How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door
Sliding patio doors can become difficult to operate due to a myriad of problems. Luckily, most of these issues can be easily fixed.
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 the tracks to enhance their performance.
1. Dirty or Damaged Tracks
Dirt and debris in the track are the most common cause of sticky patio doors. Bird droppings, pine straw and salt, sand, winter roads, and other nasties things can clog up the track. This is why it's important to scrub and lubricate your sliding doors on a regular basis.
Start by putting on some rubber gloves and a pair of safety goggles to protect your eyes. Use a shop vacuum or a brush to remove any gunk that has escaped. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in spray bottles. Spray a small amount of the solution onto 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.
After the tracks have been cleaned, use a toothbrush to scrub the more difficult areas that are stuck. You can also rub rough spots onto the bottom tracks and then relubricate the wheels to restore smooth operation.
Another cause of a sticky door is the misalignment of the rollers that can be fixed by adjusting the height and positioning of the rollers. It's a good idea replace the weather stripping around the door whenever you do this to ensure a tight fit and increase energy efficiency.
Leaking from the track is an issue that can lead to mold growth and structural damage to your home. If the leak is restricted to one section of the track, you might be able fix it yourself by re-sealing the joint. However, if the problem is widespread, it's best to call in an expert to repair the patio door.
2. Broken or Torn Screen
If your patio door doesn't allow for airflow, it could make your house feel stuffy and uncomfortable. It could also be a welcome entryway for mosquitoes and pests. It is recommended to contact a professional as soon as you notice the screen is damaged or there is a fog that has formed between the glass panes.
If you have a standard sliding patio door, the most straightforward solution is to replace the existing screen with a new one. You can find screen material in pre-measured rolls that should fit most common door sizes. You can also purchase full screen repair kits that include the screen, spline and roller all in one package.
To install the new screen, start by locating a solid surface to work from and then laying your new material across it. Then, use your scissors to cut it into lengths to ensure that an inch or two of the screen is overlapped on each side of the frame. Next, remove the old spline and any screen that's left from the window frame with your utility knife.
Now you can lay out the new screen spline starting at the lower left corner of the frame. Then, work your way up to the perimeter. Once the spline is set, use the screen rolling tool to push it into the groove. Then trim any excess screen and spline it with your utility knife, being careful not to cut into the inside of the window frame. Examine the spline to determine whether there are any distortions or ripples. Adjust the screen if needed.
3. Seals that leak
If you notice water collecting or accumulating between the glass panes of your patio door, it is a sign that the seals and frame have lost their elasticity. This can lead to rot and mold as well as increased energy bills due to air leakage and drafts.
Leaking seals are often caused by poorly installed flashing or caulking. To stop this from happening, it's essential to work with an experienced professional who has expertise installing patio doors and can ensure that the frame is correctly caulked and flashed.
In addition to installing the flashing, you'll also ensure that any gaps or cracks are sealed with caulking that's rated for use with your particular type of weather conditions. For instance, if you reside in a humid climate like Ontario, you'll want to choose a caulking that will stand up well to moisture.
The shims that are placed beneath the door frame could also cause leaks. These are typically made from wood and help keep the sheathing even with the framing, however when they're not installed correctly, they can create an opening that allows moisture into your home.
Spraying the frame with a garden nozzle or hose is a good way to test the seals. If you see the presence of a mist in these areas, call an expert to visit and conduct a more thorough inspection of the installation. It's possible that a bit of additional caulking is all that's required, or the shims need to be replaced. In either case, fixing the issue promptly will help avoid future damage and costly repairs. It is always better to repair your frame or patio door 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 can cause the frame to become warped. A frayed frame can make it difficult to operate the door, and eventually cause damage or failure. This is especially true for doors that separate garages and basements with damp living spaces.
A few minor repairs can generally correct a frame that is warped. Start by examining 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 longer ones, preferably 2 inches or more. This allows the screw to bite into the wall framing instead of the door jamb, and pull the frame back into place.
You could also consider adding shims, which are thin pieces of wood that can be placed behind the hinges in order to fine-tune the frame's positioning. Shims can aid in supporting the frame and distribute the weight evenly across a wider area, which will prevent the frame from becoming more warped over time.
For more severe frame warps you might want to think about hiring a professional for repair. A professional will inspect the frame in depth to determine the severity and offer a comprehensive solution. They can also put in additional bracing to strengthen the frame and keep it from sliding in the future. In the majority of cases this is a more cost-effective and durable solution than simply buying new patio door parts. If the frame has been significantly warped, you may have to replace the entire jamb of the door, not just the door itself.
5. Cosmetic Damage
Over time, the patio doors can show the effects of wear and tear. Damage to the surface can make your doors look less than desirable and impact the aesthetic of your home. The good news: most cosmetic damage can be easily repaired with bonding fillers and paint. If the door has large cracks or dents 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. This can result in gaps that let air from outside infiltrate your home and increase energy bills. A professional repair service for doors can install new weatherstripping to reduce energy loss and increase insulation.
patio door glass replacement cost in the exterior of doors is always a problem however it can be particularly dangerous when it comes to your patio doors. This moisture can lead to wood rot that is costly and difficult to repair. Water leaks should be repaired immediately by an expert.
Over time, a patio door can become misaligned due to normal usage or foundation changes. This can cause the patio doors to become jammed, or make it difficult to open or close. A technician can realign tracks and hinges to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn-out rollers and hinges in order to ensure proper functioning.