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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door Many issues can cause difficulties in operating sliding patio doors. Most of these problems are easily fixable. The most effective way to repair your sliding patio door is by cleaning it. You'll need a brush and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. Then, you can apply lubrication to the tracks to increase their performance. 1. Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks Dirt and debris in the track are the main cause of a sticky patio door. Pine straw, bird droppings as well as salt and sand from winter roads and other nasty things can clog up the track. It's important to clean and lubricate your sliding doors. Put on a pair of rubber goggles and gloves to protect your eyes. Make use of a shop vacuum or a brush to clean any loose 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 sill and track. Rinse the area, and dry it off with paper towels to avoid scratching and damage to the track and sill. When the tracks are clean you can take your toothbrush and go in there to scrub the tougher areas that are stuck. You can also rub rough spots onto the bottom tracks and then replenish the wheels with lubricant to ensure smooth operation. A door that is not aligned properly could be caused by rollers that are not aligned properly. This can be corrected by adjusting the rollers' height and position. When replacing the weather stripping, it's a good idea to do so to ensure a snug fitting and improve energy efficiency. Leaks from the track are also a serious problem that could lead to mold growth and structural damage to your home. If the leak is restricted to one section of the track, you may be able to repair it yourself by sealing the joint. If the problem is widespread, you should call an expert to repair the patio door. 2. Broken or damaged screen If your patio door doesn't allow for airflow, it could make your house feel stuffy and uncomfortable. It can also be a welcoming entry point for mosquitoes and pests. You should call an expert as soon as you notice an unfinished 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 brand new screen. Screen material can be found in pre-measured rolls that will accommodate the majority of door sizes. You can also purchase a complete screen repair kit that includes the screen, spline, and roller in one package. Installing Repair My Windows And Doors begins by placing the new material on a solid surface. Then, using your scissors, cut the screen to length so that about an inch or two of the screen covers on each side of the frame. Then, you can remove the old spline and any screen that is left over from the window frame using your utility knife. It is now possible to lay the new screen spline, starting at the bottom-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 across it several times, pushing it into the groove of the frame. Cut off any excess screen and spline with your utility knife, taking care not to cut into the interior of the window frame. Check the spline and see if there are any ripples or distortions. Adjust the screen as needed. 3. Leaking Seals If you notice that water is getting trapped or pooling between the glass panes of your patio door, it is a sign that the frame and seals have lost their integrity. This could lead to mold and rot, as well as an increase in energy costs due to air leakage and drafts. Poorly installed flashing and caulking could result in leaky seals. To avoid this from happening, it's crucial to hire an experienced professional who has previous experience installing patio doors and will 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 type of weather. If you live in a region that has humid climates, such as Ontario, then you will need to choose caulking products that are able to stand up to humidity. Another common cause of leaking seals is when the shims under the door frame aren't properly installed. These are typically made from wood and are used to keep the sheathing level with the framing, however when they're not installed correctly, they can create a gap that allows moisture to enter your home. One method to test the seals by spraying the frame using a hose or garden nozzle. If you notice an airborne mist escaping these areas, you should contact an expert who will come and take a closer inspection of the frame. It's possible that additional caulking is all that's required, or maybe the shims have to be replaced. In either case, fixing the issue promptly will help avoid future damage and costly repairs. It is always best to repair your frame or patio door before it's too late to wait. 4. Warped Frame When wood is exposed to external forces, such as a fluctuation in humidity, it will absorb and lose moisture, which could cause the frame to warp. When a sagging frame develops it makes the door less functional and eventually lead to destruction or even total failure. This is particularly relevant for doors that separate garages and basements with damp living spaces. A few minor repairs are able to generally correct a frame that is warped. Start by checking the frame to make sure that all screws and bolts have been tightened and secured. Replace any screws that are loose or missing. Then, you can replace hinge screws with longer ones that are 2 or more inches long. This allows the screw get into the wall framing rather than the door jamb, and pull the frame back in place. You can also add shims. These are thin pieces that can be placed on top of the hinges. This will allow you to tweak the way that the frame is placed. Shims can help support the frame and distribute the weight evenly over the larger area. This will stop the frame from becoming more distorted over time. You may want to hire an expert to repair serious frame warps. A professional can perform a thorough examination to determine the severity of the problem and offer an extensive repair solution. They can also install bracing in order to strengthen the frame and keep it from sliding. This is usually a more durable and cost-effective alternative to buying new patio door components. If the frame is severely stretched, it might be necessary to replace the entire jamb instead of just the door itself. 5. Cosmetic Damage Over time, patio doors will be subject to a lot of wear and wear and. Surface damage can leave your doors looking less than appealing and can affect the aesthetic of your home. The good news is that most cosmetic damage can be fixed using bonding fillers and paint. If the door has large dents or cracks it is best to replace it rather than trying to repair it. Weatherstripping on doors can lose its effectiveness with time, just like the seal around windows. This can create gaps that allow outside air to infiltrate your home, which leads to higher energy bills. A professional door repair service can install new weatherstripping in order to reduce energy loss and improve insulation. Moisture around the exterior of doors is always bad news however, it's particularly dangerous when it comes to your patio doors. This moisture can lead to wood rot, which can be difficult and expensive to fix. The best way to safeguard your home is to have any leaks repaired immediately by a certified professional. Over time a patio door could be misaligned due to regular use or foundation changes. This can cause the patio doors to become jammed, or make it difficult to open and close. A door repair technician can realign the hinges and tracks to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn-out hinges and rollers to restore proper functionality.