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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door Sliding patio doors can become difficult to operate due to a myriad of problems. Luckily, sliding door glass replacement of these problems are easily solved. The most efficient method to fix your sliding patio door is to clean it. You'll want to use brushes and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. Then, you can lubricate the tracks to improve their performance. 1. Tracks that are damaged or dirty Dirt and debris in the track are the primary reason for sticky patio doors. Sand and salt from winter roads, pine straw and bird droppings, pet hair, and other unpleasant things can clog the works. It is essential to regularly clean and lubricate your sliding doors. Put on some rubber goggles and gloves to shield your eyes. Then vacuum the tracks with the help of a shop vac or a brush to remove loose gunk. Mix equal parts of white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray a small amount of the solution on your cleaning brushes, and scrub the track. Rinse the area, and dry it off with paper towels to avoid scratching or further damaging the sill and track. After the tracks are cleaned, take a toothbrush and get 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 a misaligned roller and can be remedied by adjusting the height and positioning of the rollers. When you replace the weather stripping, it's a great idea to do this to ensure that it fits snugly and to increase the efficiency of your energy. Leaks from the track is also a serious issue that can lead to mold growth and structural damage to your home. If the leak is restricted to a specific section of the track, you may be able to fix it yourself by sealing the joint. If the issue is extensive it is best to call a professional to fix the patio door. 2. Broken or damaged screen If your patio door doesn't allow airflow, it could make your home feel uncomfortable and uncomfortable. It can also be a perfect entry point for pests and mosquitoes. It is important to call an expert as soon as you notice a broken screen or fog in between the glass panes. If you have a standard sliding patio door, the most straightforward option is to replace your existing screen with a new one. Screen material can be found in pre-measured rolls that will fit most common door sizes. You can also purchase a complete screen repair kits that include the screen, spline, and roller all in one package. Installing a new screen begins by laying the new material on a firm surface. Use your scissors to cut the screen to the length you want in a way that it is able to overlap the frame on both sides by approximately one inch. Then using your utility knife, remove the old spline as any screen that is not needed. Now you can lay the new screen spline beginning at the bottom left corner the frame, and work towards the edges. Once the spline is in place, run your screen rolling tool across it several times, pushing it tightly into the groove of the frame. 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 examine the spline for any distortions or ripples, and then adjust the screen if needed. 3. Leaking Seals If you notice that water is pooling or trapped between the glass panes of your patio door, it is an indication that the frame and seals have lost their integrity. This could lead to mold and decay, as well as increased energy bills because of drafts and air leakage. Leaking seals are often caused by poorly installed flashing or caulking. To stop this from happening, it's crucial to find a professional who has expertise installing patio doors and can ensure that the frame is correctly caulked and flashed. In addition to ensuring that you install the flashing, you'll also want to make sure that any cracks or gaps are closed with caulking approved for use in your particular type of weather conditions. If you live in an area that has a humid climate, like Ontario and the like, then you'll be looking for a caulking product that can be able to withstand the effects of moisture. Another common cause of leaking seals is when the shims beneath the door frame aren't properly installed. They are usually made of wood and help keep the sheathing even with the framing, but if they're not placed correctly, they can create gaps that allow moisture to enter your home. Spraying the frame with a garden nozzle or hose is an excellent way to test seals. If you see an airborne mist entering these areas, it's time to contact a professional inspect the frame at the installation. You may only need to add a little caulking or replace the shims. Either way it's important to address these issues promptly. will avoid costly repairs and damage down the road. It is always best to repair your patio door or frame before it's too late than to put off repairs. 4. Warped Frame When wood is exposed to outside factors, like a change in humidity, it can absorb and lose moisture, which could cause the frame to become warped. If a frame is sagging it could make the door less functional and eventually lead to damage or even complete failure. This is particularly the case for doors that divide garages and basements with damp living spaces. A few minor repairs can typically correct a warped frame. Begin by looking at the frame to make sure that all screws and bolts are secure and tight. Replace any screws that are missing or loose. Next, try replacing hinge screws with longer ones that are 2 or more inches long. This will allow the screw to bite into the wall framing instead of the door jamb, which pulls the frame back in place. You can also add shims, which are tiny pieces of wood that can be put behind the hinges to adjust the frame's position. Shims can help to support the frame and distribute the weight evenly across larger areas that will stop the frame from becoming damaged over time. For more severe frame warps, you may want to consider hiring a professional to fix the issue. A professional will inspect the frame thoroughly to determine the extent of the problem and offer a comprehensive solution. They can also put in additional bracing to reinforce the frame and keep it from sagging in the future. This is typically an easier and more durable option than purchasing new patio door components. If the frame has severely damaged, you might require replacing the entire jamb of the door instead of just the actual door. 5. Cosmetic Damage Over time, patio doors will experience a fair amount of wear and wear and. Damage to the surface can make your doors appear less than desirable, and can affect the appearance of your home. The good news is that the majority of cosmetic damage can easily be repaired with bonding fillers and paint. If the door has large cracks or dents, it is best to replace it instead of trying to repair it. Weatherstripping on doors can also lose its effectiveness with time, similar to the seal around windows. This can result in gaps that allow air from outside to infiltrate your home and increase energy bills. A professional door repair specialist can install new weatherstripping in order to reduce energy loss and increase insulation. Moisture in the exterior of a door is always a problem however it can be particularly dangerous when it comes to your patio doors. This moisture can cause wood rot, which is costly and difficult to repair. Water leaks should be repaired immediately by an expert. Over time the patio door may be misaligned due to normal usage or foundation changes. This could cause doors to become jammed or difficult to open and close. A technician can adjust hinges and tracks for smooth operation. They can also replace worn hinges and rollers to restore proper functionality.