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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door A variety of problems can make it difficult to operate sliding patio doors. The majority of these issues are fixable. The most efficient method to fix your sliding patio door is to clean it. Make use of a brush and soapy water to wash the tracks. You can then lubricate the tracks to enhance their performance. 1. Dirty tracks or damaged tracks One of the most common causes of a sticky or squeaky patio door is the accumulation of dirt and debris in the track. Sand and salt from winter roads, pine straw and bird droppings, pet hair, and other unpleasant things can clog the works. It is important to regularly clean and lubricate your sliding doors. Wear rubber goggles and gloves to shield your eyes. Then, vacuum the tracks with the help of a shop vac or a brush to remove the gunk. Then, mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray a small amount of 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. After the tracks have been cleaned, use a toothbrush to scrub the more difficult areas that are stuck. You can also smooth rough spots on the bottom tracks, and then apply lubrication to the wheels to ensure smooth operation. A misaligned door can also be caused by rollers that are not aligned properly. This can be corrected by changing the rollers' height as well as their position. It is a good idea to replace the weather stripping on the door whenever you do this to ensure a snug fit and increase energy efficiency. Leaking tracks are also an issue that can cause to mold growth and structural damage in your home. You may be able fix the problem yourself when the leak is restricted to a specific section of the track. Simply re-seal the joint. If the issue is extensive you should contact an expert to repair the patio door. 2. Broken or damaged screen A patio door that isn't designed for adequate airflow could make your home feel stale and uncomfortable. It could also be a welcome entryway for pests and mosquitoes. It is recommended to contact a professional immediately if you notice an unfinished screen or fog in between the glass panes. If RepairMyWindowsAndDoors have an old screen on your patio door, it is simple to replace it with a brand new screen. You can find screen material in pre-measured rolls that should fit most common door sizes. It's also available in full screen repair kits that contain the screen along with spline, roller and spline all in one package. To install the new screen, begin by locating a solid surface you can work from and laying out your replacement material on it. Then, using your scissors, cut the screen to length so that about an inch or two of the screen is overlapped on each side of the frame. Then using your utility knife, remove the old spline as well any screen that is not needed. Now you can lay down the new screen spline beginning at the bottom left corner of the frame and working your way around the perimeter. Once the spline has been put in place, run the screen rolling tool over it several times to push it into the groove of the frame. Trim any excess screen and spline using your utility knife, making sure not to cut the interior of the window frame. Examine the spline to determine if there are any distortions or ripples. Adjust the screen as needed. 3. Leaking Seals If you notice that water is collecting or accumulating between the glass panes of your patio door, it is an indication that the frame and seals have lost their strength. This can cause mold and rot, not to mention increased costs for energy due to drafts and air leakage. Caulking and flashing that is not properly installed can lead to leaky seals. To prevent this from happening, it's important to work with an expert who has previous experience installing patio doors and can ensure that the frame is correctly flashed and caulked. In addition to properly installing the flashing, you'll also be sure that any gaps or cracks are sealed with caulking that is rated for use with the specific weather conditions. For instance, if you reside in a humid climate like Ontario you'll need to select a caulking option that will stand up well to moisture. The shims which are put under the door frame can also cause leaks. These are usually made of wood and keep the sheathing in line with the framing. But, if they are not installed correctly, they could cause a gap, which could allow moisture to enter your home. Spraying the frame using a garden nozzle or hose is a great method to test seals. If you see an airborne mist escaping these areas, call a professional who can visit and conduct a more thorough inspection 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 the possibility of further damage and costly repairs. It's always better to be proactive in repairing your patio door and frame instead of waiting until it's too late! 4. Warped Frame When wood is exposed to outside factors, like a fluctuation of humidity, it could absorb or lose moisture which could cause warping. A sagging frame can make it difficult to operate the door and eventually cause damage or even failure. This is especially the case for doors that divide 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 make sure that all the screws and bolts have been tightened and secured. Replace any screws that are missing or loose. Replace the hinge screws by longer ones, usually 2 inches or more. This will allow the screw to get into the wall framing, not the door jamb, and pull the frame back into place. You can also add shims, which are thin pieces of wood that can be positioned behind the hinges in order to fine-tune the frame's positioning. Shims can help support the frame and spread the weight evenly across more of the area. This will prevent the frame from getting more distorted with age. You may want to hire a professional to repair more severe frame warps. A professional can 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 keep it from sliding in the future. In most instances this is a much more durable and cost-effective solution than simply buying new patio door components. If the frame is severely damaged, it could be necessary to replace the entire jamb of the door instead of just the door. 5. Cosmetic Damage Over time, your patio doors can show many wear and wear and tear. Surface damage can make your patio doors appear less appealing, and impact the overall appearance of your home. The good news is that most cosmetic damage can be repaired with the help of bonding fillers as well as paint. However should the door have significant dents or cracks, it will be best to replace it instead of trying to repair it. The weatherstripping on doors may become less effective over time, similar to the seal around windows. This can cause gaps that allow air from outside to enter your home and increase energy bills. A door repair professional can install new weatherstripping to reduce energy loss and increase insulation. Moisture around the exterior of doors is always bad news, but it's especially dangerous when it comes to your patio doors. This moisture can lead to wood rot that is costly and difficult to fix. Water leaks should be addressed immediately by an expert. A patio door could be misaligned with time due to foundation modifications or regular usage. This can cause the doors to become jammed or difficult to open and close. A door repair technician can realign the hinges and tracks to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn rollers and hinges in order to restore functionality.