Sliding Patio Door Repairs
A sliding patio door is a great method to let more natural light in and let you enjoy your outdoor space. If the door isn't moving smoothly or looks dingy it could be a hassle.
Many of these issues are easily fixable with some DIY skills. Here are a few common issues and their solutions.
Tracks that are dirty or damaged Tracks
Over time the sliding patio door's tracks may become clogged with dirt, dust and other debris. Regular cleaning and lubrication could assist your sliding patio door move smoothly.
Cleaning the track is the first step. A dirty track can cause the door to become stuck or even make it impossible to open or shut. Begin by sweeping away any particles that are floating around. Use a brush and cleaning solution to scrub away any visible dirt. Make sure you clean every corner and nook as well as the areas where the door meets its frame.
After you've scrubbed it, wash the track using a hose or bucket of clean water. Apply a lubricant from the store to prevent rust and displace moisture. Before you reinstall the door try sliding it back and forth to see if it moves freely.
If your door is still stuck, it could be that the rollers have been damaged or misaligned. This can also cause the door to move slower. In the majority of cases, you can fix the issue by adjusting the wheels and lubricating. It could be time to replace them when your door is old. Before reassembling track, lay down a drop cloth on the floor. Remove the two plugs that cover the screws for adjustment of the rollers that are located at the bottom of the frame. To retract the rollers, insert the screwdriver in each hole and turn it counterclockwise. This will allow you enough space to remove the door from the sawhorses, and place it on the sawhorses.
Faulty Handle
Over time the handle on your sliding door will loosen from the strike plate it rests on. The good news is, the issue with the handle being loose is typically very easy to repair. Make use of a screwdriver to tighten the screws that connect the door handle in place to the strike plate. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can damage the inner mechanism causing the handle to stop working correctly.
When a sliding patio doors becomes difficult to slide, the issue is often caused by debris clogging the rollers. Dirt, dust, hair, and fur frequently get into the tracks, which causes the door to stop sliding smoothly. To ensure smooth operation, begin by cleaning the rollers.

Another common issue is that the lock on your patio door no longer works correctly. This could be due to a misaligned or broken handle. The lock mechanism could be replaced or the handle realigned.
A screen door that won’t shut or open isn't a pleasant experience. A faulty screen door can also be dangerous. If the screen is not aligned properly with the door frame it can rub against the frames and cause wear to both the screen as well as the door. If your screen doesn't work correctly, the fix is pretty simple. First, make sure whether the rod that holds it is still in place. If it's not in place, remove it and replace with the replacement. Install the screen again after replacing the latching rod. Make sure the hinges are correctly set. For a more polished appearance make sure you attach screw covers to the holes in the frame.
Faulty weatherstripping
The weather stripping seals the gap between your frame and door, preventing drafts, cold and insects. If yours is cracked or discoloured It's time to replace it. It's usually not difficult to do. Some people only replace the worn part, but it is much simpler to replace the entire piece.
First, make sure 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 of your weather strip. Look for a tear, crack or rip that could be letting cold air in, then make use of your dollar bill to check whether the weather strip is sealed with a positive seal. Simply place the bill part towards the seal and close the door to check whether it is able to pull away from the metal flange of the weather strip. If it's simple to do you're ready to replace it.
It is also possible to lubricate your run channel (the groove made of rubber and felt that runs vertically on both sides of your door) to help prevent ice from building up during winter. You can purchase a spray lubricant from your local hardware store. Be careful not to get it on the glass.
Spreading a thin layer of sand under your door will stop it from sticking, just as salt. Don't leave sand at the bottom of your door because it could harm the concrete and rubber of the weather strip.
Glass damaged
There are a variety of situations that can result in sliding glass for patio doors becoming cracked or shattered. If your patio door glass is damaged due to a knock or bump, or some other occurrence it is essential to replace it right away to ensure your home is properly insulated and sealed.
Over time, sliding doors are prone to damage due to frequent use and exposure elements. The rusting of the rollers, broken handles and bent tracks are some of the issues that can result in the patio door not working properly. Specialists in sliding patio repair can quickly identify the problem and repair or replace the part.
A broken patio door can impact your energy bills in addition to the obvious damage. A gap between the frame of the patio door and the glass can result in drafts and temperature fluctuations. This can be costly both in the summer and winter when you have to pay to cool or heat your home.
You can repair a damaged panel on your sliding patio without having to take out the whole door. In certain instances, this is the best choice if you are looking to get your door up and running as soon as possible. Regardless of whether you are replacing the glass or the frame, it's essential to have all of the proper tools on hand to ensure that the task can be done quickly and safely. These include gloves, a small pry bar or hammer, putty knife, tape, a measuring tape and a replacement glass. DIY Door Store offers all these materials so you can repair your damaged sliding patio doors quickly and easily.
Frames that are damaged or loose.
Sliding patio doors are designed to simplify access to the outdoors and indoors, and also allow for a natural flow of traffic. As with sliding patio door replacement sliding patio doors are susceptible to wear and tear that may hinder their function. Some damages are easy to repair, while others require expert assistance to keep your door in good condition.
If you can see evidence of damage, such as scratches and dents, it's probably time to replace your sliding door. These damages don't just affect the appearance of your patio doors, but they also impact security and energy efficiency.
A roller or track that is not aligned is common issues that cause your sliding door to stop functioning properly. This can be caused by dirt or debris accumulation on the track, and is typically fixed by using pliers to straighten the rails.
It is essential to clean the rollers and tracks of your sliding patio doors, as dirt can lead to stiff or sticky doors that won't move smoothly. You can remove any obstructions using the vacuum cleaner, hand brushes or even spraying down with jetwash. The addition of a silicone-based lubricant your tracks can aid in smoother operation and prevent premature wear.
In time, slamming your patio door may cause serious damage to both the frame and the glass panel. This can lead to a broken or loose frame or tracks, as well as a bent handle that is difficult to shut and open. Screen doors that slide open are generally more prone to this kind of damage because the frames are typically less durable than those of glass sliding doors. Fortunately, if you have damaged screen door frames, this can often be repaired by sealing the gap using silicone lubricant and then applying a new sealant around the edges of the glass.