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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door Sliding patio doors can become difficult to operate due to a range of problems. The majority of these issues are easily fixable. The most effective method to fix your sliding patio door is by cleaning it. You'll want to use the brush and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. Next you can lubricate them to make them more mobile. 1. Tracks that are damaged or dirty One of the most common causes of a sticky or squeaky patio door is dirt and debris in the track. Bird droppings, pine straw, sand and salt from winter roads and other things can clog up the track. It is essential to regularly lubricate and scrub your sliding doors. Start by putting on rubber gloves and a pair of safety glasses to shield your eyes. Clean the tracks using a shop vac or use brushes to get rid of loose gunk. Next, mix patio door repair near me and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray a small amount of the solution onto your cleaning brushes, and scrub the track. Rinse and dry the area with paper towels. This will help prevent scratching and further damage to the sill and track. After the tracks have been cleaned then use a toothbrush to scrub the more difficult areas that are stuck. You can also sand off rough spots on the bottom track, and then re-lubricate your rollers to restore smooth operation. Another reason for a sticky door is misaligned rollers, which can also be corrected by altering the height and position of the rollers. If you are replacing the weather stripping, it's a good idea to do this to ensure that it fits snugly and improve energy efficiency. Leaking tracks can be a serious issue that can result in mold growth and structural damage within your home. You might be able to fix the problem yourself if the leak is contained to a specific section of the track. Simply re-seal the joint. If the issue is extensive it is best to call a professional to fix the patio door. 2. Broken or damaged screen A patio door that doesn't allow for a good air flow can make your home feel stuffy and uncomfortable. It can also be a perfect entry point for mosquitoes and pests. You should call an expert as soon as you notice a broken screen or fog in between the glass panes. If you have an old screen on your sliding 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 standard door sizes. It's also offered in complete screen repair kits that include screen, spline and roller all in one package. The process of installing a new screen begins by laying the replacement material on a solid surface. Use your scissors to cut the screen to the length you want and make sure it covers the frame on both sides by approximately an inch. Then, using your utility blade, remove the old spline as well as any excess screen. You can now lay the new screen spline, starting at the lower left corner of the frame. Then, work your way up until you reach the perimeter. Once the spline is put in place, use your screen rolling tool to push it into the groove. Trim any excess screen and spline with your utility knife, taking care not to cut through the interior of the frame. You should also examine the spline for distortions or ripples and adjust the screen if needed. 3. Seals that leak If you see water collecting or accumulating between the glass panes of your patio door, it is a sign that the seals and frame have lost their elasticity. This can cause rot and mold, not to mention increased energy costs due to drafts and air leakage. Leaking seals can be caused by improperly installed caulking or flashing. It is important to hire an experienced professional who can install patio doors and make sure that the frame is caulked and flashed. You'll need to fill any cracks or gaps with 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 be looking for caulking products that are able to withstand moisture. Another reason for leaky seals is when the shims beneath the door frame aren't properly installed. They are typically made from wood and help keep the sheathing at a level with the framing. However when they aren't properly installed, they may cause a gap, which could allow moisture to get into your home. One method to test the seals by spraying the frame using an hose or garden nozzle. If you see a mist coming in through these areas, you need to call a professional come take a closer look at the installation. You may only need to add a few caulks or change the shims. In either case, addressing the issue quickly will prevent any further damage and costly repairs. It's always better to be proactive in repairing your frame and patio door instead of waiting until it is too late! 4. Warped Frame If wood is exposed to external forces, such as a change of humidity, it can absorb or lose moisture, which can cause warping. If a sagging frame begins to develop it makes the door less functional and can ultimately lead to damage or even complete failure. This is especially relevant for doors that separate basements and damp garages from living spaces. A warped frame can usually be fixed with some minor repairs. Begin by checking the frame to ensure that all the bolts and screws are tightened and secured. Replace any loose or missing screws. Replace the hinge screws with larger ones, with a preference of 2 inches or more. This allows the screw get into the wall framing instead of 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 allows you to adjust the way that the frame is placed. Shims can aid in supporting the frame and distribute the weight evenly over larger areas and prevent the frame from becoming more stretched over time. For more severe frame warps, you may want to consider hiring a professional for repair. A professional can inspect the frame in depth to determine the extent of the problem and offer a comprehensive solution. They can also put in additional bracing to strengthen the frame and help to prevent it from sagging in the future. This is typically the most durable and cost-effective option than purchasing new patio door components. If the frame is seriously damaged, it could be necessary to replace the entire door jamb instead of just the door itself. 5. Cosmetic Damage Over time, your patio doors can experience many wear and tear. Surface damage can leave your doors looking less than attractive and affect the aesthetic of your home. The positive side is that the majority of cosmetic damage can be fixed using bonding fillers and paint. However when the door has significant cracks or dents it is recommended to replace it rather than trying to repair it. Like the seals around windows, a door's weatherstripping can become less effective with time. This can create gaps that allow outside air to enter your home, which can lead to higher energy costs. A professional repair service for doors can install new weatherstripping to reduce energy loss and improve insulation. Moisture in the exterior of a door is always bad news however, it's particularly dangerous when it comes to your patio doors. The moisture could cause wood rot which is expensive and difficult to fix. The best way to safeguard your home is to have any water leaks fixed immediately by a trained professional. Over time a patio door could be misaligned as a result of normal use or foundation changes. This could cause the doors to jam or become difficult to open and close. A door repair technician can adjust the hinges and tracks to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn-out rollers and hinges to restore proper functionality.