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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door A variety of problems can make it difficult to operate sliding patio doors. Fortunately, the majority of these issues are easily solved. Cleaning your sliding patio door will fix it the easiest. Use a brush and some soapy water to clean the tracks. Next you can lubricate them to increase their mobility. 1. Dirty or damaged tracks Dirt and debris in the track are the most common cause of a sticky patio door. Sand and salt from winter roads, pine straw, bird droppings, pet hair and other nastiness can gum up the process. It is essential to regularly clean and lubricate your sliding doors. Start by putting on rubber gloves and a pair of safety goggles to protect your eyes. Make use of a shop vacuum or a brush to clean any gunk that has escaped. Then, mix equal amounts of white vinegar and water in the spray bottle. Spray a small amount of the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the track. Rinse and dry the area using paper towels. This will stop scratching and further damage to the track and sill. After the tracks have been cleaned then use a toothbrush to scrub the more stubborn areas that are stuck. You can also sand off rough spots on the bottom track, and then re-lubricate the rollers to ensure smooth operation. Another reason for a sticky door is a misaligned roller, which can also be corrected by altering the height and position of the rollers. It is a good idea to replace the weather stripping that surrounds the door whenever you do this to ensure a secure fit and improve energy efficiency. Leaking tracks can also be a serious issue that can cause to structural damage and mold growth in your home. If the leak is confined to one section of the track, you may be able to repair it yourself by sealing the joint. If the problem is widespread it is best to call a professional to fix the patio door. 2. Broken or damaged screen A patio door that does not allow for efficient airflow can make your home feel stuffy and uncomfortable. It can also be a perfect entry point for mosquitoes and other pests. If you have a torn screen or notice fog accumulating between the panes of glass it's best to seek professional assistance as soon as you can. If you have an old screen on your sliding patio door, it is easy to replace it with a new screen. You can find screen material in pre-measured rolls that should be able to fit the majority of door sizes. It's also offered in complete screen repair kits that include the screen, spline and roller all in a single package. For the installation of the new screen, begin by locating a solid surface you can work from and then lay out your replacement material on it. Then, using your scissors, cut it into lengths to the point that about an inch or two of the screen overlaps on both sides of the frame. Next, remove the old spline as well as any screen that's left from the window frame using your utility knife. Now you can lay the new screen spline beginning at the lower left corner of the frame, and work towards the edges. Once the spline has been put in position, run your screen rolling tool across it several times, pushing it into the groove of the frame. Cut off any excess spline or screen using a utility blade, taking care not to cut into the inner frame of the window. You should also examine the spline for any distortions or ripples, and then adjust the screen as necessary. 3. Leaking Seals If you notice water getting trapped or pooling between the glass panes of your patio door, this is a sign that the frame and seals have lost their elasticity. This could lead to mold and decay, as well as an increase in energy costs due to air leakage and drafts. Incorrectly installed flashing and caulking can lead to leaky seals. To prevent this from happening, it's important to find a professional who has experience installing patio doors and who can ensure the frame is properly flashed and caulked. In addition to installing the flashing, you'll be sure that any cracks or gaps are sealed with caulking that is approved for use in your particular type of weather conditions. For instance, if you live in a humid climate such as Ontario, you'll want to choose a caulking that will stand up well to humidity. The shims which are put under the door frame may also cause leaks. These are usually made of wood and help keep the sheathing at a level with the framing. But in the event that they aren't installed correctly, they could create a gap that allows moisture to enter your home. Spraying the frame with a garden nozzle or hose is an excellent method to test the seals. If you notice the mist forming in these areas, it's time to call a professional to come take a closer look at the installation. It's possible that a little additional caulking is all that's needed, or perhaps the shims need to be replaced. In either case, addressing the issue fast will avoid the possibility of further damage and costly repairs. It is always better to repair your frame or patio door before it's too late than to wait. 4. Warped Frame When wood is exposed to outside forces, such as a change of humidity, it can absorb or lose moisture that can cause warping. If a frame is sagging, it can make the door harder to operate and ultimately cause destruction or even total failure. This is especially relevant for doors that separate damp garages and basements from living areas. A warped frame can usually be fixed with minor repairs. Begin by inspecting the frame to make sure that all of the bolts and screws are secure and tight. Replace any loose or missing screws. Then, replace the hinge screws with longer ones that are 2 or more inches long. 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. They are small pieces that can be put in front of the hinges. This will allow you to tweak how the frame is positioned. 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 warped over time. You might consider hiring a professional to repair more severe frame warps. A professional can perform an exhaustive examination to determine the severity of the problem and provide you with an extensive repair solution. They can also install additional bracing to strengthen the frame and help keep it from sliding in the future. In patio door repair near me of instances this is a more affordable and durable option than simply buying new patio door components. If the frame is badly damaged, you may have to replace the entire jamb of the door, not only the door itself. 5. Cosmetic Damage Over time, your patio door can suffer from a lot of wear and wear and tear. Damage to the surface can make your doors look less than attractive and affect the aesthetic of your home. The good news is that most cosmetic damage can be corrected with the help of bonding fillers as well as paint. However, if the door has significant dents or cracks it is recommended to replace it rather than trying to repair it. Weatherstripping on doors can also decrease in effectiveness over time, just like the seal around windows. This can result in gaps that allow air from outside to get into your home, causing an increase in energy bills. A professional in door repair can install new weatherstripping in order to reduce energy loss and improve insulation. Moisture in the exterior of a door is always a problem however, it's particularly dangerous when it comes to your patio doors. This moisture can cause wood rot, which is costly and difficult to repair. Water leaks should be repaired immediately by an expert. A patio door can be misaligned with time due to foundation modifications or regular usage. 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 hinges and rollers to restore proper functionality.