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Why Repair Patio Door Is Everywhere This Year
How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door

Sliding patio doors can become difficult to operate due to a variety of issues. The majority of these issues can be fixed easily.

Cleaning your patio door sliding will make it easier to fix it. Use a brush and some soapy water to clean the tracks. You can then lubricate the tracks to increase their performance.

1. Dirty tracks or damaged tracks

One of the main causes of a squeaky or sticky patio door is dirt and debris that has accumulated in the track. Sand and salt from winter roads, pine straw and bird droppings, pet hair and other unpleasant things can clog the works. It is essential to regularly clean and lubricate your sliding doors.

Begin by putting on rubber gloves and safety glasses to shield your eyes. Utilize a shop vacuum cleaner or a brush to get rid of any gunk that is loose. Mix equal parts of white vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray a small amount the solution on your cleaning brushes and scrub the track. Rinse and dry the area using paper towels. This will stop scratching and further damage to the sill and track.

After patio door repair have been cleaned, use a toothbrush to scrub the more difficult areas that are stuck. You can also smooth rough spots on the bottom tracks, and then relubricate the wheels to restore smooth operation.

Another reason for a sticky door is misaligned rollers that can be remedied by adjusting the height and positioning of the rollers. If you are replacing the weather stripping, it's a good idea to do so to ensure a snug fitting and to increase the efficiency of your energy.

Leaking from the track is also a serious problem that can cause mold growth and structural damage to your home. If the leak is restricted to a particular section of the track, you might be able fix it yourself by resealing the joint. If the issue is widespread, it's recommended to seek out a professional to repair the patio door.

2. Broken or Torn Screen

If your patio door does not allow for airflow, it could make your home feel stale and uncomfortable. It could also be a perfect entry point for mosquitoes and other pests. You should call a professional as soon as you notice the screen is damaged or there is a fog between the glass panes.

If you have an old screen on your sliding patio door, it's easy to replace it with a brand new screen. Screen material can be found in pre-measured roll sizes that will accommodate the majority of door sizes. It's also available as complete screen repair kits that include the screen as well as the spline, roller and roller in one package.

The process of installing a new screen starts by laying the new material on a flat surface. Then, use your scissors to 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, you can remove the old spline and any excess screen from the window frame using your utility knife.

Now you can lay out the new screen spline, starting at the lower left corner of the frame. Then, work your way up to the edges. Once the spline has been put in place, use your screen rolling tool to push it into the groove. Trim any excess screen and spline it with your utility knife, taking care not to cut the interior of the window frame. You should also check the spline for any distortions or ripples and adjust the screen if needed.

3. Leaking Seals

If you see water getting a foothold around the patio door, or getting trapped between the glass panes, it's a sure sign that your seals and frames are deteriorating. This can lead mold and rot, as well as increased energy bills because of air leakage and drafts.

Leaking seals can be caused by poorly installed flashing or caulking. To stop this from happening, it's important to find a professional who has previous experience installing patio doors and can make sure that the frame is properly caulked and flashed.

In addition to ensuring that you install the flashing, you'll ensure that any cracks or gaps are sealed with caulking that is rated for use with your specific type of weather conditions. For instance, if you live in a humid climate such as Ontario, you'll want to select a caulking option that can stand up to moisture.

The shims that are installed beneath the door frame could also cause leaks. They are typically made from wood and help keep the sheathing level with the framing. But in the event that they aren't installed correctly, they could create a gap which allows moisture to enter your home.

Spraying the frame using a garden nozzle or hose is a good method to test seals. If you see the presence of a mist in these areas, contact a professional who can come in and conduct a thorough inspection of the frame. You may only need to add a little caulking or replace the shims. In either case, fixing the issue quickly will prevent any further damage and costly repairs. It is always best 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 fluctuation of humidity, it could absorb or lose moisture which can cause warping. When a sagging frame develops, it can make the door harder to operate and can ultimately lead to damage or complete failure. This is particularly the case for doors that divide damp garages and basements from living areas.

A few minor repairs can usually fix a sagging frame. Start by examining the frame to ensure that all screws and bolts have been tightened and secured. Replace any loose or missing screws. Then, replace the hinge screws with larger ones that are 2 or more inches long. This will allow the screw to bite into the wall framing rather than the door jamb, and pull the frame back into place.

You could also put in shims. They are small pieces that can be placed on top of the hinges. This will allow you to fine-tune how the frame is set. Shims can help support the frame and distribute the weight evenly over the larger area. This will prevent the frame becoming more warped with time.

For more severe frame warps you might want to think about hiring a professional to fix the issue. 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 reinforce the frame and keep it from sliding in the future. This is usually a more durable and cost-effective alternative to buying new patio door components. If the frame is seriously damaged, it could be necessary to replace the entire jamb instead of just the door.

5. Cosmetic Damage

Over time, the patio doors can experience many wear and tear. Damage to the surface can make your doors look less than attractive and affect the look of your home. The good news: most cosmetic damage is easily repaired with bonding fillers or paint. However should the door have significant dents or cracks it is recommended to replace it rather than trying to repair it.

Like the seals around windows, doors' weatherstripping may become less effective over time. This can cause gaps that let air from outside get into your home, causing an increase in energy bills. A door repair professional can install new weatherstripping to reduce energy loss and improve insulation.

Moisture on the exterior of your door isn't good news, but patio doors are particularly susceptible to it. This moisture can lead to wood rot, which can be costly and difficult to fix. The best way to protect your home is to have any leaks fixed immediately by a trained professional.

Over time, a patio door can become misaligned due to normal usage or foundation changes. This could cause the doors to jam or become difficult to open and close. A technician for door repair can realign the tracks and hinges to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn-out hinges and rollers to restore their functionality.

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