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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door

Sliding patio doors can become difficult to operate due to a myriad of problems. Most of these issues are fixable.

The most effective way to repair your sliding patio door is by cleaning it. You'll want to use brushes and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. Then you can lubricate them to increase their mobility.

1. Tracks that are dirty or damaged Tracks

Dirt and debris in the track are the main cause of sticky patio doors. Sand and salt from winter roads, pine straw, bird droppings, pet hair and other nastiness could clog the process. It is essential to regularly lubricate and scrub your sliding doors.

Wear rubber goggles and gloves to protect your eyes. Clean the tracks using a shop vac or use brushes to get rid of the gunk. Then, mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray a tiny amount of the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the track and sill. Rinse and dry the area using paper towels. This will stop scratching and further damage to the track and sill.

After patio door repair near me have been cleaned using a toothbrush, 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 to restore smooth operation.

Another cause of a sticky door is the misalignment of the rollers, which can also be corrected by altering the height and positioning of the rollers. It's a good idea to replace the weather stripping around the door whenever you do this to ensure a snug fit and increase energy efficiency.

Leaking from the track is an issue that can lead to mold growth and structural damage to your home. You may be able repair the issue on your own in the event that the leak is limited to a small portion of the track. Simply re-seal the joint. If the problem is widespread, you should call an expert to fix the patio door.

2. Broken or damaged screen

If your patio door does not allow for airflow, it will make your house feel stuffy and uncomfortable. It can also be a welcoming entry point for mosquitoes and pests. If you've got a damaged screen or notice that fog is accumulating between the panes of glass, it's a good idea to seek professional assistance as soon as possible.

If you have a basic sliding patio door, the most straightforward solution is to replace your screen with a new one. You can buy screen material in rolls that are pre-measured to fit most door sizes. You can also buy a complete screen repair kit that includes the screen, spline and roller in one package.

For the installation of the new screen, begin by finding a solid surface you can work from and then lay out your replacement material on it. Then use your scissors to cut it into lengths so that about an inch or two of the screen overlaps on each side of the frame. Then using your utility knife remove the old spline as well any screen that is not needed.

You can now lay the new screen spline, starting at the lower left corner of the frame. Start by moving it until you reach the perimeter. Once the spline has been put in position, run your screen rolling tool over it several times, pushing it into the groove of the frame. Trim any excess spline and screen using your utility knife making sure not to cut the inside frame of the window. Also, check the spline for distortions or ripples and adjust the screen as needed.

3. Seals that leak

If you see water building up around the patio door, or getting trapped between the glass panes, it's a sure indication that your seals and frame are deteriorating in their quality. This can lead to rot and mold and even higher costs for energy due to drafts and air leakage.

Leaking seals are often caused by poorly installed caulking or flashing. To prevent this from happening, it's crucial to hire an expert who has expertise installing patio doors and can ensure the frame is properly flashed and caulked.

You'll want to seal any gaps or cracks with caulking that is designed for your specific kind of weather. If you reside in an area with a humid climate, like Ontario or the province of Ontario, you'll need to choose the caulking product that is able to withstand moisture.

The shims that are placed under the door frame can also cause leaks. They are usually made of wood and help to keep the sheathing level with the framing, however if they're not placed correctly, they can cause a gap that allows moisture to enter your home.

One way to test your seals is by spraying the frame with a hose or garden nozzle. If you notice a mist coming in through these areas, it's time to call a professional inspect the frame at the installation. It's possible that you only need to apply a bit of caulking or replace the shims. In either case, addressing the issue quickly will prevent the possibility of further damage and costly repairs. It is always better to fix your patio door or frame before it's too late to put off repairs.

4. Warped Frame

When wood is exposed to external forces like a fluctuation in humidity, it will absorb and lose moisture, which can cause the frame to warp. A sagging frame could make it difficult to operate the door, and eventually cause damage or failure. This is especially relevant for doors that separate basements and damp garages from living areas.

A few minor repairs are able to usually fix a sagging frame. Start by checking the frame to make sure that all the bolts and screws are tightened and secured. Replace any missing or loose screws. Then, replace hinge screws with longer ones that are 2 or more inches long. This will allow the screw to pierce the wall framing instead of the door jamb and pull the frame back in the right place.

You could also put in shims. These are thin pieces that can be placed on top of the hinges. This allows you to adjust how the frame is set. Shims can assist in supporting the frame and spread the weight evenly over a larger area. This will prevent the frame from getting more warped with time.

You may want to hire an expert to repair more serious frame warps. A professional will examine the frame thoroughly to determine the extent of the problem and offer a comprehensive solution. They can also install bracing to strengthen the frame and prevent it from sagging. In the majority of instances, this is a more affordable and durable option than simply buying new patio door components. If the frame is severely damaged, you might need to replace the entire jamb of the door instead of only the door itself.

5. Cosmetic Damage





Over time, patio door can suffer from the effects of wear and tear. Damage to the surface could make your doors appear less appealing and affect the aesthetics of your home. The good news is that most cosmetic damage can easily be repaired with bonding fillers or paint. However, if the door has significant dents or cracks, it will be best to replace it instead of trying to repair it.

Like the seal around windows, doors' weatherstripping can lose its effectiveness as time passes. This can lead to gaps that let air from outside infiltrate your home and increase energy bills. A professional door repair service can install new weatherstripping in order to reduce energy loss and improve insulation.

Moisture on the exterior of your door is not good news, but patio doors are especially vulnerable to it. This moisture can cause wood rot, which is costly and difficult to fix. Water leaks should be repaired immediately by a professional.

A patio door could be misaligned over time due to foundation changes or the normal use. This can cause patio doors to jam, or make it difficult to open and close. A door repair technician can realign the tracks and hinges to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn-out hinges and rollers to restore their functionality.