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10 Healthy Repair Patio Door Habits
How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door

Sliding patio doors can become difficult to operate due to a myriad of issues. Fortunately, the majority of these issues can be easily fixed.

Cleaning your sliding patio door will make it easier to fix it. Make use of a brush and soapy water to clean the tracks. Next you can lubricate them to make them more mobile.

1. Dirty or damaged tracks

Dirt and debris in the track are the main reason for sticky patio doors. Pine straw, bird droppings, sand and salt from winter roads and other things can block the track. This is why it's essential to scrub and lubricate your sliding doors regularly.

Start by putting on rubber gloves and safety glasses to shield your eyes. Make use of a shop vacuum or a brush to remove any gunk that has escaped. Mix equal parts of white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray a small coating of the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the sill and track. Rinse and dry the area using paper towels. This will help prevent scratching and further damage to the track and sill.

After the tracks have been cleaned using a toothbrush, scrub the more difficult areas that are stuck. You can also sand down rough spots on the bottom track and then re-lubricate your rollers to ensure smooth operation.

Another reason for a sticky door is misaligned rollers and can be fixed by adjusting 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 increase energy efficiency.

Leaking tracks are also an issue that could lead to structural damage and mold growth in your home. If the leak is limited to a particular section of the track, you might be able fix it yourself by resealing the joint. However, if the problem is extensive, it's best to call in an expert to fix the patio door.

2. Broken or damaged screen

If your patio door doesn't allow for airflow, it will make your house feel stuffy and uncomfortable. It could also be a perfect entry point for pests and mosquitoes. If you've damaged a screen or notice that fog is growing between the panes of glass it's best to seek professional assistance as soon as possible.

If you have an old screen on your sliding patio door, it is easiest to replace it with a new one. Screen material is available in rolls that are pre-measured to fit most door sizes. You can also purchase full screen repair kits that include the screen, spline and roller in one package.


For the installation of the new screen, begin by locating a solid surface you can work from and laying out your replacement material across it. Then, using your scissors, cut the screen to length to the point that about an inch or two of the screen is overlapped on both sides of the frame. Then using your utility knife, remove the old spline as well the excess screen.

Now you can put down the new screen spline, starting at the bottom left corner the frame, and work your way around the perimeter. Once the spline is in position, run your screen rolling tool over it several times, pushing it in the groove of the frame. Trim any excess screen and spline with your utility knife, being careful not to cut into the interior of the window frame. You should also check the spline for any distortions or ripples and adjust the screen if needed.

3. Seals that leak

If you notice water pooling around the patio door or getting trapped between the glass panes, it's an obvious indication that your seals and frames are losing their integrity. This could lead to mold and decay, and an increase in energy costs due to drafts and air leakage.

Incorrectly installed flashing and caulking can lead to leaky seals. visit my website 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 designed for your specific type of weather. For instance, if you live in a humid area such as Ontario it is important to select a caulking option that can stand up to moisture.

Another reason for leaky seals is when the shims beneath the door frame are not put in the right place. These are usually made of wood and keep the sheathing level with the framing. However, if they are not installed correctly, they can create a gap that allows moisture to get into your home.

One method to test your seals is by spraying the frame with an hose or garden nozzle. If you see an airborne mist escaping these areas, call a professional who can come in and conduct a thorough inspection of the frame. It's possible that a bit of additional caulking is all needed, or perhaps the shims require to be replaced. Whatever the case, addressing these issues quickly will avoid costly repairs and damages down the road. It is always better to be proactive about repairing your patio door and frame instead of waiting until it is too late!

4. Warped Frame

When wood is exposed to outside forces, such as a fluctuation in humidity, it will absorb and lose moisture, which could cause the frame to become warped. A sagging frame can make it difficult to operate the door, and eventually cause damage or failure. This is especially relevant for doors that separate basements and damp garages from living spaces.

A few minor repairs are able to typically correct a warped frame. Begin by inspecting the frame to ensure that all of the bolts and screws are secure and tight. Replace any screws that are missing or loose. Replace the hinge screws with longer ones, preferably 2 inches or more. This allows the screw to get into the wall framing, not the door jamb, and pull the frame back into position.

You can also add shims, which are thin pieces of wood that can be placed behind the hinges to adjust the position of the frame. Shims can help support the frame and distribute the weight evenly across more of the area. This will stop the frame becoming more distorted with age.

For more severe frame warps you might want to think about hiring a professional for repair. A professional can inspect the frame thoroughly to determine the severity and offer a complete solution. They can also add additional bracing to reinforce the frame and help prevent it from sagging in the future. In most instances, this is a more affordable and durable option than simply purchasing new patio door parts. If the frame has severely damaged, you might have to replace the entire jamb of the door, not just the actual door.

5. Cosmetic Damage

Over time, patio doors can show a lot of wear and wear and tear. Surface damage can make your doors look less than attractive and affect the look of your home. The good news is that most cosmetic damage is easily repaired using bonding fillers or paint. However, if the door has significant cracks or dents it is recommended to replace it rather than trying to repair it.

The weatherstripping on doors may decrease in effectiveness over time, similar to the seal around windows. It could result in gaps that allow air from outside to enter your home, which can lead to higher energy costs. A professional in door repair can install new weatherstripping to decrease energy loss and increase insulation.

Moisture on the outside of your door is never good news however patio doors are particularly vulnerable to it. The moisture could cause wood rot that is costly and difficult to fix. Water leaks must be fixed immediately by an expert.

A patio door can be misaligned over time due to foundation modifications or the normal use. This could cause the doors to become jammed or difficult to open and close. A door repair technician can realign the hinges and tracks to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn out rollers and hinges in order to ensure proper functioning.

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