How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door A variety of problems can cause difficulties in operating sliding patio doors. The majority of these issues are easily fixable. The easiest way to fix your sliding patio door is to clean it. You'll want to use the brush and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. Then, you can lubricate the tracks to improve their performance. 1. Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks One of the main causes of a sticky or squeaky patio door is dirt and debris in the track. Sand and salt from winter roads, pine straw, bird droppings, pet hair and other nastiness can gum up the works. This is the reason it's crucial to scrub and lubricate your sliding doors regularly. Put on some rubber goggles and gloves to shield your eyes. Use a shop vacuum or a brush to get rid of any loose gunk. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in the spray bottle. Spray a small amount of the solution onto your cleaning brushes, and scrub the track. Rinse the area dry it using paper towels to avoid scratching and harming the track and sill. After the tracks have been cleaned using a toothbrush, scrub the more stubborn areas that are stuck. You can also sand rough spots on the bottom tracks and then relubricate the wheels to restore smooth operation. A door that is not aligned properly could be the result of misaligned rollers. This can be fixed by adjusting the rollers' height and positioning. It is a good idea to replace the weather stripping on the door after doing this to ensure a snug fit and increase the efficiency of your energy. Leaking tracks can also be an issue that can result in mold growth and structural damage within your home. If the leak is restricted to a specific section of the track, you may be able fix it yourself by re-sealing the joint. If the issue is extensive you should contact an expert to repair the patio door. 2. Broken or damaged screen If your patio door does not allow airflow, it can make your home feel stale and uncomfortable. It could also be a perfect entry point for mosquitoes and pests. It is important to call a professional when you spot a broken screen or fog between the glass panes. If you have a standard sliding patio door, the simplest solution is to replace your existing screen with a new one. Screen material is available in rolls that are pre-measured to fit most standard door sizes. You can also purchase full screen repair kits that include the screen, spline, and roller all in one package. For the installation of the new screen, start by locating a solid surface to work from and then laying your new material across it. Cut the screen to the length you want in a way that it is able to overlap the frame on both sides by approximately 1 inch. Then, take the old spline and any excess screen from the window frame using your utility knife. Now you can lay down the new screen spline starting at the lower left corner of the frame, and work your way around the perimeter. Once the spline is in position, run your screen rolling tool over it several times, pushing it in the groove of the frame. Trim any excess screen and spline using your utility knife, taking care not to cut the inside of the window frame. You should also check the spline for ripples or distortions and adjust the screen as needed. 3. Leaking Seals If you notice that water is pooling around the patio door or becoming stuck between the glass panes, it's a clear indication that your frame and seals are losing their integrity. This could lead to mold and decay, and higher energy bills due to air leakage and drafts. Caulking and flashing that is not properly installed could result in leaky seals. It is essential to hire an experienced professional who is able to install patio doors and make sure that the frame is properly caulked and flashed. In addition to ensuring that you install the flashing, you'll ensure that any cracks or gaps are sealed with caulking that's approved for use in the specific weather conditions. If you live in an area that has humid climates, such as Ontario and the like, then you'll need to choose a caulking product that can withstand the elements of moisture. The shims which are put under the door frame can also cause leaks. They are typically made from wood and keep the sheathing in line with the framing. But, if they are not installed correctly, they can create a gap which allows moisture to enter your home. One way to test your seals is by spraying the frame using an hose or garden nozzle. If you notice a mist coming through these areas, contact an expert to come in and conduct a thorough inspection of the frame. It's possible that a bit of additional caulking is all that's needed, or perhaps the shims have to be replaced. In either case, addressing the issue quickly will prevent any further damage and costly repairs. It is always better to repair your frame or patio door before it's too late to wait. 4. Warped Frame When wood is exposed to outside forces like a fluctuation in humidity, it will absorb and lose moisture, which can cause the frame to warp. A sagging frame can make it difficult to operate the door and ultimately cause damage or even failure. This is particularly relevant for doors that separate damp garages and basements from living spaces. A sagging frame can be corrected by a few minor repairs. Begin by inspecting the frame to make sure that all of the screws and bolts are secure and tight. Replace any loose or missing screws. Replace the hinge screws with larger ones, with a preference of 2 inches or more. This allows the screw to get into the wall framing, not the door jamb, which will pull the frame back in place. You can also try adding shims, which are tiny pieces of wood that can be positioned behind the hinges to fine-tune the frame's position. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-london/ can assist in supporting the frame, and distribute the weight evenly across the larger area. This will stop the frame becoming more warped with time. For more severe frame warps you may want to consider hiring a professional to repair. A professional will examine the frame in depth to determine the severity and provide a complete solution. They can also put in additional bracing to reinforce the frame and help keep it from sagging in the future. This is usually a more durable and cost-effective alternative to buying new patio door components. If the frame has badly damaged, you may require replacing the entire jamb of the door instead of just the door itself. 5. Cosmetic Damage Over time, patio doors will experience a fair amount of wear and wear and. Surface damage can make your doors look less than desirable, and affect the aesthetics of your home. The good news is that most cosmetic damage can be corrected with the help of bonding fillers as well as paint. However when the door has significant dents or cracks it is recommended to replace it rather than trying to repair it. The weatherstripping on doors may decrease in effectiveness over time, similar to the seal around windows. It could result in gaps that allow air from outside to infiltrate 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 exterior of doors is always a bad thing 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. The best method to protect your home is to have any water leaks repaired immediately by a trained professional. Over time the patio door may become misaligned due to normal use or foundation changes. This can cause the doors to jam or become difficult to open and close. A door repair technician can realign the tracks and hinges to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn hinges and rollers to ensure proper functioning.