ruthlute37

Sliding Patio Doors Repairs Your sliding patio doors will let in natural light to your home and improve its energy efficiency. Over time, they may start to show signs that require some maintenance. Luckily, most of the problems with sliding patio doors are simple to fix. Learn more about how to keep your patio doors looking and operating like new:. Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks The tracks of your sliding patio door may be filthy or clogged. Over time, the dirt and grime of daily use can build up on the track. This can cause the door jam or break completely. Including regular light cleaning of sliding doors and their tracks as part of your household chores can help minimize this build-up. Start by cleaning any large debris off the tracks and then wipe them clean with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner like dish soap. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to help remove stubborn dirt and grease staining. If you find that your sliding door still won't move smoothly after completing these steps, it may be a sign of more serious damage and requires a professional repair or replacement. There are a few basic solutions you can try before calling in professionals to avoid expensive repairs or replacements. Place a mat under your sliding doors. This will assist in trap dirt before it reaches the tracks. Regularly trim any plants and bushes that are near the sliding door to decrease the amount of debris that gets tracked into the tracks. Close the door properly to ensure that you don't damage the rollers or wheels. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated, you can extend their lifespan substantially. Rollers that are misaligned Sometimes, a patio sliding can become misaligned. Most often, this is due to dirt or other obstructions that can be easily fixed. However, it could also be the result of bent tracks or rollers. In the latter scenario, you may be able to realign the roller by removing them using the adjustment screws and cleaning them with ruby alcohol. These parts are often fragile. If your doors are stuck, you can grease the rollers. This will reduce friction and allow them to move more easily. Choose a silicone-based lubricant, because petroleum-based lubricants may attract dirt faster. It is important to clean the rollers and tracks before applying lubrication. After you've cleaned the rollers, you can reinstall them using their adjustment screws. Use the same lubricant that you used to clean them. Be sure to push the rollers all the way into their channels before reinstalling them. sliding patio door repair near me can test the door and see if it glides smoothly. If the problem continues it could be necessary to uninstall your door and examine the rollers and tracks for any other issues. If the tracks or rollers are bent badly they might need to be replaced. In such a case it's best to get an expert to install the tracks. Warped Glass Sliding glass doors are ideal to bring in natural sunlight and the outdoors into rooms, however they are also susceptible to damages that require repair or replacement. Some of the most frequent problems that arise are cracking, warping, and fade. Warping occurs when the components that make up your sliding glass patio door start to degrade due to exposure to heat, sun and other environmental factors. The most common cause of cracking is injuries caused by impact, like from a lawn mower or ball run-in, whereas fading typically is caused by repeated contact with sunlight and other elements of nature. If you have sliding glass patio doors that aren't easy to close and open, this could be an indication that the rollers and tracks aren't working properly. This problem may be caused by accumulated dirt or rust in the track or wheels, or by a lack or lubrication. This issue can be fixed by cleaning the tracks and rollers and removing obstructions. The locking mechanism may also be faulty and make it difficult to open or close your sliding patio doors. This could be due to the alignment of the track or wear and tear but the solution is to adjust the locking mechanisms by turning the adjustment screws hidden at the bottom of the track. Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio doors are a frequent issue that can greatly decrease their energy efficiency. These issues are typically caused by weather stripping that has worn out or poor alignment of the door. This issue can be easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and realigning your doors. Loose Handle It can be a hassle when the handle of a sliding door becomes loose. It can be difficult to open. This problem is caused by a misaligned lock mechanism. It can be fixed by loosing and tightening the screws holding it in place. Another reason that is commonly cited for a handle to become loose is that it has separated from the spindle that connects it with the handles' exterior and interior. This is usually caused by a variety of reasons, including excessive use, wear and tear or just general aging. If the problem is not treated promptly, it could eventually result in the entire handle becoming loose, and potentially falling off entirely. The most effective way to address this problem is by first finding the screws that join the interior and exterior handles. They are usually hidden by tabs made of plastic, which can be removed using a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of some handles, a Phillips-head screwdriver). Securely store these screws to ensure they don't get lost. After removing the handles then the next step would be to remove the spindle. This can be done by tapping the spindle using a mallet or hammer until it is free of its position inside the door. The new handle can be fitted by simply putting the spindle into the hole on the interior handle and then inserting the other end of the spindle into the hole in the exterior handle. Once the handle has been installed, tighten it by screwing back the screws and then test to ensure the lock and unlock mechanism is working correctly. Poor weatherstripping Weatherstripping that is damaged or cracked can allow water and air to be able to seep into your patio door, causing damage to your home's comfort and energy efficiency. In addition to allowing moisture, it can create drafts and also increase your heating or cooling costs. Fortunately, replacing faulty weatherstripping is an easy fix that doesn't require any assistance from a professional. You can remove the old weatherstripping by loosing the staples with an screwdriver, or gently prying it with a putty knife and pulling it from the door. Then, you can wash the area and apply a fresh layer of weatherstripping, which is backed by a foam seal to prevent leaks and enhance the comfort. If your sliding patio door isn't functioning as it should, you need to address the issue immediately to avoid further damage and keep them functional for many years to be. Depending on how severe the problem is, an DIY solution or a repair/replacement by a professional may be the best choice. The most frequent issues with sliding patio doors include filthy rollers caused by debris on the tracks, misaligned wheels and a loose handle. These issues can usually be resolved by regular maintenance and cleaning, such as lubricating and adjusting the track and tightening the hardware. If these steps aren't working, it's best to seek professional advice to make sure that your patio door is operating as it should. Before you decide to replace or repair your patio door, make sure to verify the warranty information to make sure that it's covered by the manufacturer's warranty. This can save you money on repairs or replacements later on.