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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door Sliding patio doors can become difficult to operate due to a variety of problems. Most of these issues can be fixed easily. Cleaning your sliding patio door is the simplest way to fix it. You'll want to use a brush and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. Then, you can lubricate the tracks to enhance their performance. 1. Dirty tracks or damaged tracks Dirt and debris in the track are the primary reason for a sticky patio door. Sand and salt from winter roads, pine straw, bird droppings, pet hair and other nastiness could clog the works. This is why it's important to scrub and lubricate your sliding doors regularly. Begin by putting on rubber gloves and safety goggles to protect your eyes. Then vacuum the tracks with a shop vac or use brushes to get rid of any gunk that has escaped. Next, mix equal parts water and white vinegar in spray bottles. Spray a small amount the solution on your cleaning brushes, and scrub the track. Rinse the area dry it off with paper towels to avoid scratching or damage to the track and sill. Once the tracks are clean, take your toothbrush and go in there to scrub the more difficult areas that are stuck. You can also rub rough spots onto the bottom tracks, and then replenish the wheels with lubricant to ensure smooth operation. A misaligned door could be caused by rollers that are not aligned properly. This can be fixed by altering the rollers' height and position. If you are replacing the weather stripping, it's a great idea to do so to ensure a secure fitting and improve energy efficiency. Leaks from the track is also a serious issue that can lead to mold growth and structural damage to your home. You might be able to repair the issue on your own in the event that the leak is limited to a specific section of the track. Simply seal the joint. If the issue is widespread you should contact an expert to fix the patio door. 2. Broken or Torn Screen If your patio door doesn't allow for airflow, it can make your home feel stale and uncomfortable. It could also be a welcoming entry point for pests and mosquitoes. It is recommended to contact an expert as soon as you notice the screen is damaged or there is a fog that has formed between the glass panes. If you have an old screen that is hanging on your patio door, it is easiest to replace it with a new screen. Screen material is available in rolls that have been already measured to fit the majority of door sizes. You can also purchase full screen repair kits that include the screen, spline, and roller in one package. The process of installing a new screen begins by placing the new material on a flat surface. Then, using your scissors, cut it to length to ensure that an inch or two of the screen covers on both sides of the frame. Then, take the old spline and any excess screen from the window frame using your utility knife. Now you can put down the new screen spline, starting at the lower left corner of the frame and working towards the edges. Once the spline has been placed, use your screen rolling tool to push it into the groove. Then trim any excess screen and spline it with your utility knife, being careful not to cut through the interior of the window frame. Examine the spline to determine whether there are any distortions or ripples. Adjust the screen if needed. 3. Leaking Seals If you notice water pooling around the patio door, or getting stuck between the glass panes, it's a clear indication that your seals and frame are deteriorating in their quality. This can lead mold and rot, as well as an increase in energy costs due to drafts and air leakage. Leaking seals can be caused by improperly installed flashing or caulking. It is essential to hire an experienced professional who can install patio doors and ensure that the frame is properly caulked and flashed. In addition to ensuring that you install the flashing, you'll also want to make sure that any gaps or cracks are sealed with caulking that's rated for use with your specific type of weather conditions. For instance, if you reside in a humid climate like Ontario, you'll want to choose a caulking that will stand up well to moisture. Another reason for leaky seals is when the shims under the door frame are not installed correctly. They are usually made of wood and help to keep the sheathing level with the framing, but if they're not placed properly, they could create an opening that allows moisture into your home. One method to test your seals is by spraying the frame using the help of a garden nozzle or hose. If you see the presence of a mist in these areas, you should contact an expert to come in and conduct a thorough examination of the installation. It's possible that you only need to apply a bit of caulking or change the shims. In any case, addressing these issues quickly will avoid costly repairs and further damage later on. It is always better to fix your frame or patio door before it's too late than to put off repairs. 4. Warped Frame When wood is exposed to outside forces, such as a change of humidity, it can absorb or lose moisture, which could cause warping. If a frame is sagging it makes the door harder to operate and can ultimately lead to destruction or even total failure. This is especially the case for doors that divide garages and basements that are damp from living areas. A sagging frame can be fixed with a few minor repairs. Begin by looking at the frame to ensure that all of the bolts and screws are tight and secure. Replace any loose or missing screws. Replace the hinge screws with longer ones, preferably 2 inches or more. This allows the screw to bite into the wall framing instead of the door jamb, which pulls the frame back into place. You can also include shims. patio doors repairs near me are small pieces that can be placed in front of the hinges. This will allow you to fine-tune how the frame is positioned. Shims can assist in supporting the frame and spread the weight evenly over larger areas, which will prevent the frame from becoming damaged over time. You might want to engage an expert to repair serious frame warps. A professional can inspect the frame in depth to determine the severity and offer a complete solution. They can also put in additional bracing to reinforce the frame and help keep it from sliding in the future. In the majority of cases this is a much more affordable and durable option than simply purchasing new patio door parts. If the frame has badly damaged, you may require replacing the entire jamb of the door, not only the door itself. 5. Cosmetic Damage Over time, your patio doors can experience the effects of wear and wear and. Damage to the surface can leave your doors looking less than attractive and affect the aesthetic of your home. The good news is that the majority of cosmetic damage can easily be repaired with bonding fillers or paint. However when the door has significant dents or cracks it is best to replace it rather than trying to repair it. Similar to the seal around windows, doors' weatherstripping can lose its effectiveness as time passes. This can cause gaps that allow air from outside to enter your home and increase energy bills. A professional in door repair can install new weatherstripping to reduce energy loss and improve insulation. Moisture on the exterior of your door is never good news, but patio doors are particularly susceptible to it. The moisture could cause wood rot, which is costly and difficult to fix. Water leaks must be fixed immediately by a professional. Over time the patio door may be misaligned due to normal use or foundation changes. This can cause the doors to jam or become difficult to open and close. A technician can adjust tracks and hinges to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn out rollers and hinges in order to ensure proper functioning.