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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door Patio doors sliding down can be difficult to operate due to a variety of problems. The majority of these issues are easily fixable. Cleaning your patio door sliding is the simplest way to fix it. You'll want to use brushes and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. Next, you can lubricate them to make them more mobile. 1. Dirty tracks or damaged tracks One of the main causes of a sticky or squeaky patio door is the accumulation of dirt and debris in the track. Pine straw, bird droppings as well as salt and sand from winter roads and other nasty things can clog up the track. This is the reason it's crucial to scrub and lubricate your sliding doors on a regular basis. Put on some rubber gloves and goggles to protect your eyes. Clean the tracks using an air vac or brushes to get rid of any gunk that has escaped. Then, mix equal amounts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray a small amount of the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the sill and track. Rinse and dry the area with paper towels. This will help prevent scratching and further damage to the sill and track. When the tracks are clean then grab a toothbrush and get in there to scrub the more difficult areas that are stuck. You can also rub rough spots onto the bottom tracks, and then relubricate the wheels to restore smooth operation. A misaligned door can also be caused by rollers that are not aligned properly. This can be corrected by adjusting the rollers' height and positioning. If you are replacing the weather stripping, it's an excellent idea to do it to ensure that it fits snugly and to increase the efficiency of your energy. Leaks from the track is also a serious issue that could lead to mold growth and structural damage to your home. If the leak is limited to a specific section of the track, you may be able fix it yourself by resealing the joint. If the issue is extensive, you should call an expert to fix the patio door. 2. patio door repairs or Torn Screen A patio door that doesn't allow for efficient airflow can make your home feel stale and uncomfortable. It could also create a cozy entryway for insects and mosquitoes. It is important to call an expert immediately if you notice an unfinished screen or fog between the glass panes. If you have a basic sliding patio door, the most straightforward option is to replace your existing screen with a new one. You can find screen material in pre-measured rolls that will fit most common door sizes. It's also available in full screen repair kits that include the screen along with spline, roller and spline all in one package. To install the new screen, start by locating a flat surface you can work from and then laying your new material on it. Then, using your scissors, cut the screen to length to the point that about an inch or two of the screen covers on both sides of the frame. Then with your utility blade, remove the old spline as as any excess screen. Now you can lay out the new screen spline beginning at the bottom left corner of the frame. Start by moving it to the perimeter. Once the spline is placed, use your screen rolling tool to push it into the groove. Then trim any excess screen and spline it with your utility knife, being careful not to cut the inside of the window frame. Also, check the spline for distortions or ripples, and then adjust the screen if needed. 3. Leaking Seals If you notice water pooling or trapped between the glass panes of your patio door, it is a sign that the frame and seals have lost their integrity. This can lead to rot and mold as well as increased energy costs due to drafts and air leakage. Caulking and flashing that is not properly installed could result in leaky seals. To prevent this from happening, it's crucial to work with an experienced professional who has experience installing patio doors and can ensure the frame is properly caulked and flashed. In addition to ensuring that you install the flashing, you'll also want to make sure that any gaps or cracks are closed with caulking rated for use with the specific weather conditions. If you live in a region that has a humid climate, like Ontario and the like, then you'll want to select the caulking product that is able to stand up to moisture. The shims which are put under the door frame can also cause leaks. These are typically made from wood and help to keep the sheathing even with the framing, but when they're not installed correctly, they can cause a gap that allows moisture into your home. Spraying the frame using a garden nozzle or hose is a great way to test the seals. If you notice the mist forming in these areas, you need to contact a professional inspect the frame at the installation. It's possible that more caulking is all that's needed, or perhaps the shims need to be replaced. Either way, addressing these issues quickly can prevent costly repairs and damages down the road. It's always better to be proactive in fixing your frame and patio door instead of waiting until it is too late! 4. Warped Frame When wood is exposed to external forces like a fluctuation in humidity, it may absorb and lose moisture, which can cause the frame to become warped. If a sagging frame begins to develop, it can make the door harder to operate and ultimately cause damage or even complete failure. This is especially relevant for doors that separate basements and garages that are damp from living areas. A few minor repairs can usually fix a sagging frame. Start by checking the frame to ensure that all screws and bolts have been tightened and secured. Replace any screws that are loose or missing. Then, replace the hinge screws with larger ones that are at least 2 inches long. This allows the screw get into the wall framing, not the door jamb, and pull the frame back into position. You can also include shims. They are small pieces that can be put in front of the hinges. This will allow you to tweak how the frame is set. Shims will help support the frame, and distribute the weight evenly over a larger area. This will stop the frame from getting more distorted with age. You might consider hiring a professional to repair more serious frame warps. A professional can perform an extensive examination to determine the severity of the problem and provide you with an extensive repair solution. They can also install bracing in order to strengthen the frame to stop it from sagging. This is usually a more durable and cost-effective solution than buying new patio door components. If the frame is severely warped, it may be necessary to replace the entire door jamb instead of just the door. 5. Cosmetic Damage Over time, your patio doors can show a lot of wear and tear. Damage to the surface can make your patio doors appear less appealing and impact the overall appearance of your home. The good news: most cosmetic damage can easily be repaired with bonding fillers and paint. If the door has large cracks or dents, it is recommended to replace it instead of trying to repair it. Similar to the seal around windows, doors' weatherstripping can be less effective as time passes. This can lead to gaps that let air from outside enter your home and increase the cost of energy. A professional repair service for doors can install new weatherstripping in order to reduce energy loss and improve insulation. Moisture on the exterior of your door is not good news however patio doors are particularly susceptible to it. The moisture could cause wood rot, which can be difficult and expensive to fix. The best way to safeguard your home is to have any leaks immediately replaced by a trained professional. A patio door could be misaligned with time due to foundation modifications or the normal use. This can cause patio doors to jam, or make it difficult to open and shut. A technician for door repair can adjust the hinges and tracks to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn out rollers and hinges in order to ensure proper functioning.