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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 are fixable.

Cleaning your sliding patio door will fix it the easiest. You'll want to use a brush and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. After that, you can lubricate them to improve their movement.

1. Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks

One of the most common causes of a sticky or squeaky patio door is dirt and debris in the track. Pine straw, bird droppings and salt, sand, winter roads, and other nasties things can cause a blockage in the track. This is why it's important to clean and lubricate your sliding doors on a regular basis.

Wear rubber gloves and goggles to shield your eyes. Then vacuum the tracks with a shop vac or use a brush to remove any gunk that has escaped. Then, mix equal amounts of water and white vinegar in the spray bottle. Spray a small amount 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 damaging the sill and track.





After the tracks are cleaned, take a toothbrush and get in there to scrub the harder areas that are stuck. You can also sand off rough spots on the bottom track and then re-lubricate the rollers to ensure smooth operation.

Another reason for a squeaky door is the misalignment of the rollers that 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 tight fit and increase the efficiency of your energy.

Leaks from the track are also a serious problem that could lead to mold growth and structural damage to your home. It is possible to repair the issue on your own in the event that the leak is limited to a small portion of the track. Simply seal the joint. If the issue is extensive, it's best to seek out an expert to fix the patio door.

2. Broken or damaged screen

A patio door that doesn't allow for adequate airflow could make your home feel stuffy and uncomfortable. It can also be a welcome entryway for pests and mosquitoes. If you've got a damaged screen or notice that fog is accumulating between the panes of glass it's recommended to call in professional help as soon as possible.

If you have a basic sliding patio door, the easiest solution is to replace the existing screen with a new one. You can buy screen material in rolls that are pre-measured to fit a variety of doors of standard sizes. You can also purchase full screen repair kit that includes the screen, spline, and roller all in one package.

Installing a new screen begins by laying the new material on a firm surface. Use your scissors to cut the screen to the length you want and make sure it covers the frame on both sides by around one inch. Then, using your utility blade, remove the old spline as well any screen that is not needed.

Now you can lay out the new screen spline, beginning at the bottom left corner of the frame. Start by moving it to the edges. Once the spline is set, use the screen rolling tool to push it into the groove. Trim any excess spline and screen with your utility blade, taking care not to cut into the inner frame of the window. Check the spline to see whether there are any ripples or distortions. Adjust the screen as needed.

3. Seals that leak

If you notice water getting a foothold around the patio door or becoming trapped between the glass panes, it's a sure sign that your seals and frames are deteriorating in their quality. This could lead to rot and mold and even higher energy bills due to drafts and air leakage.

Leaking seals can be caused by poorly installed flashing or caulking. It is important to hire an experienced professional who will install patio doors and make sure that the frame is caulked and flashed.

In addition to properly installing the flashing, you'll want to make sure that any cracks or gaps are closed with caulking approved for use in your specific type of weather conditions. If you reside in an area with a humid climate, like Ontario, then you will need to choose caulking products that are able to withstand humidity.

Another reason for leaky seals is when the shims under the door frame aren't put in the right place. They are typically made from wood and keep the sheathing at a level with the framing. However, if they are not installed correctly, they could cause a gap, which could allow moisture to get into your home.

One way to test your seals is by spraying the frame using an hose or garden nozzle. If patio doors repairs notice a mist coming in through these areas, you need to contact a professional inspect the frame at the installation. It's possible that more caulking is all that's required, or the shims have to be replaced. In any case, addressing these issues quickly can prevent costly repairs and damages 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 forces, such as a change of humidity, it can absorb or lose moisture which could cause warping. A frayed frame can make it difficult to operate the door, and eventually cause damage or failure. This is particularly the case for doors that divide basements and damp garages from living areas.

A few minor repairs can typically correct a warped frame. Begin by checking the frame to make sure that all bolts and screws have been tightened and secured. Replace any loose or missing screws. Then, replace the hinge screws with larger ones that are 2 or more inches long. This will allow the screw to get into the wall framing, not the door jamb, which pulls the frame back into place.

You could also consider adding shims, which are thin pieces of wood that can be put behind the hinges to adjust the position of the frame. Shims can aid in supporting the frame and distribute the weight evenly over a wider area and prevent the frame from becoming more damaged over time.

For more severe frame warps you might want to think about hiring a professional to fix the issue. A professional can perform an extensive inspection to determine the severity of the problem and provide you with a comprehensive repair solution. They can also install bracing to strengthen the frame and prevent it from sagging. In the majority of instances this is a more cost-effective and durable solution than buying new patio door components. If the frame is significantly stretched, it might be necessary to replace the entire door jamb instead of just the door.

5. Cosmetic Damage

Over time, your patio doors can show a lot of wear and tear. Surface damage can cause your doors to look less than appealing and can affect the appearance of your home. The good news is that most cosmetic damage is easily repaired with bonding fillers or paint. However, if the door has significant cracks or dents it is recommended to replace it rather than trying to repair it.

Similar to the seal around windows, doors' weatherstripping could be less effective over time. This can cause gaps that allow air from outside to infiltrate your home and increase energy bills. A professional door repair specialist can install new weatherstripping in order to decrease energy loss and improve insulation.

Moisture around the exterior of doors is always a problem however, it's particularly dangerous for your patio doors. This moisture can lead to wood rot, which is costly and difficult to fix. The best way to safeguard your home is to have any water leaks fixed immediately by a trained professional.

Over time, a patio door can be misaligned due to regular use or foundation changes. This can cause patio doors to jam, or make it difficult to open and close. Technicians can adjust hinges and tracks for smooth operation. They can also replace worn-out hinges and rollers to restore proper functionality.