Sliding Glass Patio Door Repair

Repairs may be needed if your sliding glass patio door is squeaking or sticking. Patio doors that slide are often subject to damage due to objects hitting the door and the weather strip can break down, allowing air to enter.

These problems are usually simple to solve. Here are some helpful tips on how to fix your patio glass doors.

Tracks that are damaged or dirty

Over time, dust, dirt and even rust may build up on your sliding door track and sill, which could make it difficult to open or close the door. Start 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 sill and tracks. Use a butter knife that is wrapped with cloth to reach the corners and other areas that are difficult to reach. After you have completed cleaning, wash the tracks and sills with clean water.

Then you should give the tracks and rollers an extensive lubrication to make them slide more easily when the door is shut or opened. You can use lubricant made of silicone or another similar product which you should apply to the tracks as well as any other moving parts on your patio doors. After the lubrication has dried, you can try opening or closing your sliding glass door to see how it operates now that it is properly lubricated.

If your sliding glass door is stuck after having cleaned the tracks and applied lubrication there could be other issues at play. You may require new rollers, or to adjust the track's height and position. A professional can help you determine if this is the case and offer assistance if required.

If your patio door is leaking it is a major problem to deal with which must be addressed immediately to prevent the growth of mold and structural damage, as well as water damage throughout the home. A leaky patio door could be caused by a variety of problems, including clogs, damage to the track and frame or installation that isn't up to par. You can fix these issues by yourself, but it's better to call an expert. A professional will inspect the patio door that is leaking and repair it to avoid further leaks and water damage. They may also recommend replacing the entire frame of the patio door with a more durable model made from long-lasting materials.

Damaged Rollers

The bottom rollers on sliding glass patio doors can be damaged over time. If your door is difficult to open, you might have to replace these parts. You might also notice that the door is difficult to open due to a lack of lubrication. Lubricating the sliding glass patio door will help prevent friction and snags.

A vacuum with an extension attachment, or a soft bristled brush, and hot soapy tap water are efficient methods of removing any debris that is stuck in the track on your sliding glass patio doors. After cleaning the tracks, you can use a silicone-based product to reduce friction and make your sliding glass patio door more easy to open.

Verify the wheels for visible damage before replacing your sliding glass patio rollers. If you don't notice any cracks or dent it is possible that you only require relubricating the mechanism. After you have lubricated your door, it is essential to clean the track again before reinstalling it. This will stop the new rollers from being positioned on a filthy track, which could cause them to wear out very quickly.

It is possible to repair a sliding patio door roller yourself. But, it's not a project that you can tackle by yourself. Patio doors are heavy and the safety glass is tempered and could break if it is not handled carefully. This job is best handled by a skilled handyman or at least with the assistance of an experienced friend.

To begin to remove your patio door, look for a screw hidden in a hole that runs along the bottom of the frame. This screw is used to adjust the height of the rollers. Turning the screw clockwise lowers the rollers, and turning counterclockwise raises them. The patio door should now slide off its track after you have loosened all screws.

The locking mechanism is not aligned correctly.

As time passes the moving components that make up the lock mechanism of a sliding glass door mechanism may become out of alignment. This could be the result of wear and tear or accidental force, this may cause the door to become difficult to open or close, causing dangers for children and pets and decreasing the energy efficiency of your home.

A misaligned locking mechanism can make the door feel loose and shaky when closed which allows drafts to enter the home. A loose screw in the bottom of the latch can cause the issue. A simple fix can make the latch more secure. In some instances, it may be necessary to replace the lock.

If the latch is sliding off the track, but the lock doesn't stick at all it could be because humidity is making the wood expand. A bit of lubrication could help resolve this issue, but if the issue persists, a replacement latch is required.

Patio doors that slide open are a practical and attractive addition to any home. However, they can be a hassle if they don't function properly. A couple of proactive steps, like cleaning the rollers and changing the lock mechanism, will keep these doors functioning smoothly and efficiently for years to come.

If you're experiencing broken or cracked glass, it's recommended to get professional glass patio door repair. Replacing a glass pane requires breaking the seal, taking out the shattered glass shards and installing a new window, which isn't a project for beginners. While you are waiting for repairs, a piece of plywood can serve as a temporary barricade to keep pets and children away from the glass that has been broken. A crack in the glass can be extremely dangerous and needs to be repaired as quickly as is possible. Smaller cracks can usually be repaired with clear epoxy resin but a more severe crack or broken pane is likely to require replacement to ensure the door's security and insulation capabilities. A reputable glass repair service will be competent to handle all your glass needs in a safe manner and efficiently.

Sticky Tracks

Sliding glass doors are expensive and heavy, so using force to open or close them is not a good idea. It could damage the glass door and exacerbate the problem. Instead, apply a patience and try to solve the issue by carefully taking off your door, examining the tracks' workings and making any adjustments or repairs necessary to eliminate the sticking.

It is the easiest way to check the wheels and tracks by removing your door and laying it on a flat surface, such as a set or sawhorses. This is a two person task because the door is extremely heavy. It may cause injuries to you or other people when it is thrown off.

Once the door has been safely removed, you can use the vacuum cleaner to clean the large debris chunks in the tracks. The tracks are cleaned using a stiff brush and hot soapy water.

If the track is clean, it's a good idea apply some clear or silicone spray to it. This will allow it to move more smoothly and not attract dirt and grime as oil based products do.

It is also recommended to lubricate the top and bottom of the track, as well as the mating edge of the door tracks when they meet the door frame. These areas tend to stick after the track is cleaned, but after spraying it with lubricant and rubbed with a rag it should move more easily.

It's also a good idea to look over the rollers on your sliding door to determine if they are damaged or worn out. If they are, you'll need to replace them to keep your door moving freely. Vern's Glass, in Victorville has replacement rollers that fit a variety sliding glass door designs.