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Is Repair Patio Door Just As Important As Everyone Says?
How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door

Patio doors that slide can become difficult to operate due to a variety of problems. Fortunately, the majority of these issues are easily solved.

The easiest method to repair your sliding patio door is to clean it. Make use of a brush and soapy water to clean the tracks. You can then lubricate the tracks to enhance their performance.

1. Dirty tracks or damaged tracks

One of the most frequent causes of a sticky or squeaky patio door is the accumulation of dirt and debris in the track. Sand and salt from winter roads, pine straw and bird droppings, pet hair and other nastiness can gum up the process. It is important to clean and lubricate your sliding doors.

Wear rubber goggles and gloves to shield your eyes. Then vacuum the tracks with the help of a shop vac or brushes to get rid of any gunk that has escaped. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar into the spray bottle. Spray a small amount of the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the sill and track. Rinse the area dry it off with paper towels to avoid scratching or harming the track and sill.

When the tracks are clean, take your toothbrush and go in there to scrub the tougher areas that are stuck. You can also rub rough spots onto the bottom tracks and then relubricate the wheels to restore smooth operation.

Another reason for a sticky door is the misalignment of the rollers and can be fixed by adjusting the height and positioning of the rollers. It's a good idea replace the weather stripping on the door after doing this to ensure a tight fit and increase the efficiency of your energy.

Leaks from the track are an issue that could lead to mold growth and structural damage to your home. If the leak is restricted to one section of the track, you may be able to repair it yourself by sealing the joint. However, if the problem is extensive, it's best to contact an expert to repair the patio door.

2. Broken or Torn Screen

A patio door that isn't designed for a good air flow can make your home feel stuffy and uncomfortable. It can also be a perfect entry point for mosquitoes and other pests. If you have a torn screen or notice that fog is accumulating between the panes of glass It's best to contact a professional as soon as you can.

If you have a basic sliding patio door, the easiest solution is to replace your screen with a brand new one. You can buy screen material in rolls that are pre-measured to fit a variety of standard door sizes. You can also purchase full screen repair kits that include the screen, spline and roller in one package.

Installing a new screen begins by placing the new material on a firm surface. Then use your scissors to cut the screen to length so that about an inch or two of the screen overlaps on each side of the frame. Then, using your utility blade take off 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 in place, run the screen rolling tool across it several times, pushing it into the groove of the frame. Trim any excess spline and screen using your utility knife Be careful not to cut the inner frame of the window. Check the spline to see if there are any ripples or distortions. Adjust the screen if necessary.

3. Seals that leak

If you notice that water is pooling around the patio door, or getting stuck between the glass panes, it's a sure indication that your frame and seals are deteriorating. This can lead mold and decay, and higher energy bills due to drafts and air leakage.

Leaking seals are often caused by improperly installed flashing or caulking. It is important to hire an experienced professional who can install patio doors and ensure that the frame is caulked and flashed.


You'll want to seal any cracks or gaps with caulking rated for your particular type of weather. For example, if you live in a humid area such as Ontario, you'll want to choose a caulking that is resistant to humidity.

Another reason that leaks seals is when the shims under the door frame are not put in the right place. They are usually made of wood and help to keep the sheathing even with the framing. However, if they're not placed correctly, they can cause an opening 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 an airborne mist escaping these areas, call an expert who will visit and conduct a more thorough inspection of the frame. It's possible that a little more caulking is all that's required, or maybe the shims need to be replaced. In either case, fixing the issue quickly will prevent any further damage and costly repairs. It is always better to repair your patio door or frame before it's too late to put off the repair.

4. Warped Frame

If wood is exposed to external forces, such as a change of humidity, it may absorb or lose moisture which could cause warping. If a frame is sagging, it can make the door more difficult to operate and eventually lead to damage or even complete failure. This is particularly the case for doors that divide damp garages and basements from living spaces.

A few minor repairs are able to usually fix a sagging frame. Begin by looking at the frame to ensure that all of the screws and bolts are tight and secure. Replace any missing or loose screws. Then, you can replace the hinge screws with longer ones that are 2 or more inches long. This will allow the screw to bite into the wall framing instead of the door jamb, which pulls the frame back into position.

You can also include shims. These are thin pieces that can be placed in front of the hinges. This allows you to adjust how the frame is set. Shims can assist in supporting the frame and spread the weight evenly over more of the area. This will stop the frame becoming more distorted with age.

For more severe frame warps, you may want to consider hiring a professional for repair. A professional can conduct an extensive inspection to determine the extent of the problem and provide you with a comprehensive repair solution. They can also put in additional bracing to reinforce the frame and help prevent it from sagging in the future. In the majority of instances this is a much more cost-effective and durable solution than simply purchasing new patio door components. If the frame is significantly warped, you may require replacing the entire jamb of the door, not just the door itself.

5. Cosmetic Damage

Over time, your patio door can suffer from the effects of wear and wear and. Damage to the surface can leave your doors looking less than appealing and can affect the aesthetic of your home. The good news is that the majority of cosmetic damage can be corrected 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.

The weatherstripping on doors may decrease in effectiveness over time, similar to the seal around windows. This can result in gaps that let air from outside infiltrate your home and increase the cost of energy. A professional repair service for doors can install new weatherstripping to decrease energy loss and increase insulation.

Moisture on the exterior of your door isn't good news, but patio doors are particularly vulnerable to it. The moisture could cause wood rot, which is costly and difficult to repair. The best way to safeguard your home is to have any water leaks immediately replaced by a professional trained to do so.

Over time, a patio door can be misaligned as a result of regular use or foundation changes. This can cause the doors to become jammed or difficult to open and close. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors can adjust hinges and tracks for smooth operation. They can also replace worn rollers and hinges in order to restore proper functionality.

Homepage: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-ealing/