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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door

Patio doors sliding down can be difficult to operate due to a range of issues. Luckily, most of these issues are easily solved.

Cleaning your patio door sliding will make it easier to fix it. Make use of a brush and soapy water to wash the tracks. After that you can apply lubrication to make them more mobile.

1. Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks

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

Put on some rubber gloves and goggles to protect your eyes. Use a shop vacuum or a brush to remove any gunk that has escaped. Then, mix equal amounts of white vinegar and water in spray bottles. Spray a small amount the solution on your cleaning brushes, and scrub the track. Rinse the area and then dry it with paper towels to avoid scratching or damage to the track and sill.

Once the tracks are clean, take a toothbrush and get in there to scrub the tougher areas that are stuck. You can also sand off rough spots on the bottom track and then re-lubricate the rollers to bring them back to smooth operation.

Another reason for a squeaky door is the misalignment of the rollers and can be remedied by adjusting the height and positioning of the rollers. It's a good idea replace the weather stripping around the door after doing this to ensure a secure fit and increase energy efficiency.

Leaking tracks can also be an issue that could result in to mold growth and structural damage within your home. If the leak is limited to one section of the track, you might be able to fix it yourself by re-sealing the joint. If the issue is extensive, you should call an expert to repair the patio door.

2. Broken or damaged screen

A patio door that doesn't allow for adequate airflow could make your home feel stale and uncomfortable. It could also be a perfect entry point for insects and mosquitoes. If you've damaged a screen or notice that fog is growing between the panes of glass It's best to seek professional assistance as soon as you can.

If you have an old screen on your patio door, it is simple to replace it with a new screen. Screen material is available in pre-measured roll sizes that will be able to fit the majority of door sizes. It's also available in full 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. Cut the screen to the desired length and make sure it covers the frame on both sides by about 1 inch. Then with your utility blade remove the old spline as any screen that is not needed.

Now you can lay out the new screen spline beginning at the bottom left corner of the frame. Work your way around until you reach the perimeter. After the spline is placed, use your screen rolling tool to push it into the groove. Trim any excess spline and screen with your utility blade Be careful not to cut into the inner frame of the window. You should also check the spline for any distortions or ripples and adjust the screen if needed.

3. Seals that leak

If you notice water collecting or accumulating between the glass panes of your patio door, this is a sign that the seals and frame have lost their strength. This can lead mold and decay, as well as higher energy bills due to air leakage and drafts.

Leaking seals are often caused by improperly installed caulking or flashing. It is important to hire an experienced professional who is able to install patio doors and make sure that the frame is properly caulked and flashed.

You'll need to fill any cracks or gaps with caulking that is designed for your specific kind of weather. For instance, if you live in a humid climate like Ontario it is important to select a caulking product that will stand up well to humidity.

Another reason for leaky seals is when the shims underneath the door frame aren't put in the right place. They are usually made of wood and help to keep the sheathing level with the framing, but if they're not set up correctly, they can create a gap that allows moisture to enter your home.

One way to test the seals by spraying the frame with a hose or garden nozzle. If you see the mist forming in these areas, you need to call a professional to inspect the frame at the installation. It's possible that you only need to apply a bit of caulking or change the shims. In either case, fixing the issue fast will avoid any further damage and costly repairs. It is always better to repair your patio door or frame before it's too late than to put off the repair.

4. Warped Frame

When wood is exposed to external forces, such as a fluctuation in humidity, it can absorb and lose moisture, which could cause the frame to warp. A sagging frame can make it difficult to operate the door and ultimately cause damage or failure. This is especially the case for doors that divide garages and basements that are damp from living spaces.

A warped frame can usually be corrected by a few minor repairs. Start by examining the frame to make sure that all the bolts and screws have been tightened and secured. Replace any loose or missing screws. Replace the hinge screws with longer ones, usually 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 include shims. They are small pieces that can be put on top of the hinges. This will allow you to fine-tune the way that the frame is placed. Shims can assist in supporting the frame and distribute the weight evenly over more of a larger area, which will prevent the frame from becoming more damaged over time.

You might want to engage a professional to repair more severe frame warps. A professional will examine the frame thoroughly to determine the severity and offer a complete solution. They can also install bracing in order to strengthen the frame in order to keep it from sliding. In most instances this is a more cost-effective and durable solution than simply purchasing new patio door parts. If the frame has been significantly warped, you may need to replace the entire jamb of the door instead of just the door itself.

5. Cosmetic Damage

Over time, patio doors will experience a fair amount of wear and tear. Damage to the surface can cause your doors to look less than desirable and impact the appearance of your home. The positive side is that the majority of cosmetic damage can be repaired with the help of bonding fillers as well as paint. If sliding patio door repair has large cracks or dents it is best to replace it rather than trying to repair it.

Weatherstripping on doors can become less effective over time, similar to the seal around windows. This can lead to gaps that allow air from outside to enter your home and increase energy bills. A professional repair service for doors can install new weatherstripping in order to decrease energy loss and improve insulation.

Moisture around the exterior of a door is always bad news however, it's particularly dangerous for your patio doors. This moisture can lead to wood rot that is difficult and expensive to fix. The best method to protect your home is to have any leaks fixed immediately by a certified professional.

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