How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door A variety of issues can make it difficult to operate sliding patio doors. Luckily, most of these issues can be easily fixed. The easiest method 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. You can then lubricate the tracks to increase their performance. 1. Dirty tracks or damaged tracks One of the main causes of a squeaky or sticky patio door is the accumulation of dirt and debris in the track. Pine straw, bird droppings as well as salt and sand from winter roads and other nasty things can block the track. It's important to clean and lubricate your sliding doors. Start by putting on rubber gloves and a pair of safety goggles to protect your eyes. Then, vacuum the tracks with the help of a shop vac or a brush to remove loose gunk. Next, mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray a small coating of the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the sill and track. Rinse and dry the area using paper towels. This will stop scratching and further damage to the track and sill. Once the tracks are clean you can take the toothbrush and go there to scrub the more difficult areas that are stuck. You can also sand off rough spots on the bottom track. You can then re-lubricate the rollers in order to restore smooth operation. Another cause of a sticky door is a misaligned roller and can be remedied by adjusting the height and position of the rollers. It's a good idea to replace the weather stripping that surrounds the door whenever you do this to ensure a snug fit and increase energy efficiency. Leaks from the track is also a serious problem that can cause mold growth and structural damage to your home. It is possible to fix the problem yourself if the leak is contained to a specific section of the track. Simply replace the joint. If however, the issue is widespread, it's best to call in a professional to repair the patio door. 2. Broken or damaged screen If your patio door does not allow for airflow, it can make your home feel stale and uncomfortable. It could also be a perfect entry point for mosquitoes and other pests. If you've got a damaged screen or notice fog accumulating between the panes of glass It's recommended to call in professional help as soon as you can. If you have a basic sliding patio door, the easiest solution is to replace your screen with a brand new one. Screen material is available in rolls that have been pre-measured to fit a variety of door sizes. It's also offered in complete screen repair kits that include the screen, spline and roller all in a single package. The process of installing a new screen begins by laying the new material on a solid surface. Then, using your scissors, cut it into lengths to ensure that an inch or two of the screen is overlapped on each side of the frame. Then, you can remove the old spline along with any screen that's left from the window frame using your utility knife. It is now possible to lay the new screen spline starting at the lower left corner of the frame. Work your way around to the edges. After the spline is put in place, use your screen rolling tool to push it into the groove. Trim any excess screen and spline it with your utility knife, making sure not to cut through the interior of the frame. Check the spline and see if there are any ripples or distortions. Adjust the screen if necessary. 3. Leaking Seals If you notice that water is pooling or trapped between the glass panes of your patio door, it is a sign that the seals and frame have lost their integrity. This can lead to mold and rot and even higher energy bills due to drafts and air leakage. Leaking seals are often caused by improperly installed flashing or caulking. To prevent this from happening, it's important to work with an experienced professional who has experience installing patio doors and will ensure that the frame is correctly caulked and flashed. You'll need to fill any cracks or gaps with caulking rated for your particular type of weather. If you live in a region that has humid climates, such as Ontario and the like, then you'll be looking for a caulking product that can stand up to moisture. Another reason for leaky seals is when the shims beneath the door frame are not put in the right place. These are typically made from wood and help keep the sheathing even with the framing, but if they're not placed correctly, they can cause an opening that allows moisture into your home. Spraying the frame with a garden nozzle or hose is an excellent method to test seals. If you see the mist forming in these areas, it's time to call a professional examine the frame at the installation. It's possible that a little additional caulking is all required, or maybe the shims require to be replaced. In either case, fixing the issue fast will avoid future damage and costly repairs. It is always better to be proactive in fixing your frame and patio door rather than wait until it is too late! 4. Warped Frame When wood is exposed to outside forces, such as a change of humidity, it may absorb or lose moisture, which could lead to warping. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-nottingham/ frayed frame can make it difficult to operate the door and eventually cause damage or even failure. This is particularly true for doors that separate damp basements and garages from living spaces. A few minor repairs are able to usually fix a sagging frame. Begin by checking the frame to make sure that all the bolts and screws are tightened and secured. Replace any loose or missing screws. Replace the hinge screws with larger ones, with a preference of 2 inches or more. This will allow the screw to pierce the wall framing instead of the door jamb, and pull the frame back in place. You can also add shims, which are thin pieces of wood that can be put behind the hinges to fine-tune the frame's positioning. Shims can assist in supporting the frame and spread the weight evenly over more of the area. This will stop the frame becoming more distorted with age. You might want to engage an expert to repair severe frame warps. A professional will examine the frame thoroughly to determine the severity and offer a complete solution. They can also install bracing to strengthen the frame to keep it from sliding. In most instances this is a much more durable and cost-effective solution than buying new patio door parts. If the frame has been severely damaged, you might need to replace the entire jamb of the door instead of just the door itself. 5. Cosmetic Damage Over time, patio doors experience a fair amount of wear and tear. Surface damage can make your doors appear less than desirable, and can affect the appearance of your home. The good news is that most cosmetic damage can be corrected by using bonding fillers and paint. If the door has large dents or cracks it is recommended to replace it rather than trying to repair it. Weatherstripping on doors can also become less effective over time, just like the seal around windows. This can cause gaps that let air from outside infiltrate your home and increase energy bills. A door repair professional can install new weatherstripping in order to reduce energy loss and improve insulation. Moisture on the exterior of your door is not good news however patio doors are particularly susceptible to it. The moisture could cause wood rot which is expensive and difficult to repair. Water leaks should be addressed immediately by a professional. A patio door may be misaligned with time due to foundation changes or regular usage. This can cause the patio doors to become jammed, or make it difficult to open and shut. A technician can adjust hinges and tracks for smooth operation. They can also replace worn hinges and rollers to restore proper functionality.