Sliding Patio Doors Repairs Your sliding glass patio doors help to let in more light and increase your home's energy efficiency. In time, they might begin to show signs that suggest some maintenance. Luckily, the majority of issues with sliding patio doors are easy to fix. Find out how to keep your sliding patio doors looking and functioning like new. Dirty or Damaged Tracks The tracks of your sliding patio door may be filthy or clogged. Over time, the grit and grime of daily usage accumulates on the tracks and can cause the door to become jammed or even collapse completely. This buildup can be reduced by incorporating regular light cleaning of tracks and sliding doors during your regular chores. Start by sweeping or vacuuming https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-ealing/ off the tracks. Then, use warm water and non-abrasive cleaning products like dish soap to wipe them down. A little vinegar added to your cleaning solution may also aid in the removal of stubborn dirt and grease stains. If your sliding door still not moving smoothly after you've completed these steps, it could be a sign that there is more serious damage. This may require a professional to repair or replace the door. There are a variety of simple fixes that you could try before calling the experts to save on costly repairs or replacements. It is essential to put a doormat at the bottom of your sliding doors to catch dirt before it has the chance to reach the tracks. Regularly trim any plants or bushes that are near your sliding door to reduce the amount of debris that is tracked into the tracks. Finally, be sure to close the door in a way that it doesn't hit the tracks and damage the rollers and wheels. You can increase the lifespan of your doors by keeping them clean and lubricated. Rollers that are not aligned Sometimes, a patio sliding could be misaligned. Most often, this is due to obstructions such as dirt or other that can be easily fixed. But sometimes it can also be due to bent tracks or rollers. In this instance, you can realign the rollers by taking them off with the adjustment screws and cleaning with ruby alcohol. Be cautious, as these parts are fragile. If your doors still stick then you could try lubricating the rollers to reduce friction and make it easier for them to slide. Choose a silicone-based lubricant, as petroleum-based lubricants can attract dirt more quickly. It is essential to clean the tracks and rollers prior to applying lubrication. After cleaning the rollers, you can put them back on using the adjustment screws. It's recommended to use the same lubricant you used when cleaning them. Be sure to push the rollers fully into their channels before reinstalling them. You can now test your door and see if it moves smoothly. If the problem persists it may be necessary to remove the door and examine the tracks and rollers. If the rollers or tracks are bent badly, they may need to be replaced. It's best to hire an expert to install the rollers or tracks in this scenario. Warped Glass Sliding glass door are great for bringing the outdoors into a room and letting in natural light, but they may also be susceptible to damage that requires repair or replacement. Cracks, warping, and fading are some of the most frequent issues. The materials that make up the sliding glass patio doors start to break down when exposed heat, sunlight and other environmental elements. Cracking often results from the impact of a collision, for example from a lawn mower or ball run-in, whereas fading typically happens due to repeated contact with sunlight and other natural elements. If you have sliding glass patio doors that are hard to close and open it could indicate that the tracks and rollers are not functioning properly. This could be due to accumulation of dirt, rust or debris in the track, or misaligned wheels or an absence of lubrication. Regularly cleaning the rollers and tracks clearing obstructions and applying silicone spray can help solve this issue. The locking mechanism could also be faulty and make it difficult to open or shut your sliding patio doors. It could be due to misalignment, wear and tear or an amalgamation of both. To fix this issue, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustable screws on the bottom. Drafts or air leaks that occur around your sliding patio doors are a common issue that can significantly reduce their energy efficiency. They are usually caused by worn weather stripping and poor alignment of the doors and can be easily corrected by replacing the old weather stripping and re-aligning the doors. Loose Handle When a sliding door's handle becomes loose, it could be quite frustrating and make it difficult for people to open the door. This problem is usually caused by an improperly aligned locking mechanism, which can be fixed by loosening the screws that hold it in place and tightening them until they are snug against the jamb of the door. Another reason for a loose handle is that it has become detached from the spindle that connects it with the handles' exterior and interior. This usually happens as a result of a mix of factors, such as excessive use, wear and tear, or just general ageing. If the issue isn't addressed promptly, the handle could become loose and fall off. The best method to solve this problem is by first finding the screws that join the handles' exterior and interior. They are usually concealed by tabs made of plastic, which can be removed using a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of certain handles, a Phillips head screwdriver). Store these screws safely to avoid losing them. After removing the old handles the next step will be to remove the spindle. This can be accomplished by tapping the spindle with a hammer or mallet until it comes loose from its place within the door. The new handle can be put in place by simply placing the spindle through the hole in the interior handle, and then placing 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 functions properly. Faulty Weatherstripping A damaged or cracked weatherstripping could allow water and air to get through your patio doors, which can compromise the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. In addition to allowing water, it can also cause drafts and increase your heating or cooling costs. It is good news that replacing damaged weatherstripping is an easy repair that doesn't require assistance from a professional. First, you must remove the old stripping by loosening its staples using the help of a screwdriver or by pinning it gently using the help of a putty knife before pulling it away from the door. Then, you can clean the area and apply an additional layer of weatherstripping that is secured with an adhesive. This will prevent leaks and improve comfort. If your sliding patio door is not working as it should, you must to fix the problem immediately to prevent further damage and to keep them functioning for years to be. Depending on how serious the problem is, it's possible to choose a DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement might be the best option. The most common issues with sliding patio doors are dirty rollers from debris in the tracks, misaligned wheels and a loose handle. In most instances, these issues can be fixed with regular maintenance and cleaning, which includes oiling the track as well as adjusting the rollers and tightening the hardware. If these solutions don't work then you should seek professional advice in order to ensure that your patio is operating exactly as it should. Check the warranty information before you decide to repair or replace your patio door. This can save you money on repairs or replacements in the near future.