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Sliding Patio Doors Repairs Your sliding glass patio doors to let in more light and increase your home's energy efficiency. However, over time they could show signs of wear and tear that require some attention. Luckily, most of the issues with sliding patio doors are fairly easy to fix. Learn more about how to keep your patio doors looking and working like new:. Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks One of the most frequent causes of sliding patio doors that won't open is dirty or blocked tracks. Over time, dirt and grime from everyday use can build up on the track. This could cause the door jam to become damaged or even break completely. Including regular light cleaning of sliding doors and their tracks as part of your household chores can help reduce the build-up. Begin by cleaning large debris off the tracks. Then apply sliding glass door repair and non-abrasive cleansing products such as dish soap to wipe them down. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to remove stubborn grease and dirt stains. If you notice that your sliding door isn't able to move smoothly after completing these steps, it could be a sign of more serious damage that requires professional repair or replacement. There are a variety of easy fixes you can try before calling the experts to save on costly repairs or replacements. It is essential to put a doormat on the bottom of your sliding doors to catch dirt before it can get to the tracks. It is also important to cut any bushes or plants close to your sliding doors in order to reduce the amount of debris that gets tracked into the tracks. Make sure to close the door properly so it doesn't crash into the tracks and cause damage to the rollers and wheels. By keeping your doors clean and lubricated you can extend their lifespan considerably. Rollers that are not aligned Sometimes, a patio sliding may become out of alignment. It is usually due to dirt or other obstructions that can be easily fixed. However, it could also be the result of bent tracks or rollers. In this case, you can realign the rollers by taking them off by using the adjustment screws and then cleaning with the rubbing alcohol. These parts are prone to damage. If your doors are still stuck, you can try applying lubrication to the rollers to decrease friction and make it easier for them to slide. It is recommended to apply a silicone-based lubricant since petroleum-based ones tend to attract dirt faster. It is crucial to clean the rollers and tracks prior to applying lubrication. After cleaning the rollers, you can reinstall using the adjustment screws. It is recommended to use the same lubricant you used when cleaning them. Be sure to push the rollers all the way into their channels when you reinstall them. You can test your door now and see if it moves smoothly. If the issue persists, it may be necessary to remove the door and check the rollers and tracks. If the tracks or rollers are bent in a way or bent, they may have to be replaced. It is recommended to hire a professional to install the tracks or rollers in this case. Warped Glass Sliding glass doors are ideal for bringing the outdoors into a room and letting in natural light but they could also be vulnerable to damage that requires repair or replacement. Warping, cracking and fading are a few of the most common problems. The materials used to make the sliding glass patio doors begin to break down when exposed sunlight, heat and other environmental factors. The most common cause of cracking is the impact of a collision, for example from a lawn mower or ball run-in, whereas fading typically happens due to repeated contact with sunlight and other elements found in nature. If you have sliding glass patio doors that are hard to close and open, this could indicate that the tracks and rollers aren't working correctly. This issue may result from accumulated dirt, rust or debris in the track, wheels that are not aligned or a lack of lubrication. This problem can be resolved by regularly cleaning the rollers, tracks and clearing obstructions. The locking mechanism might also be defective, making it difficult to open and shut your sliding patio doors. This could be caused by the alignment of the track or wear and tear but a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanisms by turning the adjustment screws hidden on the bottom of the track. Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio doors are a common problem that can drastically reduce their energy efficiency. These issues are typically caused by worn-out weather stripping or poor alignment of the door. This can be easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping and re-aligning your doors. Loose Handle It can be frustrating when the handle of a sliding door becomes loose. It makes it difficult to open the door. This is typically caused by an improperly aligned locking mechanism, which can be fixed by loosening the screws that secure it and tightening them until they're snug against the door jamb. Another common reason for a loose handle is that it has separated from the spindle that connects the handles' exterior and interior. This can be the result of a number of reasons, including excessive use, wear and tear or just general aging. If the problem is not addressed quickly, it could eventually lead to the entire handle becoming loose, and potentially falling off entirely. The best method to solve this issue is by first finding the screws that connect the handles' exterior and interior. They are usually concealed by tabs made of plastic, which can be removed with a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of some handles, a Phillips head screwdriver). It's a good idea to keep these screws in a safe place so that you don't loose them. After removing the old handles then the next step would be to remove the spindle. This can be done by tapping on the end with a mallet or hammer until it comes loose from its place inside the door. Then, the new handle can be fitted by simply putting the spindle through the hole in the handle inside and inserting the other end of the spindle into the hole in the outside handle. Once the handle has been installed and tightened, screw back the screws and then check to ensure that the lock and unlock mechanism is working correctly. Unusual Weatherstripping Weatherstripping that's damaged or cracked may allow water and air to be able to seep into your patio door, compromising your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It can let in moisture and create drafts, which can increase the cost of cooling and heating. It's easy to replace faulty weatherstripping, even without the assistance of a professional. The first step is to take off the old stripping by loosing its staples using the help of a screwdriver or by pinning it gently using the help of a putty knife before taking it away from the door. You can then clean the area, and apply a layer of weatherstripping which is secured by foam seal. This will stop leaks and improve comfort. If your sliding patio doors are no operating as they should, it's crucial to take action immediately to avoid any further damage and ensure they remain functional for a long time to come. Depending on the severity of the issue, DIY or professional repair/replacement may be the best solution. Most problems with sliding patio doors are caused by dirty rollers, misaligned tracks, or a loose handle. These issues are usually solved through regular cleaning and maintenance, such as applying lubrication and adjusting the track, and tightening the hardware. However, if these methods don't work, it's best to seek advice from a professional to ensure that your patio door is operating as it should. If you decide to replace or repair your patio door, be certain to verify its warranty information to ensure that it is covered under the manufacturer's guarantee. This can save you money on repairs or replacements in the future.