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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door Patio doors that slide can become difficult to operate due to a myriad of problems. Most of these issues can be fixed easily. The easiest method to repair your sliding patio door is to clean it. Use a brush and some soapy water to clean the tracks. Then you can lubricate them to make them more mobile. 1. Tracks that are damaged or dirty Dirt and debris in the track are the primary reason for a sticky patio door. Sand and salt from winter roads, pine straw and 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 safety goggles to protect your eyes. Utilize a shop vacuum cleaner or a brush to get rid of any gunk that has escaped. Then, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in spray bottles. Spray a small amount the solution on 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. When the tracks are clean then grab your toothbrush and go in there to scrub the more difficult areas that are stuck. You can also sand away rough spots on the bottom track. You can then re-lubricate your rollers to bring them back to smooth operation. Another cause of a sticky door is a misaligned roller that can be corrected by altering the height and positioning of the rollers. When you replace the weather stripping, it's a great idea to do it to ensure a secure fitting and to increase the efficiency of your energy. Leaks from the track are also a serious problem that could lead to mold growth and structural damage to your home. If the leak is confined to a particular section of the track, you might be able to fix it yourself by re-sealing the joint. However, if the problem is widespread, it's best to contact a professional to repair the patio door. 2. Broken or damaged screen A patio door that isn't designed for a good air flow can make your home feel uncomfortable and uncomfortable. It could also be a welcoming entry point for pests and mosquitoes. It is important to call an expert immediately if you notice a broken screen or fog between the glass panes. If you have an old screen on your patio door, it's simple to replace it with a brand new screen. You can find screen material in pre-measured rolls that will be able to fit the majority of door sizes. It's also available as complete screen repair kits that include the screen along with spline, roller and spline all in one package. The process of installing a new screen begins by laying the new material on a solid surface. Use your scissors to cut the screen to the desired length, so that it overlaps the frame on both sides by about an inch. Then with your utility blade remove the old spline as well any screen that is not needed. It is now possible to lay the new screen spline starting at the lower left corner of the frame. Then, work your way up until you reach the perimeter. Once the spline is in position, run your screen rolling tool across it several times, pushing it tightly into the groove of the frame. Cut off any excess screen and spline it with your utility knife, being careful not to cut into the interior of the window frame. Check the spline and see whether there are any distortions or ripples. Adjust the screen if needed. 3. Leaking Seals If you notice water pooling or trapped between the glass panes of your patio door, this is a sign that the seals and frame have lost their elasticity. This can lead to rot and mold, not to mention increased energy bills due to drafts and air leakage. Poorly installed flashing and caulking could result in leaky seals. To stop this from happening, it's important to work with a professional who has expertise installing patio doors and who can ensure that the frame is correctly caulked and flashed. In addition to ensuring that you install the flashing, you'll also be sure that any gaps or cracks are sealed with caulking that is rated for use with your particular type of weather conditions. For instance, if you reside in a humid climate like Ontario you'll need to select a caulking product that can stand up to humidity. Another reason that leaks 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, but if they're not set up correctly, they can cause an opening that allows moisture into your home. One method to test the seals by spraying the frame using the help of a garden nozzle or hose. If you notice a mist coming in through these areas, it's time to contact a professional inspect the frame at the installation. It's possible that you only need to add a few caulks or change the shims. In either case, addressing the issue quickly will prevent future damage and costly repairs. It's always better to be proactive in fixing your frame and patio door rather than wait until it is too late! 4. Warped Frame When wood is exposed to outside forces, such as a change of humidity, it can absorb or lose moisture which can cause warping. When a sagging frame develops, it can make the door harder to operate and eventually lead to damage or even complete failure. This is particularly true for doors that separate basements and damp garages from living spaces. A few minor repairs are able to typically correct a warped frame. Start by examining the frame to ensure that all screws and bolts are tight and secure. Replace any loose or missing screws. Then, replace hinge screws with longer ones that are 2 or more inches long. This will allow the screw to bite the wall framing instead of the door jamb, and pull the frame back into the right place. You could also consider adding shims, which are thin pieces of wood that can be positioned behind the hinges to fine-tune the position of the frame. Shims will help support the frame and distribute the weight evenly over the larger area. This will prevent the frame from getting more warped with time. You might consider hiring an expert to repair severe frame warps. A professional will inspect the frame in depth to determine the extent of the problem and offer a comprehensive solution. They can also install additional bracing to strengthen the frame and help to prevent it from sagging in the future. This is typically a more durable and cost-effective option than purchasing new patio door components. If the frame has significantly warped, you may need to replace the entire jamb of the door, not only the door itself. 5. patio door sliding smoothly Over time, patio doors experience a fair amount of wear and wear and tear. Surface damage can make your doors look less than desirable, and can affect the appearance of your home. The good news is that most cosmetic damage is easily repaired with bonding fillers or paint. If the door has significant dents or cracks it is best to replace it instead of trying to repair it. Similar to the seal around windows, a door's weatherstripping can become less effective as time passes. This can result in gaps that let air from outside enter your home and increase the cost of energy. A professional door repair specialist can install new weatherstripping in order to decrease energy loss and increase insulation. Moisture on the outside of your door isn't good news, but patio doors are especially vulnerable to it. This moisture can cause wood rot, which is costly and difficult to fix. The best way to safeguard your home is to have any water leaks fixed immediately by a certified professional. A patio door may become misaligned over time due to foundation modifications or the normal use. This can cause patio doors to become jammed, or make it difficult to open and close. A technician can adjust tracks and hinges to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn-out hinges and rollers to restore their functionality.