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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door Sliding patio doors can become difficult to operate due to a range of problems. Luckily, most of these issues can be easily fixed. The most efficient way to repair your sliding patio door is to clean it. You'll want to use a brush and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. Next you can lubricate them to make them more mobile. 1. Dirty or Damaged Tracks Dirt and debris in the track are the primary cause of a sticky patio door. Pine straw, bird droppings as well as salt and sand from winter roads and other nasty things can clog up the track. It's important to regularly lubricate and scrub your sliding doors. Put on a pair of rubber goggles and gloves to protect your eyes. Clean the tracks using the help of a shop vac or a brush to remove any gunk that has escaped. Then, mix equal amounts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray a small amount of the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the track and sill. Rinse the area, and dry it using paper towels to avoid scratching or further harming the track and sill. After the tracks have been cleaned then use a toothbrush to scrub the more stubborn areas that are stuck. You can also sand away rough spots on the bottom track, and then re-lubricate the rollers to ensure smooth operation. Another reason for a squeaky door is the misalignment of the rollers and can be fixed by adjusting the height and positioning of the rollers. It is a good idea to replace the weather stripping on the door when you do this to ensure a secure fit and improve energy efficiency. Leaks from the track is also a serious problem that could lead to mold growth and structural damage to your home. If the leak is restricted to one section of the track, you might be able to fix it yourself by re-sealing the joint. If the problem is widespread it is best to call an expert to repair the patio door. 2. Broken or damaged screen A patio door that doesn't allow for a good air flow can make your home feel stale and uncomfortable. It can also be a welcoming entry point for pests and mosquitoes. It is recommended to contact a professional when you spot the screen is damaged or there is a fog in between the glass panes. If you have an old screen that is hanging on your patio door, it is easy to replace it with a new one. Screen material is available in rolls that are pre-measured to fit a variety of doors of standard sizes. It's also offered in complete screen repair kits that contain the screen along with spline, roller and spline all in one package. To put up the new screen, begin by locating a solid surface you can work from and then lay out your replacement material on it. Use your scissors to cut the screen to the desired length and make sure it covers the frame on both sides by approximately an inch. Then, take the old spline along with any screen that is left over from the window frame with your utility knife. Now you can lay the new screen spline, starting at the lower left corner of the frame and working through the entire perimeter. Once the spline has been put in place, run your screen rolling tool across it several times to push it into the groove of the frame. Trim any excess spline and screen using your utility knife, taking care not to cut the inside frame of the window. You should also check the spline for any distortions or ripples and adjust the screen if needed. 3. Leaking Seals If you notice water building up around the patio door, or getting trapped between the glass panes, it's a sure sign that your seals and frame are deteriorating. This can lead to rot and mold, not to mention increased energy bills due to air leakage and drafts. Incorrectly installed flashing and caulking could result in leaky seals. It is essential to hire an experienced professional who is able to install patio doors and make sure that the frame is properly caulked and flashed. In addition to properly installing the flashing, you'll want to make sure that any cracks or gaps are sealed with caulking that is suitable for your particular type of weather conditions. If you live in an area that has humid climates, such as Ontario and the like, then you'll want to select caulking products that are able to withstand moisture. The shims that are placed under the door frame may also cause leaks. These are usually made of wood and help keep the sheathing at a level with the framing. But, if they are not installed correctly, they can create a gap which allows moisture to enter your home. Spraying the frame using a garden nozzle or hose is a good way to test seals. If you see a mist coming in through these areas, it's time to call a professional to come take a closer look at the installation. It's possible that a little additional caulking is all required, or the shims have to be replaced. In either case, fixing the issue fast will avoid any further damage and costly repairs. It is always best to repair your patio door or frame before it's too late than to wait. 4. Warped Frame When wood is exposed to outside forces, such as a change of humidity, it could absorb or lose moisture that can cause warping. When a sagging frame develops it makes the door more difficult to operate and eventually lead to damage or complete failure. This is particularly the case for doors that divide damp basements and garages from living areas. A few minor repairs can usually fix a sagging frame. Start by examining the frame to ensure that all bolts and screws are tightened and secured. Replace any loose or missing screws. Then, replace the hinge screws with longer ones that are at least 2 inches long. This will allow the screw to pierce the wall framing instead of the door jamb and pull the frame back into the right place. You can also try adding shims, which are tiny pieces of wood that can be placed behind the hinges to fine-tune the position of the frame. Shims can help support the frame and spread the weight evenly across more of the area. This will stop the frame from becoming more distorted over time. For more severe frame warps, you might want to think about hiring a professional to repair. A professional can perform an exhaustive examination to determine the severity of the problem and offer a complete repair solution. They can also put in additional bracing to reinforce the frame and help to keep it from sagging in the future. This is usually an easier and more durable option than purchasing new patio door components. If the frame has significantly warped, you may require replacing the entire jamb of the door instead of just the actual door. 5. Cosmetic Damage Over time, patio door can suffer from many wear and wear and. Damage to the surface can cause your doors to look less than appealing and can affect the appearance of your home. The good news is that most cosmetic damage can easily be repaired with bonding fillers or paint. If the door has significant dents or cracks it is recommended to replace it instead of trying to repair it. The weatherstripping on doors may become less effective over time, just like the seal around windows. This can lead to gaps that allow air from outside to get into your home, causing an increase in the cost of energy. A professional door repair can install new weatherstripping to reduce energy loss and improve insulation. Moisture on the exterior of your door is never good news however patio doors are particularly vulnerable to it. This moisture can lead to wood rot, which is costly and difficult to fix. patio doors repairs should be addressed immediately by a professional. A patio door may be misaligned with time due to foundation modifications or the normal use. This can cause the doors to jam or make it difficult to open and shut. A door repair technician can realign the tracks and hinges to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn hinges and rollers to restore proper functionality.