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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door Patio doors that slide can become difficult to operate due to a range of issues. Most of these issues can be fixed easily. Cleaning your sliding patio door will make it easier to fix it. Use a brush and some soapy water to wash the tracks. Next, you can lubricate them to make them more mobile. 1. Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks Dirt and debris in the track are the most common reason for a sticky patio door. Pine straw, bird droppings, sand and salt from winter roads and other things can cause a blockage in the track. It is essential to regularly lubricate and scrub your sliding doors. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and goggles to protect your eyes. Use a shop vacuum or a brush to clean any gunk that has escaped. Next, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in the spray bottle. Spray a small amount the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the track. Rinse the area and dry it using paper towels to avoid scratching or damaging the sill and track. When the tracks are clean, take your toothbrush and go in there to scrub the more difficult areas that are stuck. You can also sand off rough spots on the bottom track. You can then re-lubricate your rollers to bring them back to smooth operation. Another reason for a sticky door is the misalignment of the rollers and can be corrected by altering the height and positioning of the rollers. When replacing the weather stripping, it's a great idea to do this to ensure a secure fitting and to increase the efficiency of your energy. Leaking tracks can also be an issue that could result in mold growth and structural damage in your home. If the leak is restricted to a specific section of the track, you might be able fix it yourself by re-sealing the joint. If however, the issue is extensive, it's best to call in 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 welcome entryway for mosquitoes and pests. It is important to call an expert when you spot the screen is damaged or there is a fog between the glass panes. If you have a standard sliding patio door, the simplest solution is to replace your screen with a new one. You can purchase screen material in rolls that are pre-measured to fit a variety of standard door sizes. It's also offered in complete screen repair kits that include the screen along with spline, roller and spline all in a single package. To install the new screen, begin by finding a solid surface you can work from and then lay out your replacement material across it. Then, using your scissors, cut it to length to the point that about an inch or two of the screen is overlapped on both sides of the frame. Then with your utility blade remove the old spline as well the excess screen. It is now possible to lay the new screen spline, starting at the lower left corner of the frame. Start by moving it until you reach the perimeter. Once the spline has been put in place, run your screen rolling tool over it several times to push it tightly into the groove of the frame. Remove any excess spline and screen using a utility blade making sure not to cut the inside frame of the window. Check the spline and see whether there are any distortions or ripples. Adjust the screen if needed. 3. Seals that leak If you notice water getting trapped or pooling between the glass panes of your patio door, this is an indication that the seals and frame have lost their integrity. This can cause mold and rot as well as increased costs for energy due to drafts and air leakage. Leaking seals can be caused by poorly installed caulking or flashing. To stop this from happening, it's essential to hire an expert who has previous experience installing patio doors and will ensure the frame is properly flashed and caulked. In addition to properly installing the flashing, you'll want to make sure that any cracks or gaps are sealed with caulking that's rated for use with your particular type of weather conditions. For example, if you live in a humid area such as Ontario, you'll want to select a caulking option that can stand up to moisture. Another reason that leaks seals is when the shims beneath the door frame are not put in the right place. They are typically made of wood and help keep the sheathing at a level with the framing. But when they aren't properly installed, they may cause a gap, which could allow moisture to enter your home. Spraying the frame using a garden nozzle or hose is a great way to test seals. If you see the presence of a mist in these areas, call an expert who will come and take a closer examination of the installation. It's possible to apply a bit of caulking or replace the shims. In either case, fixing the issue promptly will help avoid any further damage and costly repairs. It is always better to fix your patio door or frame before it's too late than to put off the repair. 4. Warped Frame When wood is exposed to outside forces such as a fluctuation of humidity, it can absorb or lose moisture, which can cause warping. A sagging frame could make it difficult to operate the door and eventually cause damage or failure. This is particularly the case for doors that divide damp garages and basements from living spaces. A sagging frame can be corrected with some minor repairs. Start by checking the frame to ensure that all screws and bolts have been tightened and secured. Replace any loose or missing screws. Then, replace the hinge screws with larger ones that are at least 2 inches long. This allows the screw bite into the wall framing rather than the door jamb, which pulls the frame back in place. You can also include shims. They are small pieces that can be placed on top of the hinges. patio door repair allows you to adjust how the frame is set. Shims will help support the frame and spread the weight evenly across a larger area. This will stop the frame from becoming more distorted with age. For more severe frame warps, you may want to consider hiring a professional for repair. A professional can perform a thorough inspection to determine the severity of the problem and provide you with a complete repair solution. They can also install bracing to strengthen the frame and prevent it from sagging. This is typically the most durable and cost-effective solution than buying new patio door components. If the frame has severely damaged, you might require replacing the entire jamb of the door instead of only the door itself. 5. Cosmetic Damage Over time, patio door can suffer from a lot of wear and wear and tear. Surface damage can make your patio doors appear less than desirable, and can affect the appearance of your home. The good news is that most cosmetic damage can be easily repaired with bonding fillers and paint. However, if the door has significant cracks or dents it is best to replace it rather than trying to repair it. Weatherstripping on doors can also lose its effectiveness with time, just like the seal around windows. This can result in gaps that allow air from outside to enter your home and increase energy bills. A professional repair service for doors can install new weatherstripping to decrease energy loss and improve insulation. Moisture in the exterior of doors is always a bad thing however, it's particularly risky when it comes to your patio doors. This moisture can cause wood rot, which can be costly and difficult to fix. The best way to safeguard your home is to have any leaks fixed immediately by a trained professional. Over time a patio door could be misaligned as a result of normal usage or foundation changes. This can cause patio doors to become jammed, or make it difficult to open and shut. A technician for door repair can realign the tracks and hinges to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn-out rollers and hinges to restore proper functionality.