Why-Sliding-Patio-Door-Repair-Is-Your-Next-Big-Obsession-v

Sliding Patio Door Repairs

A sliding patio is a great way to enjoy your outdoor space and let in more light. If the door isn't moving smoothly or appears dingy, it could be a hassle.

Fortunately, a majority of these problems can be solved with a little DIY know-how. Here are some common problems and solutions:

Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks

Over time the sliding patio door's tracks may become clogged with dirt, dust and other debris. Regular cleaning and lubrication will assist your sliding patio door move smoothly.

Cleaning the track is the first step. A filthy track could cause the door to snag or cause it to be impossible to be shut or open. Begin by clearing any loose debris with the help of a brush. Make use of a brush and an appropriate cleaning solution to get rid of any visible dirt. Make sure to get into the nooks and crevices and any places where the door is affixed to the frame.

After you've scrubbed it, wash the track using a hose or bucket of clean water. Then, apply a store-bought lubricant that will displace moisture and prevent future corrosion. Try moving it back and forth to see if you can move it with ease.

If your door is still stuck, it could be that the rollers are damaged or misaligned. This can also hinder movement. In the majority of cases, you can resolve this by readjusting the wheels and then lubricating them. If your door is old,, it may be the time to consider a replacement. Before reassembling the track, lay down a drop cloth on the floor. Remove the two plugs that cover the screws that adjust the rollers found at the bottom of frame. Insert a screwdriver in each hole and turn them counterclockwise to retract the rollers. This will give you enough room to remove the door from the sawhorses, and place it on the sawhorses.

A faulty handle

In time the handle on your sliding door can be loosened from the strike plate it hangs on. The good thing is that a loose handle can be easily fixed. Simply use a screwdriver tighten the screws holding the door handle to the strike plate. Be careful not to tighten too much, as this can harm the mechanism within and result in the handle not to longer function properly.

When a sliding patio doors becomes difficult to slide, the problem is usually caused by debris blocking the rollers. Hair, dust, dirt and fur often get into the tracks, causing the door to not slide smoothly. To promote smooth operation, start by cleaning the rollers.

Another common issue is that the lock on your sliding patio door isn't working correctly. This may be because of a misaligned lock or the handle is damaged. The lock mechanism can be replaced or the handle re-aligned.

A screen door that doesn't close or open isn't a pleasurable experience. A damaged screen door could also be dangerous. If the screen isn't aligned correctly with the door frame it will rub against the frames and cause wear to both the screen and the door. The solution to screen that isn't functioning properly is fairly easy. First, verify that the latching rod is still in the correct position. If it is not in place, remove it and replace it with a replacement. Once you've replaced the rod that latches, put it back on the screen and ensure that the hinges are in place. Install screws into the holes of the frame to give it a finished appearance.

Faulty Weatherstripping

The weather stripping is used to seal the gap between your door and frame, preventing drafts and cold as well as insects. If yours is cracked or discoloured, it's time to change it. This is usually pretty easy to do. Some people cut off the worn part and replace it, but it's much easier to replace the whole thing.

First, ensure that the gap isn't near the seating point where the weather strip is attached to the frame. If it is, you'll need to reseal it to the frame with weather strip adhesive.

Then, look around the area around your weather strip. Make use of your dollar bill to verify if the weather strip is sealed. Simply place the bill half of the way across the seal and close the door to check if it easily pulls away from the flange made of metal of the weather strip. If it's easy to do then it's time to replace it.

You may also need to lubricate the run channel (the groove of rubber and felt that runs vertically along both sides of your door) to prevent the build-up of ice in winter. You can purchase a spray lubricant at your local hardware store that works however, be careful not to get any on the glass.

Another great solution is to apply a thin layer of sand beneath your door before the snow begins to fall and prevent it from sticking like salt does. It is not advisable to leave sand in the bottom of your door because it can harm the concrete and rubber of the weather strip.

Glass damaged

A variety of circumstances can lead to the glass of a sliding patio being damaged or broken. If your patio door glass is damaged by a knock or bump, or some other occurrence, it is vital to replace it immediately to ensure your home is adequately insulated and sealed.

Over time, sliding doors are susceptible to damage from frequent use and exposure to elements. The rusting of the rollers, broken handles and bent tracks are just some of the problems that can lead to a patio door not functioning correctly. Sliding patio door repair specialists can quickly determine the root of the issue and make any necessary repairs or replacements.

In addition to obvious damage, a damaged patio door can also affect your energy bills. A gap between the frame of the patio door and the glass pane could cause drafts and temperature fluctuations. This is a major expense in the summer and winter when you're spending money to cool or heat your home.





You can repair a damaged panel of your sliding patio without having to remove the entire door. This is the ideal solution in certain situations when you want to get your sliding patio door up and running quickly. It is important to have the right tools in place regardless of whether you're replacing the glass or the frame. This will ensure that the job is done efficiently and safely. This includes gloves, a small pry bar or hammer, putty knife, tape, a measuring tape and a glass replacement. DIY Door Store has all of these materials available so that you can easily and cheaply fix your own damaged sliding patio door.

Frames that aren't secured or damaged

Sliding patio doors are designed to ease indoor-outdoor access and allow for natural flow of traffic. However, like any piece of home equipment they're susceptible to wear and tear over time that impacts their functionality. Certain damages are simple to fix, while others will require professional help to keep your door in good condition.

The visible signs of damage like scratches and dents are a sign that it's time for sliding door replacement. These damages not only reduce the aesthetics of your patio doors but they also impact security and energy efficiency.

A roller or track that is not aligned is common problems that cause your sliding door to stop working correctly. This is usually due to dirt or debris getting stuck on the track. It is possible to solve this issue by using pliers to straighten the rails.

It's crucial to regularly clean the tracks and rollers of your sliding patio doors, as dirt can result in stiff or sticky doors that can't move easily. Utilizing a hand-brush or vacuum, or a spray-down with a jet wash will aid in removing any obstructions. Apply a silicone-based grease your tracks to ensure smooth operation and to prevent premature wear.

When repeated, slamming on the door to the patio could cause serious damage to the frame and the glass panel. This can lead to a frayed or broken frame or tracks, as well as a bent handle that is difficult to open and shut. Screen doors that slide are typically more prone to this kind of damage, as the frames are typically less sturdy than those on glass sliding doors. If you've damaged your frame for your screen door you can repair it by resealing with silicone lubricant and applying a new sealant around the glass's perimeter.