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10 Repair Patio Door Tricks All Pros Recommend
How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door

Patio doors that slide can become difficult to operate due to a variety of issues. Most of these problems are easily fixable.

Cleaning your sliding patio door is the simplest way to fix it. Make use of a brush and soapy water to clean the tracks. Then, you can lubricate the tracks to increase their performance.

1. Dirty or Damaged Tracks

Dirt and debris in the track are the main cause of a sticky patio door. Sand and salt from winter roads, pine straw and bird droppings, pet hair and other nastiness could clog the works. This is the reason it's crucial to scrub and lubricate your sliding doors regularly.

Put on some rubber goggles and gloves to shield your eyes. Utilize a shop vacuum cleaner or a brush to get rid of any loose gunk. Mix equal parts of white vinegar in spray bottles. Spray a tiny amount of the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the track and sill. Rinse the area, and dry it using paper towels to avoid scratching and damaging the sill and track.

After the tracks have been cleaned, use a toothbrush to scrub the areas that are stuck. You can also sand rough spots on the bottom tracks. You can then replenish the wheels with lubricant to ensure smooth operation.

Another reason for a sticky door is a misaligned roller that can be corrected by altering the height and positioning of the rollers. It's a good idea replace the weather stripping that surrounds the door after doing this to ensure a tight fit and improve energy efficiency.

Leaks from the track are also a serious problem that can cause mold growth and structural damage to your home. If the leak is confined to a particular section of the track, you may be able fix it yourself by resealing the joint. If the issue is extensive, you should call an expert to fix 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 pests. It is important to call a professional when you spot the screen is damaged or there is a fog between the glass panes.

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

To put up the new screen, start by finding a solid surface you can work from and laying out your replacement material across it. 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, using your utility blade remove the old spline as the excess screen.

Now you can lay the new screen spline starting at the lower left corner of the frame, and work towards the edges. Once the spline is put in place, use your screen rolling tool to push it into the groove. Cut off any excess screen and spline it with your utility knife, being careful not to cut into the inside of the window frame. Examine the spline to determine if there are any distortions or ripples. Adjust the screen if necessary.

3. Leaking Seals

If you see water building up around the patio door or getting stuck between the glass panes, it's a sure indication that your frame and seals are deteriorating in their quality. This could lead to rot and mold as well as increased costs for energy due to drafts and air leakage.

Leaking seals can be caused by improperly installed caulking or flashing. To prevent this from happening, it's crucial to find an experienced professional who has expertise installing patio doors and will make sure that the frame is properly flashed and caulked.

In addition to installing the flashing, you'll also ensure that any gaps or cracks are closed with caulking suitable for the specific weather conditions. If you live in an area with a humid climate, like Ontario, then you will need to choose the caulking product that is able to stand up to moisture.

Another reason for leaky seals is when the shims beneath the door frame aren't installed correctly. These are usually made of wood and help keep the sheathing level with the framing. But when they aren't properly installed, they may create a gap that allows moisture to get into your home.


One method to test the seals by spraying the frame using the help of a garden nozzle or hose. If you see a mist coming in through these areas, you need to call a professional to come take a closer look at the installation. You may only need to apply a bit of caulking or replace the shims. In any case it's important to address these issues promptly. will avoid costly repairs and damage down the road. It is always better to fix your patio door or frame before it's too late than to put off repairs.

4. patio door repairs

When wood is exposed to external factors, like a change in humidity, it can absorb and lose moisture, which could cause the frame to become warped. A frayed frame can make it difficult to operate the door and eventually cause damage or even failure. This is particularly relevant for doors that separate garages and basements that are damp from living areas.

A few minor repairs can usually fix a sagging frame. Start by checking the frame to ensure that all bolts and screws are tightened and secured. Replace any loose or missing screws. Then, replace hinge screws with longer ones that are at least 2 inches long. This allows the screw bite into the wall framing, not the door jamb, and pull the frame back into position.

You can also include shims. They are small pieces that can be put in front of the hinges. This will allow you to fine-tune how the frame is positioned. Shims can assist in supporting the frame and distribute the weight evenly across larger areas and prevent the frame from becoming more stretched over time.

For more severe frame warps, you might want to think about hiring a professional for repair. A professional will inspect the frame thoroughly to determine the extent of the problem and offer a comprehensive solution. They can also install bracing to strengthen the frame and stop it from sagging. This is usually the most durable and cost-effective option than purchasing new patio door components. If the frame has badly damaged, you may require replacing the entire jamb of the door instead of only the door itself.

5. Cosmetic Damage

Over time, patio doors will experience a fair amount of wear and wear and tear. Damage to the surface could make your patio doors appear less than desirable, and impact the overall appearance of your home. The good news: most cosmetic damage can be easily repaired using bonding fillers or paint. If the door has large cracks or dents, it is recommended to replace it rather than trying to repair it.

Like the seal around windows, a door's weatherstripping may become less effective over time. This can lead to gaps that allow air from outside to get into your home, causing an increase in energy bills. A door repair professional can install new weatherstripping to decrease energy loss and increase insulation.

Moisture in the exterior of a door is always a bad thing, but it's especially risky when it comes to your patio doors. This moisture can lead to wood rot that is costly and difficult to fix. The best way to safeguard your home is to have any leaks fixed immediately by a trained professional.

A patio door can be misaligned with time due to foundation modifications or the normal use. This can 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 hinges and rollers to restore functionality.

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