tracks for smooth operation. They can also replace worn hinges and rollers to restore proper functionality.