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5 Repair Patio Door Projects For Any Budget
How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door

Many issues can make it difficult to operate sliding patio doors. Most of these problems can be fixed easily.

Cleaning your sliding patio door is the simplest way to fix it. Use a brush along with some soapy water to wash the tracks. Then, you can lubricate the tracks to enhance their performance.

1. Dirty tracks or damaged tracks

One of the most common 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 works. It is essential to regularly lubricate and scrub your sliding doors.

Wear rubber goggles and gloves to shield your eyes. Then, vacuum the tracks with a shop vac or use brushes to get rid of any gunk that has escaped. Then, mix equal amounts of white vinegar and water in spray bottles. Spray a small amount of the solution on your cleaning brushes, and scrub the track. Rinse the area dry it off with paper towels to avoid scratching and harming the track and sill.

Once the tracks are clean you can take a toothbrush and get 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.

A door that is not aligned properly could be the result of misaligned rollers. This can be fixed by altering the rollers' height and position. It's a good idea replace the weather stripping that surrounds the door when you do this to ensure a snug fit and increase the efficiency of your energy.

Leaks from the track are also a serious issue that could lead to mold growth and structural damage to your home. You may be able solve the issue yourself if the leak is contained to a small portion of the track. Simply seal the joint. If the issue is widespread you should contact an expert to fix the patio door.

2. Broken or damaged screen

A patio door that does not allow for adequate airflow could make your home feel uncomfortable and uncomfortable. It could also be a perfect entry point for insects and mosquitoes. It is important to call an expert as soon as you notice an unfinished screen or fog between the glass panes.

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

To put up the new screen, begin by locating a solid surface you can work from and then lay out your replacement material across it. Cut the screen to the length you want in a way that it is able to overlap the frame on both sides by about 1 inch. Then using your utility knife take off the old spline, as well any screen that is not needed.

Now you can lay the new screen spline beginning at the lower left corner of the frame and working your way around the perimeter. Once the spline is placed, use your screen rolling tool to push it into the groove. Cut off any excess screen and spline using your utility knife, being careful not to cut the inside of the frame. You should also check the spline for distortions or ripples, and then adjust the screen as needed.

3. Seals that leak

If you notice that water is getting a foothold around the patio door or becoming trapped between the glass panes, it's a sure indication that your seals and frames are deteriorating. This could lead to mold and rot, as well as an increase in energy costs due to air leakage and drafts.

Poorly installed flashing and caulking could result in leaky seals. To prevent this from happening, it's essential to work with a professional who has expertise installing patio doors and can make sure that the frame is properly flashed and caulked.

In addition to installing the flashing, you'll also be sure that any cracks or gaps are sealed with caulking that is approved for use in your specific type of weather conditions. If you live in an area with a humid climate, like Ontario, then you will be looking for caulking products that are able to withstand the elements of moisture.

Another reason that leaks seals is when the shims underneath the door frame are not properly installed. These are usually made of wood and keep the sheathing at a level with the framing. But in the event that they aren't installed correctly, they can create a gap which allows moisture to get into your home.

Spraying the frame using a garden nozzle or hose is a great way to test the seals. If patio door repairs near me see the mist forming in these areas, it's time to call a professional to examine the frame at the installation. It's possible to add a few caulks or change the shims. In patio door repairs near me , addressing the issue quickly will prevent the possibility of further damage and costly repairs. It's always better to be proactive in fixing your frame and patio door rather than wait until it is too late!

4. Warped Frame

When wood is exposed to external forces, such as a fluctuation in humidity, it will absorb and lose moisture, which can cause the frame to become warped. When a sagging frame develops it could make the door harder to operate and can ultimately lead to destruction or even total failure. This is particularly true for doors that separate basements and damp garages from living spaces.

A warped frame can usually be corrected by a few minor repairs. Begin by inspecting the frame to ensure that all bolts and screws are secure and tight. Replace any loose or missing screws. Replace the hinge screws by longer ones, preferably 2 inches or more. This will allow the screw to pierce the wall framing instead of the door jamb and pull the frame back in the right place.

You can also include shims. They are small pieces that can be put on top of the hinges. This will allow you to fine-tune how the frame is set. Shims can aid in supporting the frame and spread the weight evenly across more of a larger area that will stop the frame from becoming stretched over time.

You might want to engage an expert to repair more serious frame warps. A professional can inspect the frame in depth to determine the severity and offer a complete solution. They can also install bracing in order to strengthen the frame to stop it from sagging. In most instances this is a more durable and cost-effective solution than simply purchasing new patio door components. If the frame is severely damaged, you might need to replace the entire jamb of the door, not just the door itself.

5. Cosmetic Damage

Over time, patio doors will be subject to a lot of wear and wear and. Damage to the surface can make your doors appear less appealing and impact the overall appearance of your home. The good news is that most cosmetic damage can be easily repaired using bonding fillers or paint. However, if the door has significant cracks or dents it is best to replace it rather than trying to repair it.

Like the seal around windows, doors' weatherstripping could become less effective over time. This can cause gaps that let air from outside infiltrate your home and increase the cost of energy. A professional door repair specialist can install new weatherstripping to reduce energy loss and improve insulation.


Moisture on the exterior of a door is always a bad thing however, it's particularly dangerous when it comes to your patio doors. The moisture could cause wood rot which is expensive and difficult to fix. Water leaks must be fixed immediately by an expert.

Over time the patio door may be misaligned due to normal usage or foundation changes. This can cause the patio doors to jam, or make it difficult to open and shut. A technician can adjust hinges and tracks for smooth operation. They can also replace worn-out hinges and rollers to restore their functionality.

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