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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door Patio doors that slide can become difficult to operate due to a range of issues. Luckily, most of these problems are easily solved. The most efficient way to repair your sliding patio door is to clean it. Use a brush and some soapy water to clean the tracks. You can then lubricate the tracks to enhance their performance. 1. Tracks that are damaged or dirty Dirt and debris in the track are the most common cause of a sticky patio door. Sand and salt from winter roads, pine straw, bird droppings, pet hair, and other nastiness can gum up the work. This is why it's essential to clean and lubricate your sliding doors on a regular basis. Start by putting on rubber gloves and safety goggles to protect your eyes. Clean the tracks using the help of a shop vac or brushes to get rid of loose gunk. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in the spray bottle. Spray a small amount of the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the track. Rinse the area and then dry it with paper towels to avoid scratching and damage to the track and sill. After the tracks have been cleaned then use a toothbrush to scrub the more difficult areas that are stuck. You can also rub rough spots onto the bottom tracks. You can then replenish the wheels with lubricant to ensure smooth operation. Another reason for a squeaky door is a misaligned roller and can be corrected by altering the height and positioning of the rollers. It's a good idea to replace the weather stripping on the door after doing this to ensure a secure fit and increase the efficiency of your energy. Leaking read more are also an issue that can result in mold growth and structural damage in your home. If the leak is confined to a specific section of the track, you may be able to repair it yourself by resealing the joint. If the issue is widespread, it's best to contact a professional to repair the patio door. 2. Broken or Torn Screen A patio door that doesn't allow for adequate airflow could make your home feel stuffy and uncomfortable. It can also create a cozy entryway for mosquitoes and other pests. If you've damaged a screen or notice fog growing between the panes of glass, it's a good idea to contact a professional as soon as possible. If you have an old screen on your patio door, it is simple to replace it with a new one. Screen material is available in pre-measured rolls that will fit most common door sizes. It's also available in full screen repair kits that include the screen along with spline, roller and spline all in one package. Installing a new screen begins by laying the replacement material on a firm surface. Then, use your scissors to cut it into lengths to ensure that an inch or two of the screen covers on both sides of the frame. Next, remove the old spline as well as any excess screen from the window frame with your utility knife. Now you can put down the new screen spline starting at the bottom left corner of the frame and work towards the edges. Once the spline is in position, run your screen rolling tool over it several times to push it tightly into the groove of the frame. Trim any excess screen and spline with your utility knife, taking care not to cut into the inside of the frame. Check the spline and see if there are any distortions or ripples. Adjust the screen if needed. 3. Leaking Seals If you see water pooling or trapped between the glass panes of your patio door, it is an indication that the seals and frame have lost their elasticity. This could lead to rot and mold and even higher energy costs due to air leakage and drafts. Caulking and flashing that is not properly installed can result in leaky seals. To prevent this from happening, it's essential to find an experienced professional who has experience installing patio doors and will make sure that the frame is properly flashed and caulked. You'll want to seal any cracks or gaps using caulking that is designed for your specific kind of weather. For example, if you live in a humid climate like Ontario, you'll want to choose a caulking that will stand up well to humidity. Another reason that leaks seals is when the shims beneath the door frame are not installed correctly. They are typically made of wood and keep the sheathing at a level with the framing. However, if they are not installed correctly, they could create a gap which allows moisture to enter your home. Spraying the frame with a garden nozzle or hose is a great way to test seals. If you notice a mist coming in through these areas, it's time to contact a professional come take a closer look at the installation. It's possible that additional caulking is all needed, or perhaps the shims have to be replaced. In any case it's important to address these issues promptly. will prevent costly repairs and further damage later on. It is always best to repair your frame or patio door before it's too late than to put off repairs. 4. Warped Frame When wood is exposed to outside factors, like a change in humidity, it can absorb and lose moisture, which can cause the frame to become warped. When a sagging frame develops it makes the door less functional and can ultimately lead to damage or even 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 secure and tight. Replace any loose or missing screws. Replace the hinge screws with longer ones, preferably 2 inches or more. This allows the screw to bite into the wall framing, not the door jamb, which will pull the frame back into position. You can also add shims, which are small pieces of wood that can be positioned behind the hinges to fine-tune the frame's positioning. Shims can assist in supporting the frame and spread the weight evenly over more of the area. This will prevent the frame from getting more distorted with age. For more severe frame warps you may want to consider hiring a professional to fix the issue. A professional can perform an extensive inspection to determine the severity of the issue and provide you with a complete repair solution. They can also put in additional bracing to strengthen the frame and keep it from sagging in the future. This is typically a more durable and cost-effective solution than buying new patio door components. If the frame is seriously damaged, it could be necessary to replace the entire door jamb instead of just the door itself. 5. Cosmetic Damage Over time, your patio door can suffer from the effects of wear and tear. Damage to the surface can cause your doors to look less than attractive and affect the appearance of your home. The good news is that most cosmetic damage can easily be repaired using bonding fillers or paint. However, if the door has significant cracks or dents it is best to replace it rather than trying to repair it. Similar to the seal around windows, doors' weatherstripping may become less effective as time passes. It can result in gaps that allow outside air to get into your home, which can lead to higher energy bills. A professional in door repair can install new weatherstripping in order to reduce energy loss and increase insulation. Moisture around the exterior of doors is always bad news, but it's especially dangerous for your patio doors. This moisture can lead to wood rot, which can be costly and difficult to fix. The best way to safeguard your home is to have any water leaks immediately replaced by a professional trained to do so. A patio door may be misaligned over time due to foundation changes or the normal use. This can cause the patio doors to jam, or make it difficult to open or close. A door repair technician can adjust the hinges and tracks to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn rollers and hinges in order to restore proper functionality.