Sliding Glass Patio Door Repair
Repairs may be needed if your sliding glass patio door is squeaking, or sticking. Doors that slide open can suffer damage due to objects hitting the door, and the weather strip could be damaged which allows air to escape.
These problems are usually simple to repair. Here are some tips to fix your glass patio doors.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks
Dirt, dust and even rust can build up on the sill and track of your sliding door over time and make it difficult to open or close the door. Begin by cleaning the tracks thoroughly. Mix warm water and non-abrasive cleaner in a bucket. Dip a soft cloth into the mixture and scrub your tracks and sill. Make sure to get into the corners and other difficult to reach areas, using the butter knife wrapped in cloth to get into the nooks and crevices of the door jamb if necessary. After you've completed scrubbing, wash the sills and tracks with clean water.
Then, give the rollers and tracks a thorough lubrication to help them slide more easily when the door is shut or opened. Use silicone-based lubricant, or a similar product to lubricate your tracks and other moving parts of your patio doors. After the lubrication has dried you can open or closing your sliding glass door to see how it operates now that it is properly lubricated.
If your sliding door still stuck despite the fact that you've cleaned and lubricated your tracks, there may be a different issue that is at play. You may require new rollers, or to adjust the track's height or location. A professional can determine the issue and offer assistance in the event of need.
If your patio door leaks it's a bigger problem that needs to be addressed quickly to stop the growth of mold, structural damages, and water damage in the entire house. A patio door that leaks can be caused by a range of problems, including obstructions, damage to track and frame or installation that isn't up to par. It is possible to fix these issues by yourself, but it's better to call an expert. The professional can inspect the patio door that is leaky and fix it to prevent further water damage and leaks. They might also suggest replacing the entire frame of the patio door with a an extra durable model made from durable materials.
Damaged Rollers
The bottom rollers on sliding glass patio doors may get damaged as time passes. If your door is difficult to open, you might need to replace these components. It is possible that a lack of lubrication may cause the door to become difficult to open. Lubricating your sliding glass patio door can prevent friction and snags.
Using a vacuum with a long attachment or a soft, gentle brush with hot, soapy water is an effective method to get rid of any debris stuck in the track of your sliding glass patio door. After you have cleaned the tracks and lubricants, a silicone-based one will help reduce friction and help you open your door.
Before attempting to replace your sliding glass patio door rollers it is important to check for any obvious damage to the wheel. If you don't notice any damage or cracks, you may only require relubricating the mechanism. After relubricating your door, it is recommended to clean the track prior to installing. This will prevent the new rollers from being positioned on a filthy track, which could cause them to wear out quickly.
It is possible to replace the sliding patio door roller on your own. However it's not a task that you should attempt alone. Patio doors are heavy and tempered safety glass can break if not handled carefully. This is a job that should be done by a skilled handyman, or at least with the help of a trusted friend.
To remove your patio door locate the screw in the hole on each side of the bottom frame. This is the height adjustment screw for the rollers. The rollers are lowered by turning the screw clockwise, and raised by turning it counterclockwise. The patio door will be able to slide off its track once you have loosen all screws.
The Locking Mechanism is misaligned
As time passes, the moving parts that comprise a sliding glass door's lock mechanism may become out of alignment. This can be the result of an accident, or simply wear and tear. It also makes it difficult to open and close the door. This is a safety risk for children and pets and also reduces the efficiency of your home.
A misaligned lock could cause the door to feel shaky and unstable, allowing drafts into your home. A loose screw at the bottom of the latch could cause the issue. A simple fix can restore the latch's secure fit. In certain cases, the lock itself may require replacement.
If the lock isn't sticking at all, but the strike plate sticks when you try to open the door, humidity may cause the wood to expand and causing the latch to slip off its track. If the problem persists regardless of lubrication, it's possible that the latch may need to be replaced.
Doors that slide are a practical and attractive feature to any home. However, they can also be a source of frustration in the event that they're not functioning correctly. Cleaning the rollers and adjusting lock mechanisms are two proactive steps that will keep sliding glass patio doors operating smoothly and efficiently for a number of years to come.
If you're experiencing cracked or shattered glass, it's recommended to call in professional glass patio door repair services. Replacing a glass pane requires breaking the seal, removing glass shards that have shattering and putting in an entirely new window. This isn't a project for beginners. A piece of plywood could be used as a temporary barrier to keep children and pets away from the broken glass while you wait for repairs. A crack in the glass itself could be dangerous and must be repaired as quickly as is possible. A small crack can be repaired with clear epoxy. However, a larger crack or shattered glass will require replacement to maintain the door's insulation and safety. A reliable glass repair service is competent to handle all your glass needs safely and quickly.
Sticky Tracks
It is not a good idea to use force when opening or closing sliding glass doors. They are expensive and heavy. It can damage the door and cause more damage to the sticking issue. Use upvc patio door repairs to troubleshoot by taking the door off, examining the operation of the track and making any necessary adjustments or repairs.
It is easiest to check the wheels and tracks by removing the door and placing it on a flat surface such as a set, or sawhorses. This is a two-person task since the door is heavy and may cause injuries if it falls on the person who is in the area.
After the door has been safely removed, you can use a vacuum cleaner to rid yourself of the huge pieces of debris in the tracks. A stiff brush and soapy hot water can be used to clean the tracks and make sure they are dry before installing your door.
It's a great idea to spray clear silicone spray or clear wax on the track while it is still clean. This will help it glide smoother without attracting dirt or grime as with oil-based products.
Lubricate the top, bottom and mating edge of the door track, where it meets the door frame. These areas can often stick after the track has been cleaned however, after spraying it with lubricant and then rubbed with a rag it should move more easily.
It's also an excellent idea to examine the rollers on your sliding door to determine if they are damaged or worn out. If they are, you will have to replace them in order to allow your door to move freely. Vern's Glass, in Victorville, carries replacement rollers to accommodate a variety of sliding glass door styles.