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Patio Doors Repairs Explained In Less Than 140 Characters
Sliding Patio Doors Repairs

Your sliding patio doors will let the outdoors in to your home and improve its energy efficiency. However, as time passes, they could show signs of wear and tear, which will require some maintenance.

The majority of sliding patio door issues are relatively easy to fix. Find out how to keep your sliding patio doors looking and working like new.

Dirty or damaged tracks

One of the most common causes of sliding patio doors that don't open is dirty or clogged tracks. Over time, dirt and grime from daily use can accumulate on the track. This can cause the door jam or break completely.

Regularly cleaning sliding doors and their tracks in your household chores can help reduce the build-up. Begin by brushing or vacuuming large pieces of debris off the tracks. Then make use of warm water and non-abrasive cleansing products such as dish soap to wipe them down. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to get rid of stubborn grease and dirt stains.

If your sliding door is still not moving smoothly after you've followed these steps, it could be a sign that there is a more significant damage. This may require a professional to repair or replace the door. There are a few easy solutions you can try before calling in professionals to avoid costly repairs or replacements.

Place a mat under your sliding doors. This will assist in keep dirt out of the tracks. Also, you should trim any plants or bushes near your sliding doors to minimize the amount of debris that gets trapped in the tracks. Close the door properly to avoid damaging the rollers and wheels. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated, you can extend their lifespan considerably.

Misaligned Rollers

Sometimes, a patio sliding could be misaligned. This usually happens due to dirt, or other obstructions that can be easily removed. Sometimes it's due to bent track or a bent roller. In the latter case, you may be able to re-align the roller by extracting them with their adjustment screws and then cleaning them with rubbing alcohol. These parts are prone to damage.

If your doors are still stuck, you can try lubricating the rollers to reduce friction and allow them to slide. Choose a silicone-based lubricant, as petroleum-based lubricants can attract dirt more quickly. It is crucial to clean the tracks and rollers before lubricating.

After cleaning the rollers you can put them back on using their adjustment screws. It is also a good idea to use the same lubricant you used for cleaning them. When you are reinstalling the rollers ensure that you push them all the way into their channels. Then, you can test your door to determine if it now slides smoothly.


If the problem continues, it may be necessary to take the door off and inspect the rollers and tracks. If the tracks or wheels are badly bent it could be necessary to replace them. In such patio door repair near me , it's a good idea to call in an expert for the installation.

Warped Glass

Sliding glass doors are excellent for bringing outside into a room and letting in natural light, but they may also be vulnerable to damage that requires repair or replacement. Warping, cracking, and fading are some of the most common problems. Warping happens when the materials which make up your sliding glass patio door begin to degrade as a result of exposure to sun, heat and other environmental elements. Cracking is often caused by impacts, such as the impact of a lawnmowers or ball hitting into the door. Fading usually occurs because of repeated exposure to sunlight and other elements.

If you have sliding glass patio doors that are difficult to open and close it could indicate that the rollers and tracks are not functioning properly. This issue could be caused by the accumulation of dirt, rust, or debris in the wheels or track or due to a lack of or lubrication. This issue can be solved by regularly cleaning the rollers, tracks and clearing obstructions.

The locking mechanism could also be defective and make it difficult to open and close your sliding patio doors. This could be due to misalignment or wear and tear, however, a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanism by turning the adjustment screws hidden in the bottom of the track.

Drafts or air leaks that occur around your sliding patio doors are a common issue that can greatly decrease their energy efficiency. They are usually caused by damaged weather stripping and an improper alignment of the door, which is easily fixed by replacing the old weather stripping and realigning the doors.

Loose Handle

If the handle of a sliding door becomes loose, it can be quite frustrating and cause it difficult for people to open the door. This issue is usually caused by an improperly aligned locking mechanism, which can be fixed by loosening the screws that hold it in place and then tightening them until they fit against the jamb of the door.

A loose handle may result from the handle breaking off from the spindle that connects it to the inside or handles outside. This is usually the result of a combination of factors, such as excessive use or wear and tear or simply the general aging. If the problem is not treated promptly, it could eventually lead to the entire handle becoming loose and possibly falling off completely.

The best way to fix this issue is by first finding the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. The screws are typically hidden behind tabs of plastic that can be removed using a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver in certain instances) screwdriver. It's a good idea to store these screws somewhere safe so that you don't lose them.

Once the old handles have been removed, the next step is to take off the loose spindle. This can be done by tapping the end with a mallet or hammer until it comes loose from its position inside the door. The new handle can be put in place by simply putting the spindle through the hole in the handle inside and placing the other end of the spindle into the hole on the exterior handle. Once the handle is in place it can be tightened by screwing the screws back into place and then testing to ensure that the locking and unlock mechanisms function properly.

Poor weatherstripping

Weatherstripping that is damaged or cracked can let air and water seep into your patio door, which can compromise your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It can allow moisture in and create drafts that will increase the cost of cooling and heating. The good news is that replacing the weatherstripping is a simple repair that doesn't require professional assistance. You can take off the old weatherstripping by loosing the staples using a screwdriver, or gently prying it off with the help of a putty blade, and then pulling it away from the door. Then, you can wash the area and apply a fresh layer of weatherstripping, which is backed by a foam seal to ensure that there are no leaks and to increase comfort.

If your sliding patio doors are no working as they should, it's crucial to address the issue immediately to prevent further damage and keep them in good condition for the long term. Depending on how serious the issue is, a DIY solution or a repair/replacement by a professional may be the best option.

Most problems with sliding patio doors are caused by dirty rollers, misaligned tracks, and a loose handle. In most instances these issues can be resolved by regular maintenance and cleaning, such as lubricating the track and rollers, as well as adjusting them and tightening hardware. However, if these measures aren't working, it's best to seek professional advice to ensure that your patio door is operating as it should. If you decide to replace or repair your patio door, be sure to verify the warranty information to confirm that it is covered by the manufacturer's guarantee. This will save you money in the future on repairs and replacements.

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