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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door Patio doors sliding down can be difficult to operate due to a variety of issues. Most of these problems are easily fixable. The most efficient method to repair your sliding patio door is to clean it. You'll need a brush and soapy water to thoroughly 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 main cause of sticky patio doors. Sand and salt from winter roads, pine straw and bird droppings, pet hair and other nastiness could clog the works. This is why it's essential to scrub and lubricate your sliding doors on a regular basis. Wear rubber goggles and gloves to shield your eyes. Utilize a shop vacuum cleaner or a brush to get rid of any gunk that has escaped. Mix equal parts of white vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray a small amount of the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the sill and track. Rinse and dry the area using paper towels. This will stop scratching and further damage to the track and sill. Once the tracks are clean, take a toothbrush and get in there to scrub the harder areas that are stuck. sliding patio door repair can also sand away rough spots on the bottom track, and then re-lubricate the rollers in order to restore smooth operation. A door that is not aligned properly could be caused by misaligned rollers. This can be corrected by changing the rollers' height as well as their position. When you replace the weather stripping, it's an excellent idea to do this to ensure a secure fitting and improve energy efficiency. Leaking from the track is an issue that could lead to mold growth and structural damage to your home. If the leak is confined to a specific section of the track, you may be able fix it yourself by sealing the joint. However, if the problem is widespread, it's recommended to call in an expert to repair the patio door. 2. Broken or Torn Screen A patio door that doesn't allow for efficient airflow can make your home feel stuffy and uncomfortable. It could also be a perfect entry point for mosquitoes and pests. If you've damaged a screen or notice that fog is accumulating between the panes of glass It's recommended to contact a professional as soon as you can. If you have an old screen on your patio door, it's easy to replace it with a new screen. Screen material is available in pre-measured rolls that should accommodate the majority of door sizes. It's also offered in complete screen repair kits that include screen along with spline, roller and spline all in a single package. The process of installing a new screen begins by laying the new material on a flat surface. Then, using your scissors, cut the screen to length to the point that about an inch or two of the screen overlaps on each side of the frame. Then using your utility knife remove the old spline, as well the excess screen. Now you can lay the new screen spline, starting at the bottom left corner the frame and working through the entire perimeter. Once the spline has been put in place, run the screen rolling tool across it several times to push it into the groove of the frame. Trim any excess screen and spline with your utility knife, making sure not to cut through the inside of the frame. Also, check the spline for distortions or ripples and adjust the screen as necessary. 3. Seals that leak If you notice that water is pooling or trapped between the glass panes of your patio door, it is an indication that the frame and seals have lost their strength. This could lead to mold and decay, and an increase in energy costs due to drafts and air leakage. Poorly installed flashing and caulking could result in leaky seals. To stop this from happening, it's important to find an expert who has experience installing patio doors and can make sure that the frame is properly caulked and flashed. You'll need to fill any cracks or gaps using caulking that is suited to your specific type of weather. If you reside in a region that has humid climates, such as Ontario, then you will need to choose a caulking product that can withstand humidity. Another reason that leaks seals is when the shims under the door frame aren't installed correctly. They are typically made from wood and keep the sheathing at a level with the framing. But, if they are not properly installed, they may cause a gap, which could allow moisture to get into your home. Spraying the frame using a garden nozzle or hose is an excellent way to test seals. If you see a mist coming through these areas, contact an expert to come and take a closer inspection of the frame. It's possible that a bit of additional caulking is all that's needed, or perhaps the shims require to be replaced. In any case it's important to address these issues promptly. will prevent costly repairs and further damage later on. It's always better to be proactive in fixing your frame and patio door than to wait until it's too late! 4. Warped Frame When wood is exposed to outside forces, such as a change of humidity, it could absorb or lose moisture, which could cause warping. A sagging frame could make it difficult to operate the door, and eventually cause damage or even failure. This is especially the case for doors that divide basements and garages that are damp from living areas. A few minor repairs are able to generally correct a frame that is warped. Start by examining the frame to ensure that all of the bolts and screws are secure and tight. Replace any screws that are missing or loose. Then, you can replace hinge screws with longer ones that are 2 or more inches long. This will allow the screw to get into the wall framing rather than the door jamb, which pulls the frame back in place. You can also include shims. They are small pieces that can be placed on top of the hinges. This will allow you to fine-tune the way that the frame is placed. Shims can help support the frame and distribute the weight evenly over the larger area. This will prevent the frame from getting more distorted over time. You may want to hire an expert to repair more severe frame warps. A professional can inspect the frame in depth to determine the severity and offer a comprehensive solution. They can also install bracing to strengthen the frame in order to prevent it from sagging. In most instances this is a more cost-effective and durable solution than simply buying new patio door parts. If the frame is seriously stretched, it might be necessary to replace the entire jamb of the door instead of just the door. 5. Cosmetic Damage Over time, your patio doors can show many wear and tear. Damage to the surface can cause your doors to look less than desirable and impact the aesthetic of your home. The good news is that most cosmetic damage can be repaired by using bonding fillers and paint. However, if the door has significant cracks or dents, it will be best to replace it instead of trying to repair it. Weatherstripping on doors can become less effective over time, just like the seal around windows. This can lead to gaps that allow air from outside to enter your home and increase energy bills. A professional door repair specialist can install new weatherstripping in order to reduce energy loss and increase insulation. Moisture on the outside of your door is not good news however patio doors are particularly vulnerable to it. The moisture could cause wood rot which is expensive and difficult to repair. Water leaks must be fixed immediately by an expert. A patio door can become misaligned over time due to foundation modifications or regular usage. This could cause the doors to jam or become difficult to open and close. A technician can realign tracks and hinges to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn-out rollers and hinges in order to restore functionality.