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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door Patio doors sliding down can be difficult to operate due to a myriad of problems. The majority of these issues are easily fixable. The easiest way to repair your sliding patio door is by cleaning it. Use a brush and some soapy water to clean the tracks. Then, you can apply lubrication to the tracks to improve their performance. 1. Dirty or Damaged Tracks One of the most common causes of a sticky or squeaky patio door is dirt and debris in the track. Bird droppings, pine straw as well as salt and sand from winter roads, and other nasties things can block the track. This is the reason it's crucial to scrub and lubricate your sliding doors regularly. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and goggles to protect your eyes. Use a shop vacuum or a brush to get rid of any gunk that has escaped. Next, mix equal parts white vinegar and water 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 stop scratching and further damage to the sill and track. When the tracks are clean you can take the toothbrush and go there to scrub the more difficult areas that are stuck. You can also sand away rough spots on the bottom track. You can then re-lubricate the rollers to ensure smooth operation. Another reason for a sticky door is a misaligned roller, which can also be fixed by adjusting the height and position of the rollers. It's a good idea replace the weather stripping on the door after doing this to ensure a snug fit and increase the efficiency of your energy. 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 a particular section of the track, you might be able fix it yourself by sealing the joint. If the issue is widespread it is best to call a professional to fix the patio door. 2. Broken or damaged screen If your patio door does not allow for airflow, it could make your home feel stale and uncomfortable. It could also create a cozy entryway for insects and mosquitoes. If you've damaged a screen or notice fog growing between the panes of glass it's recommended to contact a professional as soon as you can. If you have an old screen on your patio door, it's easiest 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. You can also purchase a complete screen repair kit that includes the screen, spline and roller in one box. Installing a new screen begins by laying the new material on a firm surface. Cut the screen to the length you want in a way that it is able to overlap the frame on both sides by about one inch. Then, take the old spline and any screen that's left from the window frame with your utility knife. Now you can lay out the new screen spline starting at the lower left corner of the frame. Work your way around to the edges. Once the spline is in place, run the screen rolling tool across it several times to push it in the groove of the frame. Then trim any excess screen and spline with your utility knife, making sure not to cut the interior of the frame. Also, check the spline for distortions or ripples, and then adjust the screen as necessary. 3. Leaking Seals If you see water getting a foothold around the patio door or getting trapped between the glass panes, it's a sure sign that your seals and frames are deteriorating in their quality. This can lead mold and rot, as well as an increase in energy costs due to drafts and air leakage. Leaking seals are usually caused by poorly installed flashing or caulking. To prevent this from happening, it's important to hire an expert who has experience installing patio doors and who can make sure that the frame is properly flashed and caulked. You'll want to fill in any cracks or gaps using caulking that is suited to your specific kind of weather. For example, if you live in a humid climate such as Ontario you'll need to select a caulking product that is resistant to moisture. The shims that are placed under the door frame may also cause leaks. They are typically made of wood and keep the sheathing in line with the framing. However when they aren't installed correctly, they can create a gap that allows moisture to enter your home. Spraying the frame with a garden nozzle or hose is a great method to test seals. If you see a mist coming through these areas, call an expert to come in and conduct a thorough inspection of the installation. It's possible to apply a bit of caulking or replace the shims. Either way solving these issues as quickly as possible will avoid costly repairs and damage down the road. It is always better to take the initiative in repairing your frame and patio door rather than wait until it's too late! 4. Warped Frame When wood is exposed to outside forces, such as a change of humidity, it could absorb or lose moisture that could cause warping. When a sagging frame develops it could make the door less functional and ultimately cause damage or even complete failure. This is especially true for doors that separate garages and basements with damp living spaces. A damaged frame can be corrected with some minor repairs. Start by checking the frame to make sure that all the screws and bolts have been tightened and secured. Replace any screws that are missing or loose. Then, replace the hinge screws with longer ones that are at least 2 inches long. This allows the screw get into the wall framing rather than the door jamb, and pull the frame back into position. You could also put in shims. These are thin pieces that can be put in front of the hinges. This will allow you to fine-tune how the frame is set. Shims can assist in supporting the frame, and distribute the weight evenly over more of the area. This will stop the frame becoming more distorted with age. For sliding patio door repair near me , you may want to consider hiring a professional to repair. A professional will inspect the frame in depth to determine the extent of the problem and provide a complete solution. They can also install bracing in order to strengthen the frame in order to keep it from sliding. This is typically the most durable and cost-effective solution than buying new patio door components. If the frame is severely damaged, you might need to replace the entire jamb of the door instead of just the door itself. 5. Cosmetic Damage Over time, your patio door can suffer from a lot of wear and wear and tear. Damage to the surface can make your patio doors appear less than desirable, and can affect the appearance of your home. The good news is that the majority of cosmetic damage can be easily repaired with bonding fillers or paint. However when the door has significant dents or cracks, it will be best 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. It could result in gaps that allow outside air to get into your home, which leads to higher energy costs. A professional in door repair can install new weatherstripping in order to reduce energy loss and increase insulation. Moisture on the exterior of a door is always a bad thing, but it's especially risky when it comes to your patio doors. This moisture can lead to wood rot that is costly and difficult to repair. The best way to protect your home is to have any water leaks repaired immediately by a certified professional. Over time a patio door could be misaligned due to regular use or foundation changes. This could cause the 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 rollers and hinges to restore proper functionality.