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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door

Patio doors sliding down can be difficult to operate due to a myriad of problems. Most of these issues can be fixed easily.

The easiest way to repair your sliding patio door is to clean it. You'll want to use brushes and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. Then, you can apply lubrication to the tracks to enhance their performance.

1. Tracks that are dirty 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. 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 on a regular basis.

Wear rubber gloves and goggles to protect your eyes. Make use of a shop vacuum or a brush to remove any loose gunk. Next, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in spray bottles. Spray a small coating of the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the sill and track. Rinse the area and dry it off with paper towels to avoid scratching or further damage to the track and sill.

After the tracks have been cleaned, use a toothbrush to scrub the more difficult areas that are stuck. You can also sand rough spots on the bottom tracks and then replenish the wheels with lubricant to ensure smooth operation.

A misaligned door could be the result of misaligned rollers. This can be fixed by changing the rollers' height and positioning. It's a good idea to replace the weather stripping that surrounds the door when you do this to ensure a tight fit and increase energy efficiency.

Leaks from the track are an issue that can cause mold growth and structural damage to your home. You might be able to fix the problem yourself if the leak is contained to a single section of the track. Simply re-seal the joint. If the issue is widespread, it's recommended to seek out an expert to fix the patio door.

2. Broken or Torn Screen

A patio door that does not allow for a good air flow can make your home feel uncomfortable and uncomfortable. It can also create a cozy entryway for insects and mosquitoes. If you have a torn screen or see fog building up between the panes glass, it's recommended to contact a professional as soon as you can.

If you have an old screen on your patio door, it's easiest to replace it with a new screen. You can purchase screen material in rolls that have been pre-measured to fit a variety of door sizes. It's also offered in complete screen repair kits that contain the screen, spline and roller all in a single package.

To put up the new screen, start by locating 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 to the point that about an inch or two of the screen overlaps on each side of the frame. Then, take the old spline and any screen that is left over from the window frame with your utility knife.

Now you can put down the new screen spline starting at the bottom left corner of the frame and working towards the edges. Once the spline is placed, use your screen rolling tool to push it into the groove. Then trim any excess screen and spline it with your utility knife, taking care not to cut the inside of the window frame. You should also check the spline for any distortions or ripples, and then adjust the screen as needed.

3. Seals that leak

If you notice that water is pooling or trapped between the glass panes of your patio door, this is a sign that the frame and seals have lost their elasticity. This can lead mold and decay, as well as increased energy bills because of drafts and air leakage.

Poorly installed flashing and caulking can lead to leaky seals. To prevent patio door repairs from happening, it's essential to work with an experienced professional who has experience installing patio doors and who can ensure the frame is properly caulked and flashed.

In addition to installing the flashing, you'll be sure that any cracks or gaps are closed with caulking suitable for your specific type of weather conditions. For instance, if you live in a humid climate such as Ontario you'll need to select a caulking option that will stand up well to moisture.

The shims that are installed under the door frame may also cause leaks. These are usually made of wood and help keep the sheathing at a level with the framing. But, if they are not installed correctly, they can cause a gap, which could allow moisture to enter your home.

Spraying the frame using a garden nozzle or hose is a good way to test seals. If you see the mist forming in these areas, it's time to call a professional inspect the frame at the installation. You may only need to apply a bit of caulking or change the shims. In any case solving these issues as quickly as possible will prevent costly repairs and damage down the road. It is always better to fix your patio door or frame before it's too late than to wait.

4. Warped Frame

When wood is exposed outside factors, like a fluctuation of humidity, it may absorb or lose moisture, which can cause warping. When a sagging frame develops it makes the door more difficult to operate and can ultimately lead to damage or complete failure. This is particularly relevant for doors that separate garages and basements with damp living areas.





A warped frame can usually be corrected by some minor repairs. Begin by checking the frame to ensure that all screws and bolts have been tightened and secured. Replace any loose or missing screws. Then, you can replace hinge screws with longer ones that are at least 2 inches long. This will allow the screw to bite the wall framing instead of the door jamb, and pull the frame back in the right place.

You can also add shims. These are thin pieces that can be placed on top of the hinges. This will allow you to tweak the way that the frame is placed. Shims can assist in supporting the frame and distribute the weight evenly across a wider area that will stop the frame from becoming more warped over time.

For more severe frame warps, you might want to think about hiring a professional to repair. A professional can inspect the frame in depth to determine the severity and offer a comprehensive solution. They can also install bracing in order to strengthen the frame in order to stop it from sagging. In the majority of instances, this is a more durable and cost-effective solution than buying new patio door parts. If the frame is badly damaged, you may require replacing the entire jamb of the door instead of only the door itself.

5. Cosmetic Damage

Over time, patio doors be subject to a lot of wear and tear. Damage to the surface could make your doors appear less appealing, and impact the overall appearance of your home. The good news is that the majority of cosmetic damage can be repaired using bonding fillers and paint. However, if the door has significant dents or cracks, it will be best to replace it instead of trying to repair it.

Weatherstripping on doors can also become less effective over time, similar to the seal around windows. This can cause gaps that let air from outside infiltrate your home and increase the cost of energy. A door repair professional can install new weatherstripping in order to reduce energy loss and increase insulation.

Moisture on the exterior of your door is never good news, but patio doors are particularly vulnerable to it. This moisture can cause wood rot that is difficult and expensive to fix. Water leaks should be addressed immediately by a professional.

A patio door can become misaligned over time due to foundation modifications or regular usage. This can cause the doors to become jammed or difficult to open and close. A technician for door repair can adjust the hinges and tracks to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn-out rollers and hinges in order to restore proper functionality.