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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door Patio doors that slide can become difficult to operate due to a variety of problems. Luckily, most of these issues are easily solved. The easiest method to fix your sliding patio door is to clean it. You'll need a brush and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. Then, you can lubricate them to increase their mobility. 1. Tracks that are damaged or dirty 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 and bird droppings, pet hair, and other nastiness could clog the process. It's important to regularly clean and lubricate your sliding doors. Start by putting on some rubber gloves and a pair of safety glasses to shield your eyes. Utilize a shop vacuum cleaner or a brush to remove any gunk that is loose. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray a small amount the solution onto your cleaning brushes, and scrub the track. Rinse the area dry it using paper towels to avoid scratching or damage to the track and sill. When the tracks are clean, take your toothbrush and go in there to scrub the more difficult areas that are stuck. You can also sand down rough spots on the bottom track and then re-lubricate the rollers in order to restore smooth operation. Another reason for a sticky door is a misaligned roller and can be fixed by adjusting the height and positioning of the rollers. When you replace the weather stripping, it's a good idea to do so to ensure a secure fitting and improve energy efficiency. Leaking from the track is also a serious problem that can cause mold growth and structural damage to your home. You might be able to solve the issue yourself when the leak is restricted to a specific section of the track. Simply replace the joint. If however, the issue is widespread, it's recommended to seek out an expert to repair the patio door. 2. Broken or Torn Screen A patio door that isn't designed for adequate airflow could make your home feel stale and uncomfortable. It can also create a welcoming entryway for pests like mosquitoes and flies. It is recommended to contact a professional immediately if you notice the screen is damaged or there is a fog in between the glass panes. If you have a basic sliding patio door, the most straightforward option is to replace your screen with a brand new one. Screen material can be found in pre-measured rolls that should accommodate the majority of door sizes. You can also buy a complete screen repair kit that includes the screen, spline, and roller all in one package. The process of installing a new screen starts by laying the new material on a firm surface. Use your scissors to cut the screen to the length you want, so that it overlaps the frame on both sides by about one inch. Then with your utility blade, remove the old spline, as well the excess screen. It is now possible to lay the new screen spline starting at the bottom-left corner of the frame. Start by moving it to the edges. Once the spline has been put in place, use your screen rolling tool to push it into the groove. Then trim patio door repairs near me and spline with your utility knife, being careful not to cut through the inside of the window frame. Check the spline to see if there are any ripples or distortions. Adjust the screen as needed. 3. Leaking Seals If you notice water getting trapped or pooling between the glass panes of your patio door, it is an indication that the frame and seals have lost their integrity. This can cause rot and mold, not to mention increased costs for energy due to air leakage and drafts. Incorrectly installed flashing and caulking can lead to leaky seals. To stop this from happening, it's crucial to work with an experienced professional who has expertise installing patio doors and will ensure the frame is properly caulked and flashed. In addition to properly installing the flashing, you'll also ensure that any gaps or cracks are sealed with caulking that is approved for use in the specific weather conditions. If you reside in an area with a humid climate, like Ontario, then you will need to choose a caulking product that can be able to withstand the effects of humidity. The shims which are put under the door frame may also cause leaks. They are usually made of wood and are used to keep the sheathing even with the framing. However, if they're not set up correctly, they can create an opening that allows moisture to enter your home. Spraying the frame using a garden nozzle or hose is an excellent method to test seals. If you see an airborne mist escaping these areas, contact an expert who will visit and conduct a more thorough inspection of the frame. It's possible that additional caulking is all required, or maybe the shims need to be replaced. Whatever the case solving these issues as quickly as possible will prevent costly repairs and damages down the road. It's always better to take the initiative in fixing your patio door and frame rather than wait until it is too late! 4. Warped Frame When wood is exposed outside forces, such as a change of humidity, it may absorb or lose moisture that could cause warping. If a frame is sagging, it can make the door harder to operate and eventually lead to destruction or even total failure. This is especially the case for doors that divide damp basements and garages from living spaces. A warped frame can usually be corrected by a few minor repairs. Start by checking the frame to ensure that all the screws and bolts have been tightened and secured. Replace any loose or missing screws. Then, replace hinge screws with longer ones that are at least 2 inches long. This will allow the screw to pierce the wall framing instead of the door jamb and pull the frame back into the right place. You could also consider adding shims, which are small pieces of wood that can be positioned behind the hinges in order to fine-tune the position of the frame. Shims will help support the frame, and distribute the weight evenly over more of the area. This will stop the frame from becoming more distorted with age. For more severe frame warps, you might want to think about hiring a professional to repair. A professional can perform a thorough inspection to determine the severity of the issue and offer an extensive repair solution. They can also install bracing in order to strengthen the frame to prevent it from sagging. This is typically an easier and more durable alternative to buying new patio door components. If the frame is seriously damaged, it could be necessary to replace the entire jamb of the door instead of just the door itself. 5. Cosmetic Damage Over time, patio doors will be subject to a lot of wear and wear and tear. Surface damage can make your patio doors appear less appealing and impact the overall appearance of your home. The good news is that most cosmetic damage can be corrected with the help of bonding fillers as well as paint. However, if the door has significant dents or cracks, it will be best to replace it rather than trying to repair it. Weatherstripping on doors can also become less effective over time, just like the seal around windows. It could result in gaps that allow air from outside to get into your home, which can lead to higher energy bills. A professional door repair specialist can install new weatherstripping in order to reduce energy loss and improve insulation. Moisture on the exterior of your door is never good news, but patio doors are especially vulnerable to it. The moisture could cause wood rot that is costly and difficult to fix. Water leaks must be fixed immediately by a professional. A patio door could be misaligned over time due to foundation modifications or normal usage. This can cause the doors to jam or make it difficult to open and shut. A door repair technician can adjust the tracks and hinges to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn out hinges and rollers to restore proper functionality.