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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door A variety of issues can make it difficult to operate sliding patio doors. Luckily, most of these problems can be easily fixed. Cleaning your sliding patio door is the simplest way to fix it. Use a brush and some soapy water to clean the tracks. Next you can lubricate them to improve their movement. 1. Tracks that are dirty or damaged Tracks One of the main causes of a sticky or squeaky patio door is dirt and debris in the track. Bird droppings, pine straw and salt, sand, winter roads and other things can clog up the track. This is why it's essential to clean and lubricate your sliding doors regularly. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and goggles to shield your eyes. Utilize a shop vacuum cleaner or a brush to clean any gunk that is loose. Mix equal parts of white vinegar in spray bottles. Spray a small amount the solution on your cleaning brushes and scrub the track. Rinse and dry the area using paper towels. This will prevent scratching and further damage to the sill and track. After the tracks are cleaned then grab your toothbrush and go in there to scrub the more difficult areas that are stuck. You can also rub rough spots onto the bottom tracks, and then apply lubrication to the wheels to ensure smooth operation. Another cause of a sticky door is the misalignment of the rollers, which can also be fixed by adjusting the height and position of the rollers. Repair My Windows And Doors 's a good idea to replace the weather stripping on the door when you do this to ensure a secure fit and increase the efficiency of your energy. Leaking tracks can also be a serious issue that can lead to structural damage and mold growth within your home. You may be able repair the issue on your own if the leak is contained to a specific section of the track. Simply re-seal the joint. If the problem is widespread you should contact an expert to repair the patio door. 2. Broken or Torn Screen A patio door that does not allow for efficient airflow can make your home feel uncomfortable and uncomfortable. It could also be a perfect entry point for pests and mosquitoes. It is recommended to contact a professional 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 new one. Screen material is available in rolls that are pre-measured to fit a variety of doors of standard sizes. You can also purchase a complete screen repair kits that include the screen, spline, and roller all in one package. To install the new screen, begin by finding a solid surface that you can work on and then laying your new material on it. Then, use your scissors to cut the screen to length so that about an inch or two of the screen overlaps on each side of the frame. Then, using your utility blade take off the old spline as well the excess screen. Now you can put down the new screen spline beginning at the bottom left corner the frame and working your way around the perimeter. Once the spline is in place, run your screen rolling tool across it several times, pushing it in the groove of the frame. Cut off any excess spline or screen with your utility blade, taking care not to cut into the inner frame of the window. You should also check the spline for any ripples or distortions and adjust the screen as necessary. 3. Leaking Seals If you see water building up around the patio door, or getting trapped between the glass panes, it's a clear indication that your seals and frame are losing their integrity. This can lead to mold and rot as well as increased energy bills due to drafts and air leakage. Caulking and flashing that is not properly installed can lead to leaky seals. To avoid this from happening, it's crucial to hire an expert who has previous experience installing patio doors and can make sure that the frame is properly caulked and flashed. You'll want to seal any cracks or gaps using caulking that is suited to your specific kind of weather. If you reside in a region that has a humid climate, like Ontario, then you will need to choose a caulking product that can stand up to the elements of moisture. Another reason that leaks seals is when the shims beneath the door frame aren't put in the right place. These are typically made from wood and help to keep the sheathing in line with the framing, but when they're not installed correctly, they can cause a gap that allows moisture to enter your home. Spraying the frame using a garden nozzle or hose is a good method to test seals. If you notice a mist coming through these areas, contact an expert who will visit and conduct a more thorough inspection of the frame. It's possible that a little additional caulking is all required, or the shims need to be replaced. In either case, fixing the issue quickly will prevent future damage and costly repairs. It's always better to be proactive in fixing your patio door and frame rather than wait until it's too late! 4. Warped Frame When wood is exposed to outside forces, such as a fluctuation in humidity, it can absorb and lose moisture, which can 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 true for doors that separate garages and basements with damp living spaces. A warped frame can usually be fixed with some minor repairs. Start by checking the frame to ensure that all bolts and screws are tightened and secured. Replace any loose or missing screws. Replace the hinge screws with larger ones, with a preference of 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 could also consider adding shims, which are thin pieces of wood that can be put behind the hinges to fine-tune the frame's positioning. Shims can aid in supporting the frame and spread the weight evenly across larger areas, which will prevent the frame from becoming more warped over time. You might want to engage an expert to repair more severe frame warps. A professional can conduct an exhaustive examination to determine the severity of the problem and provide you with a comprehensive repair solution. They can also install additional bracing to strengthen the frame and help keep it from sliding in the future. This is typically a more durable and cost-effective alternative to buying new patio door components. If the frame is significantly damaged, it could be necessary to replace the entire jamb of the door instead of just the door. 5. Cosmetic Damage Over time, patio doors will endure a significant amount of wear and wear and. Damage to the surface could make your doors appear less appealing and impact the overall appearance of your home. The good news is that most cosmetic damage can easily be repaired with bonding fillers and paint. However should the door have significant dents or cracks it is best to replace it instead of trying to repair it. Like the seals around windows, a door's weatherstripping can be less effective with time. This can create gaps that allow air from outside to infiltrate your home, leading to higher energy bills. A professional repair service for doors can install new weatherstripping to decrease energy loss and improve insulation. Moisture in the exterior of a door is always a bad thing however it can be particularly dangerous for your patio doors. This moisture can cause wood rot, which is costly and difficult to fix. The best method to protect your home is to have any water leaks fixed immediately by a certified professional. Over time, a patio door can be misaligned due to normal use or foundation changes. This can cause the patio doors to jam, or make it difficult to open and close. A door repair technician can adjust the hinges and tracks to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn out rollers and hinges in order to ensure proper functioning.