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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door Patio doors sliding down can be difficult to operate due to a range of issues. The majority of these issues can be fixed easily. The most efficient way to repair your sliding patio door is to clean it. You'll want to use a brush and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. Then, you can lubricate the tracks to increase their performance. 1. Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks One of the most frequent causes of a squeaky or sticky patio door is the accumulation of dirt and debris in the track. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors , pine straw and salt, sand, winter roads and other things can block the track. It's important to regularly lubricate and scrub your sliding doors. Start by putting on rubber gloves and safety glasses to shield your eyes. Use a shop vacuum or a brush to remove any gunk that has escaped. Then, mix equal amounts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray a tiny amount of the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the sill and track. Rinse and dry the area with paper towels. This will help prevent scratching and further damage to 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 down rough spots on the bottom track. You can then re-lubricate the rollers in order to ensure smooth operation. A misaligned door could be the result of misaligned rollers. This can be corrected by changing the rollers' height and position. It is a good idea to replace the weather stripping that surrounds the door whenever you do this to ensure a secure fit and improve energy efficiency. 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 might be able to repair it yourself by resealing the joint. If the issue is extensive, it's best to seek out an expert to repair the patio door. 2. Broken or damaged screen A patio door that doesn't allow for adequate airflow could make your home feel stale and uncomfortable. It can also be a perfect entry point for pests like mosquitoes and flies. You should call a professional as soon as you notice a broken screen or fog in between the glass panes. If you have an old screen that is hanging on your patio door, it is simple to replace it with a new one. You can buy screen material in rolls that are already measured to fit the majority of door sizes. It's also available as complete screen repair kits that include the screen along with spline, roller and spline all in a single package. The process of installing a new screen begins by laying the replacement material on a solid surface. Then, use your scissors to cut it into lengths to the point that about an inch or two of the screen is overlapped on each side of the frame. Next, remove 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 to the perimeter. Once the spline has been put in place, run the screen rolling tool over it several times, pushing it in the groove of the frame. Then trim any excess screen and spline using your utility knife, being careful not to cut through the inside of the window frame. Examine the spline to determine whether there are any ripples or distortions. Adjust the screen if necessary. 3. Leaking Seals If you notice that water is pooling or trapped between the glass panes of your patio door, it is a sign that the seals and frame have lost their strength. This can lead mold and rot, as well as an increase in energy costs due to drafts and air leakage. Incorrectly installed flashing and caulking could result in leaky seals. It is essential to hire an experienced professional who can install patio doors and make sure that the frame is properly caulked and flashed. You'll need to fill any cracks or gaps using caulking rated for your particular kind of weather. For example, if you live in a humid climate like Ontario you'll need to select a caulking product that will stand up well to moisture. The shims that are placed under the door frame may also cause leaks. They are typically made of wood and help keep the sheathing at a level with the framing. But in the event that they aren't installed correctly, they could create a gap which allows moisture to get into your home. One way to test your seals is by spraying the frame with an hose or garden nozzle. If you see a mist coming in through these areas, you need to call a professional to come take a closer look at the installation. It's possible that additional caulking is all that's required, or maybe the shims require to be replaced. In either case, addressing the issue quickly will prevent any further damage and costly repairs. It is always better to be proactive about fixing your frame and patio door than to wait until it is too late! 4. Warped Frame When wood is exposed to outside factors, like a fluctuation of humidity, it can absorb or lose moisture which can cause warping. A frayed frame can make it difficult to operate the door and eventually cause damage or failure. This is particularly true for doors that separate garages and basements with damp living areas. A warped frame can usually be corrected with some minor repairs. Begin by inspecting the frame to make sure that all bolts and screws are secure and tight. 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 into place. You can also add shims. These are thin pieces that can be placed in front of the hinges. This will allow you to fine-tune the way that the frame is placed. Shims can assist in supporting the frame and spread the weight evenly across more of the area. This will stop the frame becoming more warped with time. For more severe frame warps you may want to consider hiring a professional to repair. A professional can inspect the frame thoroughly to determine the severity and offer a comprehensive solution. They can also install additional bracing to reinforce the frame and help to prevent it from sagging in the future. In the majority of cases this is a much more cost-effective and durable solution than buying new patio door components. If the frame is severely damaged, it could be necessary to replace the entire jamb of the door instead of just the door. 5. Cosmetic Damage Over time, the patio doors can experience the effects of wear and tear. Damage to the surface can make your doors appear less appealing, and impact the overall appearance of your home. The good news: most cosmetic damage is easily repaired with bonding fillers or paint. However when the door has significant dents or cracks, it will be best to replace it rather than trying to repair it. Weatherstripping on doors can decrease in effectiveness over time, similar to the seal around windows. This can create gaps that allow air from outside to enter your home, which leads to higher energy bills. A professional door repair specialist can install new weatherstripping in order to decrease energy loss and improve insulation. Moisture around the exterior of doors is always a problem however it can be particularly risky when it comes to your patio doors. The moisture could cause wood rot that is difficult and expensive to fix. Water leaks must be fixed immediately by a professional. A patio door may be misaligned with time due to foundation modifications or regular usage. This can cause the doors to jam or make it difficult to open and shut. Technicians can adjust hinges and tracks for smooth operation. They can also replace worn out rollers and hinges in order to restore proper functionality.