Sliding Glass Patio Door Repair
If your sliding glass patio doors are squeaking, stuck, or aren't operating smoothly, they might need repair. Patio doors that slide are often subject to damage due to objects hitting the door and the weather strip may break down which allows air to escape.
Fortunately, these issues are generally easily fixed. Here are some helpful tips to fix your glass patio doors.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks
Dirt, dust and even rust can build up on the sill and track of your sliding door over time and make it difficult to open or close the door. Begin by thoroughly cleaning the tracks. Mix warm water and non-abrasive cleaner in a bucket. Dip a soft cloth into the mixture and scrub your tracks and sill. Use a butter knife that is wrapped with cloth to reach the corners and other difficult-to-reach areas. Rinse the tracks and sill with clean water after you finish scrubbing them.
Then give the tracks and rollers a thorough lubrication to help them slide more easily when the door is closed or opened. Utilize a silicone-based lubricant, or another product similar, to lubricate the tracks as well as other moving parts of your patio doors. Once the lubricant is dry, you should try to open or close your sliding glass door.
If your sliding door is still stuck even after you've cleaned and lubricated the tracks there could be a second issue at play. You may need new rollers, or to adjust the track's height or location. A professional can assist you determine if this is the case and provide assistance if required.
If your patio door leaks, you've got a much bigger problem that needs to be dealt with quickly to prevent mold growth as well as structural damage and water damage throughout the home. A leaky patio door could be caused by a variety of problems, including obstructions, damage to the frame and track, or improper installation. You can fix these problems at home, but it's recommended to hire a professional. The pro can inspect the leaking patio door and repair the issue to avoid further water damage and leaks. They might also recommend replacing the entire frame of the patio door with a an extra durable model made from durable materials.
Damaged Rollers
The bottom rollers of sliding glass patio doors may get damaged over time. If your door is difficult to open, you probably require replacement of these parts. It is possible that the door is difficult to open due to a lack oil lubrication. Lubricating your sliding glass patio door can help to prevent snags and friction.
A vacuum equipped with a long attachment, or a soft bristled brush, and hot soapy tap water are excellent ways to remove any debris that has gotten stuck in the track on your sliding glass patio doors. After cleaning the tracks, you can apply an item made of silicone to decrease friction and make your sliding glass patio door more easy to open.
Before attempting to replace your sliding glass patio door rollers, it is crucial to look for any obvious damage to the wheels. If you do not see any cracks or dent or scratches, you might just require relubricating the mechanism. After you have lubricated your door, it is essential to clean the track again before installing it. This will stop the new rollers from getting placed on a dirty track that could cause them to wear out quickly.
Replacing the sliding glass patio door roller could be an easy and affordable DIY project, but it's an undertaking that homeowners shouldn't attempt on their own. Patio doors can be quite heavy and the safety glass that is tempered can break if handled incorrectly. This task should be done by a handyman or at least with assistance from a friend who is skilled.
To take off your patio door locate the screw in the hole on either side of the bottom frame. This is the height adjustment screw for the rollers. The rollers are lower by turning the screw clockwise, and raised by turning it counterclockwise. After you have loosened the screws the door should be able to slide off its track.
Misaligned Locking Mechanism for Locking
Over time, the moving components that comprise a sliding door's locking mechanism may become out of alignment. This could be the result of wear and tear or an accidental force, this may result in the door becoming difficult to open or close, creating dangers for pets and children, as well as decreasing the energy efficiency of your home.
A misaligned locking mechanism could also make the door feel shaky and loose when closed, allowing drafts to enter the home. The issue is usually caused by loose screws at the bottom of the latch that connect it to the door frame and a simple fix can restore its solid fit. In some cases it is possible to replace the lock.
If the latch is sliding off the track however, the lock does not stick the humidity could be causing the wood to swell. If the issue continues to persist even after lubrication, the latch may need to be replaced.
Sliding patio doors can be a useful and attractive feature to any home. However they can be a hassle when they aren't functioning properly. Cleaning the rollers and adjusting lock mechanisms are two steps that will keep sliding glass patio doors operating smoothly and efficiently for a number of years.
If you're experiencing broken or cracked glass, it's recommended to get professional glass repair services for your patio door. This isn't a task that beginners should attempt. Replacing the glass pane is a matter of breaking the seal and removing the glass shatters. While Keep Reading wait for repairs, a piece plywood can be used as a temporary barrier to keep pets and children away from the damaged glass. A crack in the glass itself can also be dangerous and should be fixed as fast as is feasible. Smaller cracks can usually be repaired with clear epoxy resin however a more extensive break or shattered pane will likely require replacement to ensure the door's security and insulation capabilities. A reputable glass repair service is capable of handling all your glass needs in a safe manner and efficiently.
Sticky Tracks
Sliding glass doors are heavy and costly and therefore using force to open or close them is not an ideal idea. It can damage the glass door and cause the issue. Be patient when attempting to solve the issue by getting rid of the door, looking at how the track works, and making any necessary adjustments or repairs.
The most efficient way to examine the rollers and tracks is to take the door off and lay it on a flat surface such as a set of sawhorses or a table. This is a two-person task as the door is heavy and may cause injuries if it falls on the person who is in the area.
Once the door is removed and the door is completely removed, you can use a vacuum cleaner to rid yourself of the huge pieces of debris in the tracks. The tracks are cleaned with a stiff brush and hot soapy water.
It's a great idea to spray some clear silicone spray or clear wax on the track while it is still clean. This will help it glide more smoothly and not attract dirt or grime like oil-based products.
It is also recommended to lubricate the top and bottom of the track, and the edge that joins both door tracks where they join the door frame. These areas tend to stick when the track has been cleaned however, after spraying it with lubricant, and then rubbed using the rag, it will move more easily.
You should also examine the rollers of your sliding door to see whether they're worn or damaged. If they are, you'll have to replace them in order to keep your door moving freely. Vern's Glass in Victorville carries replacement rollers for a wide variety of sliding glass doors and is a great place to get what you need.