How to Repair Patio Doors

Sliding patio doors improve the look of your home and provide convenience and energy efficiency. They require regular maintenance to function as intended.

These simple tasks can help you extend the lifespan of your doors and reduce costly repairs. In some instances, the skills of a professional may be required for more serious damage.

Clear the Tracks

If the sliding patio door gets stuck in its tracks, it could be difficult to open and close. This is usually an easy problem to fix. In the majority of instances, the door requires lubrication to make it move again.

Regularly cleaning your sliding patio doors and their tracks can limit the buildup of dirt that could hinder the operation of the tracks. It's important to clean or scrub the sill and tracks every week to remove larger pieces of dirt. Make use of a soft sponge or cloth with mild soap, warm water and a gentle detergent to clean them and thoroughly rinse them. You can also scrub stubborn stains on the tracks with a small brush, but make sure not to scratch or harm the tracks. Be sure to clean all the nooks, crevices and corners of the sill and tracks.

After the sill and tracks are clean, they need to be cleaned with a lint-free cloth and then dried with paper towels. If you have white vinegar handy it can be used to remove stains that are stubborn on the sill and tracks. Apply a small amount of vinegar to an unclean, soft cloth and rub the area where the stain is. If the stain remains then try rubbing them with a small brush or an old toothbrush and then rinsing again.

Keep your sliding patio door tracks and doors clean to extend their life and increase their efficiency. Clean them as often as you clean your windows. Make sure you check the weather strip that surrounds patio doors regularly and replace it if damaged or worn out. This is a crucial step to reducing energy costs and ensuring comfort indoors. If you are experiencing drafts, or an increase in your heating and cooling costs, it could be time to invest new patio doors that are more efficient in insulation.

Lubricate the Locks

To ensure smooth operation, the lock mechanism must be fluidized. This can also prolong the longevity of the lock as it will not be prone to tears and wear. Light machine oil is a good choice, but you can also apply a graphite lubricant to your lock. The right lubricant will help prevent gunk buildup that can damage the pins in the lock.

Graphite is a great lubricant for the lock cylinder, since it does not get soiled or attract dirt. This dry lubricant can be found in a majority of hardware stores. It is available in a squeeze-bottle which lets you blow the powder directly into the lock. Then, simply insert your key and move it around and back to distribute the graphite throughout the internal parts of the lock.

Spray WD-40 directly onto the lock's cylinder. This will give you an instant burst of lubrication, but it could be too strong for certain locks. If the cylinder is not working it is possible to try moving the key in and out several times to spread the WD-40 across all the internal parts.

Teflon-based lubricants can be another alternative. These lubricants can withstand extreme temperatures and are extremely durable, making them a great choice for a lock. They are also water-resistant, and can help to prevent rust which can be detrimental to other types of lubricants.

If your sliding patio doors seem a bit stiff to open or close, it's probably because the locking mechanism isn't aligned with the door's frame. If you're unable fix this problem on your own, it's recommended to call in a professional locksmith. They'll be able to inspect your lock and determine what is causing it to be difficult and stiff to operate. They can also install new rollers and springs to bring back the functionality of your patio door. They'll also assist you in choosing the best locks to replace your old ones with, if necessary. So, you don't have to worry about losing your keys or having a broken door lock again!

Adjust the Rollers

Difficulty opening and closing a patio door may be due to misaligned rollers or tracks, or latches. If the door is stuck because of one or more of these issues, the fix can be simple. However, if the issue persists and you're experiencing drafts or seeing increases in your heating and cooling bills, it could be time to consider replacing your doors.

If the tracks and latch are in good condition The next thing to examine is the rollers. The rollers are an essential element of the sliding track of a door and, if damaged or worn, they may cause the door to slam. To remove the rollers, gently pull them out by taking out the screw that holds them in place using a Phillips head screwdriver.

After the screws have been removed, it is easy to remove the rollers and replace them with new ones, if required. The majority of patio screen door repair near me door systems utilize steel wheels, which may be rusty with time. The majority of newer doors come with plastic wheels, which last a lot longer than the steel ones do. If your wheels are dated and rusted, you will likely have to replace the entire set of rollers and track.

If the rollers are working well, you should be able to adjust the alignment by using the adjustment screws located at the bottom of the track. (The screwdriver that you used to remove the rollers can also work). These adjustment screws tighten or loosen track to get it positioned correctly. When you've got the adjustment right, your door will be fully in contact with the track, and there shouldn’t be any gaps.

After the adjustment is completed, lubricate the rollers and track with a silicone-based spray lubricant. Apply a generous coat of lubricant and slide the door back and forth a few times to spread it out. After the lubricant has dried and dried, you should be capable of opening and closing your patio door without getting stuck or making any noises. If you're still having issues you should contact your Milgard window dealer for assistance. They will show you how to fix the problem and help you find the problem.

Replace the Glass

Patio doors are a great way to let in sunlight and stunning views of the outside. However, they are also an issue for security as a broken window pane could easily allow intruders to break into your home. It is important to replace the glass on these door panels to ensure they are functioning and secure.

If your patio door glass has shattered, it may appear like a daunting project to replace the pane. But, if you follow the right directions replacing a window in your patio door repairs near me is actually quite easy. The task can be accomplished without taking the patio door off its frame. To begin, remove the trim around the glass, also referred to as the mull. Place a putty knife between the trim and door, and then use a small hammer and pry-bar. Wear gloves and long sleeves to prevent damaging the trim.

After the old glass is removed clean and sweep the area to eliminate any remaining pieces of broken glass and then wipe down the frame. If there are any cracks in the frame, duct tape them together to help strengthen it. Then, you can start rebuilding the door. Be sure to measure (and note the thickness) the original glass prior to starting. This will allow you to ensure that the replacement glass is the right size and thickness.

After reassembling the frame, apply some clear silicone caulk around the edges of the opening. This will stop water or air from seeping into the gap and damaging the glass. After the caulk has dried, slide the new window into position. Then, use the glazing points as a way to secure it. Once the glass is secured to the stop, replace them with brad nails and use a nail punch to tap them in.

In addition to offering a beautiful view of the outside, patio doors improve the efficiency of your home's energy use by reducing the heat and cold transfer between indoors and the outdoors. They also provide an additional layer of protection against storms and other elements that could cause damage to your windows and create leaks.