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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door Sliding patio doors can become difficult to operate due to a myriad of issues. Most of these issues are easily fixable. Cleaning your sliding patio door will make it easier to fix it. You'll want to use a brush and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. After that you can lubricate them to improve their movement. 1. Dirty or Damaged Tracks Dirt and debris in the track are the primary reason for a sticky patio door. Sand and salt from winter roads, pine straw and 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. Wear rubber goggles and gloves to protect your eyes. Clean the tracks using an air vac or brushes to get rid of the gunk. Next, mix equal parts water and white vinegar in the spray bottle. Spray a small amount of the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the track and sill. Rinse the area dry it using paper towels to avoid scratching and harming the track and sill. After the tracks have been cleaned, use a toothbrush to scrub the more difficult areas that are stuck. You can also sand off rough spots on the bottom track and then re-lubricate your rollers to ensure smooth operation. Another reason for a squeaky door is the misalignment of the rollers, which can also be remedied by adjusting the height and position of the rollers. When you replace the weather stripping, it's a great idea to do this to ensure that it fits snugly and increase energy efficiency. Leaks from the track are an issue that can lead to mold growth and structural damage to your home. If the leak is restricted to one section of the track, you might be able fix it yourself by sealing the joint. If the issue is extensive, it's best to contact an expert to repair the patio door. 2. Broken or Torn Screen A patio door that doesn't allow for adequate airflow could make your home feel stuffy and uncomfortable. It can also create a cozy entryway for insects and mosquitoes. It is important to call an expert immediately if you notice a broken screen or fog that has formed between the glass panes. If you have an old screen that is hanging on your patio door, it's easy to replace it with a new screen. Screen material can be found in pre-measured rolls that will accommodate the majority of door sizes. It's also offered in complete screen repair kits that contain the screen as well as the spline, roller and roller in a single package. For the installation of the new screen, start by finding a solid surface you can work from and then lay out your replacement material across it. Use your scissors to cut the screen to the length you want, so that it overlaps the frame on both sides by about one inch. Then, take the old spline and any screen that is left over from the window frame using your utility knife. Now you can lay down the new screen spline, starting at the bottom left corner 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 it with your utility knife, being careful not to cut through the interior of the window frame. Examine the spline to determine whether there are any ripples or distortions. Adjust the screen as needed. 3. Seals that leak If you notice water pooling or trapped between the glass panes of your patio door, it is an indication that the frame and seals have lost their elasticity. This can lead mold and decay, as well as an increase in energy costs due to air leakage and drafts. Leaking seals are usually 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. In addition to properly installing the flashing, you'll want to make sure that any gaps or cracks are closed with caulking suitable for your particular type of weather conditions. For example, if you live in a humid climate like Ontario you'll need to select a caulking option that is resistant to moisture. The shims that are installed under the door frame may also cause leaks. They are usually made of wood and help keep the sheathing in line with the framing. However, if they're not set up properly, they could create a gap that allows moisture into your home. One way to test the seals by spraying the frame with an hose or garden nozzle. If you notice the presence of a mist in these areas, you should contact an expert to come and take a closer inspection of the installation. It's possible to add a little caulking or replace the shims. Whatever the case solving these issues as quickly as possible can prevent costly repairs and damage down the road. It is always better to fix your patio door or frame before it's too late than to wait. 4. Warped Frame When wood is exposed outside factors, like a fluctuation of humidity, it could absorb or lose moisture which could lead to warping. A sagging frame could make it difficult to operate the door, and eventually cause damage or failure. This is particularly the case for doors that divide garages and basements that are damp from living areas. A few minor repairs can generally correct a frame that is warped. Start by examining the frame to make sure that all the bolts and screws are tightened and secured. Replace any screws that are loose or missing. Replace the hinge screws with longer ones, preferably 2 inches or more. This allows the screw get into the wall framing instead of the door jamb, which will pull the frame back into position. You can also include shims. These are thin pieces that can be put on top of the hinges. This will allow you to fine-tune how the frame is positioned. Shims can assist in supporting the frame and spread the weight evenly over a wider area and prevent the frame from becoming warped over time. For more severe frame warps you may want to consider hiring a professional for repair. A professional can conduct an extensive examination to determine the severity of the problem and provide you with an extensive repair solution. They can also install bracing in order to strengthen the frame in order to prevent it from sagging. This is typically a more durable and cost-effective alternative to buying new patio door components. If the frame is severely damaged, it could be necessary to replace the entire jamb instead of just the door. 5. Cosmetic Damage Over time, patio doors endure a significant amount of wear and wear and tear. Damage to the surface can leave your doors looking less than attractive and affect the appearance of your home. The good news is that most cosmetic damage can be fixed by using bonding fillers and paint. If the door has huge dents or cracks it is best to replace it rather than trying to repair it. Like the seals around windows, doors' weatherstripping may become less effective as time passes. This can create gaps that allow air from outside to enter your home, which can lead to higher energy costs. A professional repair service for doors can install new weatherstripping to decrease energy loss and increase insulation. Moisture on the outside of your door isn't good news however patio doors are particularly susceptible to it. The moisture could cause wood rot that is costly and difficult to fix. repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk to protect your home is to have any water leaks immediately replaced by a trained professional. A patio door may be misaligned over time due to foundation changes or the normal use. This can cause the doors to jam or make it difficult to open or close. A technician can realign hinges and tracks for smooth operation. They can also replace worn out hinges and rollers to restore functionality.