How Repair Patio Door Has Changed My Life The Better
How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door
Many issues can make it difficult to operate sliding patio doors. Fortunately, the majority of these problems are easily solved.
The most efficient way to fix your sliding patio door is by cleaning it. You'll need a brush and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. After that you can lubricate them to increase their mobility.
1. Dirty or damaged tracks
Dirt and debris in the track are the most common reason for a sticky patio door. Sand and salt from winter roads, pine straw, bird droppings, pet hair, and other nastiness can gum up the work. This is why it's important to scrub and lubricate your sliding doors regularly.
Wear rubber gloves and goggles to protect your eyes. Then vacuum the tracks with the help of a shop vac or brushes to get rid of any gunk that has escaped. Next, mix equal parts water and white vinegar in spray bottles. Spray a tiny amount of the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the track and sill. Rinse the area, and then dry it with paper towels to avoid scratching and damaging the sill and track.
After the tracks have been cleaned then use a toothbrush to scrub the areas that are stuck. You can also sand rough spots on the bottom tracks, and then relubricate the wheels to restore smooth operation.
A misaligned door can also be the result of misaligned rollers. This can be corrected by adjusting the rollers' height as well as their position. It's a good idea replace the weather stripping around the door whenever you do this to ensure a snug fit and increase the efficiency of your energy.
Leaking tracks can be an issue that could cause to mold growth and structural damage within your home. You might be able to solve the issue yourself in the event that the leak is limited to a small portion of the track. Simply replace the joint. If the issue is widespread, you should call an expert to fix the patio door.
2. Broken or damaged screen
If your patio door doesn't allow airflow, it will make your house feel stuffy and uncomfortable. It could also be a perfect entry point for pests and mosquitoes. It is important to call an expert immediately if you notice the screen is damaged or there is a fog between the glass panes.
If you have an old screen on your sliding patio door, it is easy to replace it with a new one. Screen material can be found in pre-measured rolls that should fit most common door sizes. It's also available as complete screen repair kits that include screen, spline and roller all in one package.
The process of installing a new screen begins by laying the replacement material on a firm surface. Then use patio doors repairs near me to cut the screen to length to the point that about an inch or two of the screen is overlapped on both sides of the frame. Then using your utility knife take off the old spline as well as any excess screen.
Now you can lay the new screen spline, starting at the bottom left corner of the frame and work through the entire perimeter. Once the spline is in position, run your screen rolling tool over it several times to push it in the groove of the frame. Then trim any excess screen and spline with your utility knife, being careful not to cut into the interior of the window frame. You should also examine the spline for ripples or distortions and adjust the screen as necessary.
3. Seals that leak
If you notice that water is getting trapped or pooling between the glass panes of your patio door, this is an indication that the frame and seals have lost their integrity. This could lead to rot and mold, not to mention increased energy bills due to drafts and air leakage.
Poorly installed flashing and caulking can lead to leaky seals. To prevent this from happening, it's essential to find an experienced professional who has experience installing patio doors and can make sure that the frame is properly flashed and caulked.
In addition to ensuring that you install the flashing, you'll be sure that any gaps or cracks are closed with caulking rated for use with your particular type of weather conditions. For example, if you live in a humid climate like Ontario it is important to choose a caulking that can stand up to moisture.
Another reason that leaks seals is when the shims underneath the door frame are not installed correctly. These are typically made from wood and help keep the sheathing level with the framing, however if they're not placed correctly, they can create a gap that allows moisture into your home.
Spraying the frame using a garden nozzle or hose is a good method to test the seals. If you see an airborne mist escaping these areas, call an expert who will come and take a closer inspection of the installation. It's possible that a bit of more caulking is all that's needed, or perhaps the shims need to be replaced. Either way, addressing these issues quickly will avoid costly repairs and damages down the road. It is always better to fix 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, such as a fluctuation in humidity, it may absorb and lose moisture, which could cause the frame to become warped. If a sagging frame begins to develop it makes the door less functional and can ultimately lead to damage or complete failure. This is particularly relevant for doors that separate basements and garages that are damp from living spaces.
A warped frame can usually be corrected with minor repairs. Begin by inspecting the frame to ensure that all of the bolts and screws are secure and tight. Replace any screws that are loose or missing. Replace the hinge screws by longer ones, preferably 2 inches or more. This will allow the screw to pierce the wall framing instead of the door jamb, and pull the frame back into the right place.
You can also add shims, which are small 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 over the larger area. This will stop the frame becoming more distorted with age.
For more severe frame warps you may want to consider hiring a professional to fix the issue. A professional can conduct an extensive examination to determine the severity of the issue and offer a comprehensive repair solution. They can also install bracing in order to strengthen the frame to stop it from sagging. In most instances this is a more affordable and durable option than buying new patio door components. If the frame is significantly stretched, it might be necessary to replace the entire door jamb instead of just the door.
5. Cosmetic Damage
Over time, the patio door can suffer from many wear and tear. Surface damage can make your doors appear less appealing, and can affect the appearance of your home. The good news is that the majority of cosmetic damage is easily repaired with bonding fillers or paint. However when the door has significant cracks or dents it is recommended to replace it rather than trying to repair it.
Like the seals around windows, a door's weatherstripping can be less effective as time passes. This can result in gaps that allow air from outside to infiltrate your home and increase energy bills. A professional door repair service can install new weatherstripping in order to reduce energy loss and improve insulation.
Moisture on the exterior of a door is always a problem, but it's especially dangerous for your patio doors. This moisture can lead to wood rot which is expensive and difficult to fix. Water leaks must be fixed immediately by an expert.
Over time a patio door could be misaligned due to normal usage or foundation changes. This can cause patio doors to jam, or make it 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.