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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door Patio doors that slide can become difficult to operate due to a myriad of issues. The majority of these issues can be fixed easily. Cleaning your patio door sliding will make it easier to fix it. Use a brush along with some soapy water to clean the tracks. You can then lubricate the tracks to enhance their performance. 1. Dirty or Damaged Tracks Dirt and debris in the track are the most common cause of a sticky patio door. Sand and salt from winter roads, pine straw and bird droppings, pet hair, and other unpleasant things can clog the process. This is why it's essential to scrub and lubricate your sliding doors on a regular basis. Wear rubber gloves and goggles to protect your eyes. Then, vacuum the tracks with the help of a shop vac or a brush to remove the gunk. Next, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in the spray bottle. Spray a small amount of the solution on your cleaning brushes, and scrub the track. Rinse the area, and dry it off with paper towels to avoid scratching or further damaging the sill and track. After the tracks are cleaned then grab a toothbrush and get in there to scrub the tougher areas that are stuck. You can also sand off rough spots on the bottom track and then re-lubricate the rollers in order to restore smooth operation. A misaligned door can also be caused by rollers that are not aligned properly. This can be fixed by adjusting the rollers' height and positioning. It's a good idea replace the weather stripping around the door when you do this to ensure a tight fit and increase the efficiency of your energy. Leaking tracks can also be an issue that can lead mold growth and structural damage in your home. If the leak is limited to a specific section of the track, you might be able to repair it yourself by sealing the joint. If the issue is extensive, you should call an expert to repair the patio door. 2. Broken or damaged screen A patio door that doesn't allow for adequate airflow could make your home feel stale and uncomfortable. It could also be a welcome entryway for pests and mosquitoes. You should call an expert when you spot a broken screen or fog that has formed between the glass panes. If you have an old screen on your patio door, it is easiest to replace it with a new screen. 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. For Repair My Windows And Doors of the new screen, begin by finding a solid surface you can work from and laying out your replacement material across it. Then, use your scissors to cut it to length so that about an inch or two of the screen covers on each side of the frame. Then, take the old spline along with any screen that is left over from the window frame using your utility knife. Now you can lay the new screen spline, starting at the lower left corner of the frame, and work towards the edges. Once the spline is in place, run your screen rolling tool across it several times to push it into the groove of the frame. Remove any excess spline and screen using your utility knife, taking care not to cut into the inner frame of the window. Check the spline and see whether there are any distortions or ripples. Adjust the screen if needed. 3. Seals that leak If you notice that water is building up around the patio door or getting stuck between the glass panes, it's a clear sign that your seals and frame are losing their integrity. This can lead to rot and mold as well as increased energy costs due to drafts and air leakage. Leaking seals are often caused by improperly installed flashing or caulking. It is crucial to employ an experienced professional who will install patio doors and ensure that the frame is properly caulked and flashed. In addition to installing the flashing, you'll also be sure that any gaps or cracks are closed with caulking rated for use with your specific type of weather conditions. If you reside in an area that has humid climates, such as Ontario, then you will need to choose the caulking product that is able to withstand humidity. The shims that are installed under the door frame can also cause leaks. These are typically made from wood and are used to keep the sheathing level with the framing. However, when they're not installed properly, they could create a gap that allows moisture to enter your home. One method to test your seals is by spraying the frame using a hose or garden nozzle. If you see the presence of a mist in these areas, you should contact a professional who can come and take a closer examination of the installation. It's possible to add a few caulks or change the shims. Whatever the case, addressing these issues quickly will avoid 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's too late! 4. Warped Frame If wood is exposed to external factors, like a fluctuation of humidity, it can absorb or lose moisture that could cause warping. If a sagging frame begins to develop it could make the door more difficult to operate and ultimately cause destruction or even total failure. This is particularly the case for doors that divide damp garages and basements from living areas. A damaged frame can be corrected by some minor repairs. Start by examining the frame to ensure that all the screws and bolts have been tightened and secured. Replace any loose or missing screws. Replace the hinge screws with longer ones, preferably 2 inches or more. This will allow the screw to bite the wall framing instead of the door jamb, and pull the frame back into place. You can also add shims. These are thin pieces that can be placed on top of the hinges. This will allow you to fine-tune how the frame is set. Shims can assist in supporting the frame and distribute the weight evenly over the larger area. This will prevent the frame from getting more warped with time. For more severe frame warps you may want to consider hiring a professional to fix the issue. A professional will inspect the frame thoroughly to determine the extent of the problem and offer a complete solution. They can also install additional bracing to strengthen the frame and prevent it from sagging in the future. This is usually an easier and more durable option than purchasing new patio door components. If the frame is significantly damaged, it could be necessary to replace the entire jamb of the door instead of just the door. 5. Cosmetic Damage Over time, your patio doors can experience a lot of wear and wear and. Damage to the surface could make your doors look less appealing and affect the aesthetics of your home. The good news is that most cosmetic damage is easily repaired with bonding fillers or paint. However should the door have significant dents or cracks it is best to replace it instead of trying to repair it. Like the seals around windows, a door's weatherstripping could be less effective as time passes. This can result in gaps that allow air from outside to infiltrate your home and increase energy bills. A professional door repair can install new weatherstripping to reduce energy loss and improve insulation. Moisture on the exterior of a door is always a bad thing however it can be particularly dangerous when it comes to your patio doors. This moisture can cause wood rot, which is costly and difficult to repair. The best way to safeguard your home is to have any water leaks fixed immediately by a professional trained to do so. A patio door could be misaligned over time due to foundation modifications or normal usage. This could cause the doors to become jammed or difficult to open and close. A technician for door repair can adjust the tracks and hinges to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn-out hinges and rollers to ensure proper functioning.