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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door A variety of issues can cause difficulties in operating sliding patio doors. Luckily, most of these issues can be easily fixed. Cleaning your patio door sliding will make it easier to fix it. Use a brush and some soapy water to clean the tracks. Then you can lubricate them to improve their movement. 1. Tracks that are dirty or damaged Tracks One of the most frequent causes of a sticky or squeaky patio door is dirt and debris that has accumulated in the track. Sand and salt from winter roads, pine straw, bird droppings, pet hair and other nastiness can gum up the work. This is why it's essential to scrub and lubricate your sliding doors on a regular basis. patio door repair Repair My Windows And Doors 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 parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray a small amount of the solution on your cleaning brushes and scrub the track. Rinse and dry the area with paper towels. This will stop scratching and further damage to the sill and track. After the tracks have been cleaned using a toothbrush, scrub the areas that are stuck. You can also sand away rough spots on the bottom track, and then re-lubricate the rollers to restore smooth operation. Another cause of a sticky door is a misaligned roller that can be remedied by adjusting the height and positioning of the rollers. When you replace the weather stripping, it's a good idea to do it to ensure that it fits snugly and increase energy efficiency. Leaking tracks can be a serious issue that can result in to mold growth and structural damage in your home. If the leak is restricted to a particular section of the track, you may be able to fix it yourself by re-sealing the joint. If the issue is extensive it is best to call a professional to fix the patio door. 2. Broken or Torn Screen A patio door that doesn't allow for efficient airflow can make your home feel uncomfortable and uncomfortable. It can also be a perfect entry point for pests and mosquitoes. If you've damaged a screen or notice fog building up between the panes glass, it's best to call in professional help immediately. If you have an old screen on your patio door, it's simple to replace it with a brand new screen. You can find screen material in pre-measured roll sizes that will fit most common door sizes. You can also buy a complete screen repair kits that include the screen, spline and roller all in one package. The process of installing a new screen begins by laying the new material on a firm 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, using your utility blade, remove the old spline as well as any excess screen. Now you can put down the new screen spline starting at the bottom left corner the frame and working your way around the perimeter. Once the spline is put in place, use your screen rolling tool to push it into the groove. Cut off any excess spline or screen with your utility blade Be careful not to cut into the inner frame of the window. Check the spline to see whether there are any ripples or distortions. Adjust the screen if necessary. 3. Seals that leak If you notice that water is building up around the patio door or getting stuck between the glass panes, it's an obvious indication that your seals and frames are losing their integrity. This can lead mold and decay, and an increase in energy costs due to air leakage and drafts. Leaking seals can be caused by poorly installed flashing or caulking. To prevent this from happening, it's important to work with an expert who has previous experience installing patio doors and who can ensure the frame is properly flashed and caulked. In addition to installing the flashing, you'll ensure that any cracks or gaps are sealed with caulking that's rated for use with the specific weather conditions. For instance, if you reside in a humid area such as Ontario it is important to choose a caulking that will stand up well to moisture. Another reason for leaky seals is when the shims beneath the door frame aren't installed correctly. They are typically made from wood and keep the sheathing at a level with the framing. But when they aren't properly installed, they may create a gap that allows moisture to get into your home. Spraying the frame using a garden nozzle or hose is a great method to test seals. If you notice an airborne mist escaping these areas, call a professional who can come in and conduct a thorough examination of the installation. You may only need to add a little caulking or change the shims. In either case, fixing the issue quickly will prevent the possibility of further damage and costly repairs. It's always better to be proactive in repairing your frame and patio door rather than wait until it's too late! 4. Warped Frame When wood is exposed to outside forces such as a fluctuation of humidity, it could absorb or lose moisture that can cause warping. A sagging 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 with damp living areas. A few minor repairs are able to typically correct a warped frame. Start by checking the frame to make sure that all screws and bolts have been tightened and secured. Replace any missing or loose screws. Replace the hinge screws with 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 place. You can also add shims, which are small pieces of wood that can be put behind the hinges in order to fine-tune the position of the frame. Shims can aid in supporting the frame and distribute the weight evenly over larger areas, which will prevent the frame from becoming more damaged over time. You may want to hire an expert to repair severe frame warps. A professional can perform an exhaustive inspection to determine the severity of the issue and offer an extensive repair solution. They can also install bracing in order to strengthen the frame and keep it from sliding. This is typically a more durable and cost-effective option than purchasing new patio door components. If the frame is significantly warped, you may have to replace the entire jamb of the door, not just the door itself. 5. Cosmetic Damage Over time, your patio doors can experience the effects of wear and wear and tear. Damage to the surface can make your doors look less than attractive and affect the appearance of your home. The good news is that most cosmetic damage can be easily repaired with bonding fillers and paint. If the door has large dents or cracks it is recommended to replace it rather than trying to repair it. Like the seals around windows, a door's weatherstripping could lose its effectiveness as time passes. This can lead to gaps that let air from outside infiltrate your home and increase the cost of energy. A door repair professional can install new weatherstripping to decrease energy loss and improve insulation. Moisture in the exterior of doors is always a bad thing, but it's especially dangerous for your patio doors. This moisture can cause wood rot that is costly and difficult to repair. Water leaks should be addressed immediately by a professional. Over time the patio door may be misaligned due to normal usage or foundation changes. This can cause the patio doors to become jammed, or make it 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 ensure proper functioning.