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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door Patio doors that slide can become difficult to operate due to a variety of issues. Fortunately, the majority of these problems can be fixed easily. The most effective method to repair your sliding patio door is to clean it. You'll need a brush and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. You can then lubricate the tracks to enhance their performance. 1. Dirty 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. Pine straw, bird droppings, sand and salt from winter roads and other things can clog up the track. This is why it's important to scrub and lubricate your sliding doors on a regular basis. Put on some rubber gloves and goggles to shield your eyes. Utilize a shop vacuum cleaner or a brush to remove any gunk that is loose. Then, mix equal amounts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray a small amount the solution on your cleaning brushes, and scrub the track. Rinse the area dry it using paper towels to avoid scratching or harming the track and sill. After the tracks have been cleaned then use a toothbrush to 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. A misaligned door could be caused by misaligned rollers. This can be corrected by altering the rollers' height and position. If you are replacing the weather stripping, it's an excellent idea to do this to ensure that it fits snugly and increase energy efficiency. Leaking RepairMyWindowsAndDoors can be an issue that can result in to structural damage and mold growth within your home. If the leak is confined to one section of the track, you might be able fix it yourself by re-sealing the joint. If however, the issue is widespread, it's recommended to seek out an expert to fix the patio door. 2. Broken or Torn Screen If your patio door does not allow for airflow, it could make your house feel stuffy and uncomfortable. It could also create a cozy entryway for pests like mosquitoes and flies. You should call a professional as soon as you notice the screen is damaged or there is a fog that has formed between the glass panes. If you have a standard sliding patio door, the simplest solution is to replace your existing screen with a new one. Screen material is available in pre-measured rolls that should be able to fit the majority of door sizes. It's also offered in complete screen repair kits that include screen as well as the spline, roller and roller in one package. The process of installing a new screen begins by laying the replacement material on a firm surface. Then, using your scissors, cut it to length so that about an inch or two of the screen overlaps on both sides of the frame. Then, take the old spline and any excess screen from the window frame with your utility knife. You can now lay the new screen spline starting at the lower left corner of the frame. Start by moving it until you reach the perimeter. Once the spline is set, use the screen rolling tool to push it into the groove. Trim any excess spline and screen using your utility knife, taking care not to cut the inner frame of the window. You should also check the spline for any ripples or distortions and adjust the screen if needed. 3. Seals that leak If you notice that water is pooling or trapped between the glass panes of your patio door, this is a sign that the frame and seals have lost their elasticity. This can lead mold and rot, as well as an increase in energy costs due to air leakage and drafts. Leaking seals are often caused by improperly installed caulking or flashing. To prevent this from happening, it's essential to find an experienced professional who has experience installing patio doors and who can make sure that the frame is properly caulked and flashed. In addition to installing the flashing, you'll also want to make sure that any cracks or gaps are sealed with caulking that's rated for use with the specific weather conditions. If you reside in an area that has a humid climate, like Ontario or the province of Ontario, you'll be looking for the caulking product that is able to be able to withstand the effects of the elements of moisture. The shims that are placed beneath the door frame could also cause leaks. These are typically made from wood and help keep the sheathing in line with the framing, however if they're not set up properly, they could create gaps that allow moisture to enter your home. One method to test the seals by spraying the frame using an hose or garden nozzle. If you see an airborne mist escaping these areas, call a professional who can come and take a closer inspection of the frame. It's possible that additional caulking is all that's required, or the shims need to be replaced. In any case, addressing these issues quickly can prevent costly repairs and damage down the road. It is always better to repair your frame or patio door before it's too late to put off repairs. 4. Warped Frame When wood is exposed to outside forces, such as a change of humidity, it can absorb or lose moisture which can cause warping. If a frame is sagging it could make the door harder to operate and eventually lead to destruction or even total 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 fixed with some minor repairs. Begin by checking the frame to make sure that all bolts and screws have been tightened and secured. Replace any loose or missing screws. Replace the hinge screws with longer ones, preferably 2 inches or more. This will allow the screw to bite the wall framing instead of the door jamb, and pull the frame back in the right place. You can also add shims. They are small pieces that can be put on top of the hinges. This will allow you to tweak how the frame is positioned. Shims will help support the frame, and distribute the weight evenly across more of the area. This will prevent the frame from getting more warped with time. For more severe frame warps you may want to consider hiring a professional to repair. A professional will examine the frame thoroughly to determine the extent of the problem and provide a complete solution. They can also install bracing to strengthen the frame in order to keep it from sliding. This is typically the most durable and cost-effective option than purchasing new patio door components. If the frame is seriously warped, it may be necessary to replace the entire door jamb instead of just the door. 5. Cosmetic Damage Over time, your patio door can suffer from a lot of wear and tear. Damage to the surface can make your doors look less than desirable and impact the aesthetic of your home. The good news is that the majority of cosmetic damage can be repaired with the help of bonding fillers as well as paint. However should the door have significant cracks or dents it is recommended to replace it instead of trying to repair it. Weatherstripping on doors can also decrease in effectiveness over time, just like the seal around windows. This can result in gaps that let air from outside enter your home and increase the cost of energy. A professional repair service for doors can install new weatherstripping to reduce energy loss and improve insulation. Moisture on the outside of your door isn't good news However, patio doors are especially vulnerable to it. The moisture could cause wood rot, which can be costly and difficult to fix. Water leaks should be addressed immediately by an expert. A patio door may become misaligned over time due to foundation changes or the normal use. This can cause doors to jam or make it difficult to open or close. A technician for door repair can adjust the hinges and tracks to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn out rollers and hinges in order to restore functionality.