15 . Things That Your Boss Wishes You'd Known About Sliding Patio Door Repair
Sliding Patio Door Repair and Replacement
Sliding patio doors are a great addition to any home. They're easy to operate and provide the most expansive view. As with all doors in the house, they're susceptible to wear that requires repair or replacement.
Keep your sliding patio doors in working order by cleaning and lubricating them regularly. Lubricating them with graphite or silicone will allow them to slide smoothly, extending their lifespan.
Roller Replacement
If your sliding patio door isn't rolling easily, you may have to lubricate it. But, if the rollers are worn out or damaged, they need to be replaced. Replace your patio door rollers to ensure that your doors run smoothly. Also, you will require less force to open or shut them.
If your patio door is an older model It may be necessary to cut off the bottom portion of the frame in order to access the rollers. If this is the situation you can use a mallet made of rubber and a block of wood to tap the assembly loose and then take it off. Save the roller screws to install your new rollers.
patio door lock repair sliding doors are a significant security feature in many homes and should be properly protected. Roller wheels that are damaged or worn out can make your door hard to open or close and also create gaps around the door that intruders can exploit. Replacing your patio door's rollers will ensure that your home is safe from uninvited guests.
After removing the bottom and top rails It is a good idea to clean all the areas of the track using an alcohol-soaked cloth. This will remove any grime, making it easier to remove the doors from the track. You will see drainage holes on the bottom track, but these can get clogged with dirt. If you discover that your track is prone to collecting dirt, think about installing a stainless-steel u-shaped piece which snaps over the track to create an additional channel to allow water flow. These are available from CR Laurence and other retailers who specialize in replacement sliding door parts.
Be sure to put in the first panel before installing the top panel. Once the doors are back in place, you'll be able to verify that they slide freely and don't require any force to open or close them. If you feel that the doors are rough, you can adjust the rollers to give more clearance.
Weather Stripping Replacement
The weather strip seals on your sliding doors become worn, which allows drafts and moisture be able to. This can increase your energy costs. It is a quick and simple task that can help you save money on heating expenses.
Sliding door weather stripping is available in a variety of materials, each having distinct advantages and disadvantages. It is important to select the right material that can be able to withstand the effects of friction, temperature fluctuations as well as weather changes and foot traffic, without interfering in the sliding door's operation. Foam and felt are both inexpensive, but susceptible to weather and visible in the frame. Vinyl is more costly, but lasts for a long time. Metals are durable however they might not look appropriate in the modern home. Rubber or plastic may erode with time and will require replacement on a regular basis.
To install new weather stripping, you must first remove the door from its casing. To do this, look for the headstop at the top of the door. It's typically a thin strip of plastic or metal that's fixed by screws. Remove the screw caps, then use a flathead screwdriver to remove the headstop from the bottom of the door. Remove the old weatherstripping as well as any remaining residue using a putty blade or scraper.
You'll require a significant amount of force to pull the door off of its frame Don't try to do this with just one person. Rather, have a helper hold the door steady while you remove it from its frame.
Locate the channels that hold your weather stripping. Plugs that match your doors' color should be put in these channels. Pull the weatherstripping up to make it distinct from the channel. Take the plugs off.
There are a variety of weather stripping available and the best one for sliding patio doors is Fin Seal. This kind of weather stripping has a Mylar fin that is centered in the pile (brush material) and is very robust, suitable for almost all climates and can stand well against foot traffic. The back of the stripping is made of a pliable, hard material that is able to be able to withstand the demands of sliding patio doors.
Door Alignment
Patio doors that slide open are a fantastic feature for any home, but as with everything else, they could require a few adjustments to ensure they function at their best. With time, sliding patio doors will be worn out or out of alignment. This can lead to problems like sticking, bumping against frames, and not locking properly. Regular maintenance and minor adjustments can avoid these issues, thereby saving you money and time.
The most frequent cause of sliding door misalignment comes from damage to the tracks or rollers caused by sudden jolts or excessive force. A quick fix using the right tools can resolve this issue, keeping your patio door sliding smoothly for years to come.
It can be caused by fluctuations in temperature and humidity or weatherstripping wear, as well as inadequate installation. Parts can shift and become loose over time. This can cause the door to move, and not latch or close correctly. These changes over time could result in air drafts and water leakage into the home.
It is important to clean and lubricate the sliding patio door track regularly to avoid these issues. You can buy a small amount of spray-on lubricant at any hardware store. Applying it regularly using bristles that are small can help keep your track operating smoothly.
Another common cause of sliding patio door misalignment is the latch hook not syncing with the strike plate that is on the jamb. To fix this, you must open the door and reveal the latch mechanism. This allows you to view it in full view and gain access. Then, locate the adjustment screw that controls this latch hook, and then gently rotate it in either direction to adjust its length. A properly adjusted latch hook will ensure that the latch is able to hit and connects to the strike plate without any hindrance or resistance.
After you've made the required adjustments, test your door to make sure it locks and slides properly. Repeat the process if there are any issues, until your sliding patio door is functional. You can save money by not having to hire professionals to fix costly issues.
Frame Replacement
Over time, the screws in sliding door frames can loosen. This causes the frame to move little. By regularly checking and tightening these screws will keep your doors from sagging or becoming jammed. A sliding screen door can be corrected with a little bit of clamping, while hinges that are loose may require a replacement.
Replacing a sliding patio door without replacing the frame is feasible however, it requires careful analysis of the condition of the current frame. This is a cheaper solution than replacing the entire frame. It also can meet specific requirements, such as improved insulation.
A full frame replacement is the complete removal of the current hinged doors, window and frame from the wall opening. This allows a new sliding patio door to be installed and will allow for more options in terms of style size, dimensions and materials.
Sliding glass doors are designed to provide you with a stunning view of your backyard, however in time, they start showing signs of wear and tear. If your sliding doors are sluggish or difficult to open, you may require replacing the wheels or track. If the frame is in good shape, it may be enough to replace the doors.

Before you begin, make sure your work area is free of obstructions. You've laid down a drop cloth. Then, place the sliding door flat on a surface and remove the grilles and shades that can be removed. Then, use a screwdriver to remove the plugs that are covering the screws that adjust the rollers at the bottom of the sliding door frame (they're typically covered with caps). Once these screws are removed then you can loosen them and remove the door's bottom from the track.
Once the frame has been exposed and the frame is exposed, you can replace the track and sliding door wheels. If your sliding door track is damaged or worn out, it's best to replace it entirely rather than repairing an existing one. You can either purchase a DIY kit or hire a professional to do it. In either case, make sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for proper installation.