Sliding Patio Doors Repairs

Your sliding glass patio doors help bring natural light and improve your home's energy efficiency. In time, they might begin to show signs that require some attention.

Luckily, the majority of issues with sliding aluminium patio door repairs doors are easy to fix. Learn more about how you can keep your patio doors looking and operating like new:.

Dirty or Damaged Tracks

One of the main causes of sliding patio doors that won't open is dirty or blocked tracks. Over time, the grit and grime of everyday usage accumulates on the tracks and can cause the door to become jammed or even collapse completely.

Regularly cleaning sliding doors and tracks in your chores at home can help to reduce the amount of accumulation. Begin by brushing or vacuuming large pieces of debris off the tracks. Then, use warm water and non-abrasive cleansing products, such as dish soap, to wipe them down. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to remove stubborn dirt and grease staining.

If your sliding door is still not moving smoothly after you've followed these steps, this could be a sign there is a more significant damage. This may require a professional to fix or replace the door. There are a variety of simple fixes you could try before calling experts to save on costly repairs or replacements.

It is essential to put a doormat at the bottom of your sliding doors in order to trap dirt before it can get to the tracks. Make sure to trim the plants and bushes that are near your sliding door to limit the amount of debris that is tracked into the tracks. Also, make sure you close the door correctly so that it doesn't hit the tracks and cause damage to the rollers and wheels. You can increase the lifespan of your doors by maintaining them clean and lubricated.

Rollers that are misaligned

Sometimes, a sliding patio door may become misaligned or gets stuck. Usually, this is due to dirt or other obstructions which can be easily removed. Sometimes, it's due to bent track or a bent roller. In this case you can straighten the rollers by taking them off using the adjustment screws, and then cleaning with rubbing alcohol. These parts are prone to damage.

If your doors are sticking, you can lubricate the rollers. This will lessen friction and allow them to move more easily. Choose a silicone-based lubricant, as petroleum-based lubricants can draw dirt more quickly. It is also crucial to clean the rollers and tracks prior to applying lubricant.

After cleaning the rollers you can reinstall using their adjustment screws. Use the same lubricant you used to clean them. When you are reinstalling the rollers make sure you push them all the way into their channels. You can then test your door to see whether it is now sliding effortlessly.

If the issue persists, it might be necessary to take down your door and check the rollers and tracks for any more serious issues. If the tracks or rollers are badly bent, they may need to be replaced. In such a case it's best to call in an expert for the installation.

Warped Glass

Sliding glass doors are convenient for bringing in natural light and the outdoors into rooms, however they are also susceptible to damages that require repair or replacement. Cracking, warping and fading are just a few of the most common problems. Warping happens when the materials which make up your sliding glass patio door begin to degrade due to exposure to heat, sun and other environmental factors. Cracking often results from impact damage, such as from a ball or lawn mower run-in, while fading usually is caused by repeated contact with sunlight and other elements found in nature.

If your sliding patio doors aren't easy to open or close, it could be a sign that their rollers and tracks are not functioning correctly. This issue may result from accumulated dirt, rust or debris in the track, or misaligned wheels or the lack of lubrication. Regularly cleaning the tracks and rollers clearing obstructions and applying silicone spray can help solve this issue.

The locking mechanism could also be defective which makes it difficult to open and close your sliding patio doors. This could be caused by an issue with alignment or wear and tear but the solution is to adjust the locking mechanism by using the adjustment screws located on the bottom of the track.

Drafts or air leaks that surround your sliding patio door are a common issue that can decrease the efficiency of your home's energy usage. They are usually caused by damaged weather stripping or poor door alignment that can be easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and realigning the doors.

Loose Handle

It can be quite frustrating when the handle of sliding doors becomes loose. It becomes difficult to open. This problem is caused by an incorrectly aligned lock mechanism. It can be repaired by tightening and loosening the screws holding it in the correct position.

Another reason that is commonly cited for a handle to become loose is that it has become detached from the spindle that connects the handles' exterior and interior. This is often due to a variety of factors, including frequent use, wear-and-tear or just general aging. If the issue isn't addressed quickly, it could eventually result in the entire handle becoming loose and possibly falling off completely.

The best way to fix this issue is by first locating the screws that attach the handles' exterior and interior. These screws are usually hidden behind tabs of plastic that can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver, in some instances) screwdriver. It's a good idea keep these screws safe so that you don't loose them.

After removing the old handles the next step will be to take off the spindle. You can do this by pounding the ends of the spindle with the hammer until it's removed from its place within the door. The new handle is fitted by putting the spindle in the interior handle hole and the other end into the hole in the handle on the outside. Once the handle has been installed then tighten it by screwing back the screws and then test to make sure the lock and unlock mechanism is working properly.

Weatherstripping that isn't working properly

A cracked or worn weatherstripping may let water and air get through your patio doors, compromising the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. It can let in moisture and create drafts, which can increase your heating and cooling costs. It's easy to replace faulty weatherstripping, even without the assistance of a professional. You can remove the old weatherstripping by loosing the staples with the help of a screwdriver or by gently squeezing it with a putty blade and then taking it off the door. Then, you can clean the area, and apply a layer of weatherstripping which is backed with foam seal. This will stop leaks and increase comfort.

If your sliding patio door isn't working as it should, you need to fix the issue as soon as possible to avoid further damage and to keep them functional for many years to be. Depending on how severe the problem is the best option is it's possible to choose a DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement might be the best option.

The most frequent issues that arise that are encountered with sliding aluminium patio door repairs doors are dirty rollers due to debris in the tracks, misaligned wheels and a loose handle. In most instances these issues can be addressed by regular maintenance and cleaning, which includes fluidizing the track and rollers, as well as adjusting them and tightening hardware. However, if these measures fail, it's advisable to seek professional advice to make sure that your patio door is working exactly as it should. Before you decide to replace or repair your patio door, make sure to check its warranty information to confirm that it is covered under the manufacturer's guarantee. This will save you money in the future for repairs and replacements.