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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door Many issues can cause difficulties in operating sliding patio doors. The majority of these issues can be fixed easily. Cleaning your patio door sliding will make it easier to fix it. Use a brush along with some soapy water to wash the tracks. Then, you can lubricate the tracks to improve their performance. 1. Repair My Windows And Doors or damaged tracks One of the most frequent causes of a sticky or squeaky patio door is dirt and debris that has accumulated in the track. Sand and salt from winter roads, pine straw and bird droppings, pet hair and other nastiness can gum up the process. It's important to clean and lubricate your sliding doors. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and goggles to protect your eyes. Make use of a shop vacuum or a brush to clean any loose gunk. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar into spray bottles. Spray a small coating of the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the track and sill. Rinse and dry the area using paper towels. This will prevent scratching and further damage to the sill and track. After the tracks have been cleaned, use a toothbrush to scrub the more difficult areas that are stuck. You can also smooth rough spots on the bottom tracks. You can then replenish the wheels with lubricant to ensure smooth operation. Another cause of a sticky door is a misaligned roller, which can also be fixed by adjusting the height and position of the rollers. If you are replacing the weather stripping, it's a great idea to do so to ensure a secure fitting and increase energy efficiency. Leaking from the track is also a serious problem that can cause mold growth and structural damage to your home. You might be able to solve the issue yourself in the event that the leak is limited to a specific section of the track. Simply replace the joint. If the issue is extensive you should contact an expert to repair the patio door. 2. Broken or Torn Screen If your patio door does not allow airflow, it could make your home feel uncomfortable and uncomfortable. It could also be a welcome entryway for pests and mosquitoes. It is important to call an expert immediately if you notice the screen is damaged or there is a fog between the glass panes. If you have a standard sliding patio door, the most straightforward solution is to replace the screen with a brand new one. You can find screen material in pre-measured rolls that will accommodate the majority of door sizes. You can also buy a complete screen repair kits that include the screen, spline and roller all in one package. The process of installing a new screen begins by placing the new material on a firm surface. Then, use your scissors to cut the screen to length to the point that about an inch or two of the screen overlaps on both sides of the frame. Then using your utility knife remove the old spline as as any excess screen. Now you can put down the new screen spline, starting at the bottom left corner of the frame and working your way around the perimeter. After the spline is put in place, use your screen rolling tool to push it into the groove. Trim any excess screen and spline it with your utility knife, making sure not to cut into the inside of the frame. You should also check the spline for ripples or distortions and adjust the screen if needed. 3. Leaking Seals If you notice water getting a foothold around the patio door, or getting stuck between the glass panes, it's a clear sign that your seals and frames are deteriorating. This can cause mold and rot and even higher costs for energy due to drafts and air leakage. Leaking seals are usually caused by poorly installed caulking or flashing. To stop this from happening, it's important to work with an expert who has previous experience installing patio doors and will ensure the frame is properly flashed and caulked. In addition to ensuring that you install the flashing, you'll also want to make sure that any gaps or cracks are sealed with caulking that is rated for use with your specific type of weather conditions. For instance, if you live in a humid climate such as Ontario you'll need to select a caulking option that is resistant to humidity. Another reason that leaks seals is when the shims under the door frame are not properly installed. They are typically made from wood and help keep the sheathing level with the framing. However when they aren't installed correctly, they could create a gap which allows moisture to enter your home. Spraying the frame using a garden nozzle or hose is an excellent method to test seals. If you notice an airborne mist escaping these areas, contact an expert who will come in and conduct a thorough examination of the installation. It's possible that more caulking is all that's required, or 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 take the initiative in fixing your patio door and frame than to wait until it is too late! 4. Warped Frame When wood is exposed to external factors, like a change in humidity, it will absorb and lose moisture, which can cause the frame to warp. A sagging frame could make it difficult to operate the door and eventually cause damage or failure. This is especially the case for doors that divide garages and basements that are damp from living areas. A few minor repairs can usually fix a sagging frame. Start by examining the frame to make sure that all screws and bolts are tight and secure. Replace any missing or loose screws. Replace the hinge screws by larger ones, with a preference of 2 inches or more. This allows the screw to be able to penetrate the wall framing instead of the door jamb, which will pull the frame back in place. You can also try adding shims, which are thin pieces of wood that can be put behind the hinges to fine-tune the position of the frame. Shims can assist in supporting the frame and distribute the weight evenly over a larger area. This will stop the frame from getting more warped with time. You might consider hiring an expert to repair serious frame warps. A professional can conduct an extensive examination to determine the severity of the issue and offer a comprehensive repair solution. They can also install bracing in order to strengthen the frame to keep it from sliding. This is usually a more durable and cost-effective alternative to buying new patio door components. If the frame is significantly warped, it may be necessary to replace the entire jamb of the door instead of just the door. 5. Cosmetic Damage Over time, your patio door can suffer from a lot of wear and wear and tear. Surface damage can leave your doors looking less than desirable and impact the aesthetic of your home. The good news is that most cosmetic damage is easily repaired with bonding fillers and paint. If the door has significant cracks or dents, it is 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. It can result in gaps that allow air from outside to get into your home, which can lead to higher energy costs. A professional repair service for doors can install new weatherstripping in order to decrease energy loss and increase insulation. Moisture in the exterior of doors is always bad news however, it's particularly dangerous when it comes to your patio doors. The moisture could cause wood rot which is expensive and difficult to fix. The best way to protect your home is to have any leaks immediately replaced by a professional trained to do so. A patio door may be misaligned with time due to foundation changes or the normal use. This could cause the doors to become jammed or difficult to open and close. A door repair technician can adjust the tracks and hinges to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn out hinges and rollers to ensure proper functioning.