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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door Sliding patio doors can become difficult to operate due to a range of issues. Most of these problems are easily fixable. Cleaning your sliding patio door is the simplest way to fix it. Use a brush along with some soapy water to clean the tracks. Then, you can apply lubrication to the tracks to increase their performance. 1. Tracks that are damaged or dirty Dirt and debris in the track are the main reason for a sticky patio door. Bird droppings, pine straw and salt, sand, winter roads and other nasty things can cause a blockage in the track. This is why it's essential to clean and lubricate your sliding doors regularly. Put on a pair of rubber goggles and gloves to protect your eyes. Make use of a shop vacuum or a brush to remove any gunk that has escaped. Then, mix equal amounts of water and white vinegar in spray bottles. Spray a small amount 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 track and sill. After the tracks have been cleaned then use a toothbrush to scrub the more difficult areas that are stuck. You can also sand rough spots on the bottom tracks, and then apply lubrication to the wheels 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 as well as their position. If you are replacing the weather stripping, it's a good idea to do this to ensure that it fits snugly and to increase the efficiency of your energy. Leaks from the track is also a serious problem that could lead to mold growth and structural damage to your home. You may be able fix the problem yourself when the leak is restricted to a specific section of the track. Simply re-seal the joint. If the issue is extensive, it's best to seek out an expert to fix the patio door. 2. Broken or damaged screen If your patio door does not allow airflow, it will make your home feel uncomfortable and uncomfortable. It can also be a welcoming entry point for mosquitoes and pests. It is important to call a professional as soon as you notice the screen is damaged or there is a fog that has formed between the glass panes. If you have an old screen that is hanging on your patio door, it is easiest to replace it with a new screen. Screen material is available in pre-measured rolls that should be able to fit the majority of door sizes. You can also buy a complete screen repair kits that include the screen, spline, and roller in one box. The process of installing a new screen begins by laying the replacement material on a flat surface. Then use your scissors to cut the screen to length to the point that about an inch or two of the screen covers on each side of the frame. Then with your utility blade take off the old spline as well the excess screen. Now you can lay the new screen spline beginning at the bottom left corner of the frame and working towards the edges. Once the spline has been set, use the screen rolling tool to push it into the groove. Cut off any excess screen and spline with your utility knife, being careful not to cut into the interior of the window frame. You should also examine the spline for ripples or distortions and adjust the screen as necessary. 3. Leaking Seals If you notice that water is building up around the patio door, or getting stuck between the glass panes, it's a sure indication that your frame and seals are losing their integrity. This could lead to mold and decay, as well as higher energy bills due to drafts and air leakage. Caulking and flashing that is not properly installed could result in leaky seals. It is important to hire an experienced professional who can install patio doors and ensure that the frame is properly caulked and flashed. You'll want to seal any cracks or gaps using caulking that is designed for your specific type of weather. If you live in an area that has a humid climate, like Ontario and the like, then you'll need to choose the caulking product that is able to withstand the elements of moisture. Another common cause of leaking seals is when the shims underneath the door frame aren't properly installed. They are usually made of wood and help keep the sheathing level with the framing, however if they're not set up correctly, they can cause an opening that allows moisture into your home. One method to test your seals is by spraying the frame using the help of a garden nozzle or hose. If you see a mist coming through these areas, contact an expert who will visit and conduct a more thorough inspection of the installation. It's possible that more caulking is all that's needed, or perhaps the shims need to be replaced. Whatever the case it's important to address these issues promptly. can prevent costly repairs and further damage later on. It is always better to fix your frame or patio door before it's too late than to put off repairs. 4. Warped Frame When wood is exposed to outside forces such as a fluctuation of humidity, it may absorb or lose moisture, which could lead to warping. A frayed frame can make it difficult to operate the door and ultimately cause damage or failure. This is particularly the case for doors that divide garages and basements with damp living areas. A few minor repairs are able to usually fix a sagging frame. 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. Replace the hinge screws with longer ones, preferably 2 inches or more. This will allow the screw to penetrate the wall framing instead of the door jamb and pull the frame back into the right place. You could also put in shims. These are thin pieces that can be placed in front of the hinges. This allows you to adjust the way that the frame is placed. Shims can aid in supporting the frame and spread the weight evenly across more of a larger area that will stop the frame from becoming damaged over time. For more severe frame warps, you might want to think about hiring a professional to fix the issue. A professional can conduct an exhaustive inspection to determine the severity of the problem and provide you with a complete repair solution. They can also put in additional bracing to strengthen the frame and help to keep it from sliding in the future. This is usually a more durable and cost-effective solution than buying new patio door components. If the frame has badly damaged, you may require replacing the entire jamb of the door instead of just the door itself. 5. Cosmetic Damage Over time, patio door can suffer from the effects of wear and wear and tear. Surface damage can cause your doors to look less than desirable and impact the aesthetic of your home. The good news is that the majority of cosmetic damage can be corrected with the help of bonding fillers as well as paint. If the door has large cracks or dents, it is best to replace it instead of trying to repair it. Weatherstripping on doors can become less effective over time, similar to the seal around windows. This can create gaps that allow outside air to infiltrate your home, leading to higher energy bills. A professional door repair service can install new weatherstripping to decrease energy loss and increase insulation. Moisture around the exterior of a door is always a bad thing however, it's particularly dangerous for your patio doors. The moisture could cause wood rot, which is costly and difficult to repair. The best method to protect your home is to have any leaks immediately replaced by a certified professional. A patio door may become misaligned over time due to foundation changes or regular usage. This can cause the doors to become jammed or difficult to open and close. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors can adjust the tracks and hinges to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn rollers and hinges in order to restore functionality.