Repair Patio Door Tips From The Top In The Business
How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door
Many issues can cause difficulties in operating sliding patio doors. Most of these problems are easily fixable.
The easiest method to repair your sliding patio door is by cleaning it. You'll need a brush and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. Then, you can lubricate the tracks to improve their performance.
1. Dirty tracks or damaged tracks
One of the most common causes of a sticky or squeaky patio door is dirt and debris that has accumulated in the track. Bird droppings, pine straw as well as salt and sand from winter roads, and other nasties things can block the track. It is important to regularly lubricate and scrub your sliding doors.
Put on a pair of rubber goggles and gloves to shield your eyes. Then, vacuum the tracks with an air vac or brushes to get rid of the gunk. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar into the spray bottle. Spray upvc patio door repairs of the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the track and sill. Rinse the area dry it using paper towels to avoid scratching and harming the track and sill.
After the tracks have been cleaned, use a toothbrush to scrub the areas that are stuck. You can also smooth rough spots on the bottom tracks. You can then apply lubrication to the wheels to ensure smooth operation.
Another reason for a squeaky door is a misaligned roller, which can also be corrected by altering the height and positioning of the rollers. When replacing the weather stripping, it's a good idea to do this to ensure that it fits snugly and to increase the efficiency of your energy.
Leaks from the track are also a serious problem that can cause mold growth and structural damage to your home. If the leak is limited to a specific section of the track, you might be able fix it yourself by re-sealing the joint. If the issue is widespread, it's recommended to call in a professional 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 stuffy and uncomfortable. It can also create a cozy entryway for pests like mosquitoes and flies. It is recommended to contact a professional when you spot a broken screen or fog in between the glass panes.
If you have a basic sliding patio door, the most straightforward option is to replace your existing screen with a new one. You can find screen material in pre-measured roll sizes that will be able to fit the majority of door sizes. It's also available as complete screen repair kits that include the screen along with spline, roller and spline all in one package.
Installing a new screen begins by laying the replacement material on a flat surface. Use your scissors to cut the screen to the length you want, so that it overlaps the frame on both sides by approximately an inch. Then, using your utility blade, remove the old spline as any screen that is not needed.
Now you can lay down the new screen spline, starting at the bottom left corner of the frame and work towards the edges. Once the spline has been put in place, run the screen rolling tool across it several times, pushing it into the groove of the frame. Then trim any excess screen and spline it with your utility knife, making sure not to cut into the interior of the frame. Also, check the spline for any distortions or ripples and adjust the screen if needed.
3. Seals that leak
If you see water pooling around the patio door, or getting trapped between the glass panes, it's a clear indication that your seals and frames are deteriorating in their quality. This could lead to mold and decay, as well as increased energy bills because of drafts and air leakage.
Caulking and flashing that is not properly installed can result in leaky seals. It is essential to hire an experienced professional who is able to install patio doors and make sure that the frame is properly caulked and flashed.
You'll need to fill any gaps or cracks with caulking rated for your particular kind of weather. If you live in a region that has humid climates, such as Ontario, then you will need to choose a caulking product that can stand up to the elements of moisture.
The shims that are placed under the door frame can also cause leaks. These are typically made from wood and help to keep the sheathing even with the framing, but if they're not set up correctly, they can create gaps that allow moisture to enter your home.
One way to test your seals is by spraying the frame with an hose or garden nozzle. If you see the mist forming in these areas, it's time to call a professional come take a closer look at the installation. It's possible that a bit of additional caulking is all needed, or perhaps the shims have to be replaced. In any case solving these issues as quickly as possible can prevent costly repairs and damages down the road. It is always best to repair your patio door or frame before it's too late to put off the repair.
4. Warped Frame
When wood is exposed to outside forces such as a fluctuation of humidity, it may absorb or lose moisture, which can cause warping. A sagging frame could make it difficult to operate the door and eventually cause damage or even failure. This is particularly true for doors that separate basements and damp garages from living areas.
A damaged frame can be corrected by minor repairs. Start by examining the frame to ensure 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 pierce the wall framing instead of the door jamb, and pull the frame back into the right place.
You can also add shims, which are thin pieces of wood that can be placed behind the hinges in order to fine-tune the frame's position. Shims can help support the frame and spread the weight evenly over a larger area. This will stop the frame from becoming more distorted with age.
You might want to engage a professional to repair more serious frame warps. A professional will examine the frame in depth to determine the extent of the problem and offer a complete solution. They can also install bracing in order to strengthen the frame to keep it from sliding. In most instances, this is a more affordable and durable option than simply buying new patio door components. If the frame is seriously warped, it may be necessary to replace the entire door jamb instead of just the door itself.
5. Cosmetic Damage
Over time, patio doors be subject to a lot of wear and tear. Surface damage can cause your doors to look less than attractive and affect the appearance of your home. The good news is that the majority of cosmetic damage is easily repaired with bonding fillers or paint. If the door has huge cracks or dents it is recommended to replace it rather than trying to repair it.
The weatherstripping on doors may become less effective over time, just like the seal around windows. This can lead to gaps that let air from outside infiltrate your home and increase the cost of energy. A professional door repair service can install new weatherstripping to decrease energy loss and improve insulation.
Moisture in the exterior of a door is always bad news, but it's especially risky when it comes to your patio doors. This moisture can cause wood rot, which is costly and difficult to fix. Water leaks should be addressed immediately by a professional.
Over time, a patio door can be misaligned as a result of normal use or foundation changes. This can cause the patio doors to become jammed, or make it difficult to open and shut. A technician can adjust hinges and tracks for smooth operation. They can also replace worn out rollers and hinges in order to restore functionality.