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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door Sliding patio doors can become difficult to operate due to a variety of problems. Most of these issues are fixable. Cleaning your patio door sliding is the simplest way to fix it. You'll want to use a brush and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. After that, you can lubricate them to make them more mobile. 1. Dirty tracks or damaged tracks One of the most common causes of a squeaky or sticky patio door is the accumulation of dirt and debris in the track. Bird droppings, pine straw as well as salt and sand from winter roads, and other nasties things can block the track. This is why it's important to scrub and lubricate your sliding doors regularly. Start by putting on some rubber gloves and a pair of safety goggles to protect your eyes. Use a shop vacuum or a brush to get rid of any gunk that has escaped. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in the spray bottle. Spray a small coating of the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the track and sill. Rinse and dry the area using paper towels. This will help prevent scratching and further damage to the sill and track. When the tracks are clean, take your toothbrush and go in there to scrub the tougher areas that are stuck. You can also sand away rough spots on the bottom track. You can then re-lubricate your rollers to ensure smooth operation. Another reason for a squeaky door is misaligned rollers and can be fixed by adjusting the height and position of the rollers. It's a good idea to replace the weather stripping around the door after doing this to ensure a snug fit and increase energy efficiency. Leaking tracks are also an issue that can cause mold growth and structural damage within your home. If the leak is confined to a particular section of the track, you might be able to repair it yourself by re-sealing the joint. If the issue is widespread you should contact an expert to repair the patio door. 2. Broken or Torn Screen A patio door that does not allow for adequate airflow could make your home feel stale and uncomfortable. It can also be a perfect entry point for pests like mosquitoes and flies. If you've got a damaged screen or see fog accumulating between the panes of glass It's a good idea to call in professional help as soon as you can. If you have a standard sliding patio door, the easiest solution is to replace your existing screen with a new one. Screen material is available in rolls that are pre-measured to fit a variety of doors of standard sizes. You can also purchase a complete screen repair kit that includes the screen, spline, and roller all in one package. The process of installing a new screen starts by placing the new material on a flat surface. Then, using your scissors, cut it to length to the point that about an inch or two of the screen is overlapped on both sides of the frame. Then, take the old spline as well as any excess screen from the window frame using your utility knife. Now you can put down the new screen spline, starting at the bottom left corner of the frame and working your way around the perimeter. Once the spline is in position, run your screen rolling tool over it several times to push it in the groove of the frame. Trim any excess spline and screen with your utility blade making sure not to cut into the inner frame of the window. Check the spline and see whether there are any ripples or distortions. Adjust the screen if necessary. 3. Seals that leak If you notice that water is building up around the patio door or becoming stuck between the glass panes, it's a sure sign that your frame and seals are losing their integrity. This can lead mold and rot, as well as an increase in energy costs due to drafts and air leakage. Poorly installed flashing and caulking can lead to leaky seals. It is important to hire an experienced professional who can install patio doors and ensure that the frame is caulked and flashed. In addition to ensuring that you install the flashing, you'll also ensure that any gaps or cracks are sealed with caulking that is rated for use with the specific weather conditions. For instance, if you reside in a humid climate such as Ontario you'll need to select a caulking product that can stand up to moisture. The shims that are installed beneath the door frame could also cause leaks. These are typically made from wood and are used to keep the sheathing even with the framing, however if they're not placed correctly, they can cause gaps that allow 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, you need to call a professional come take a closer look at the installation. It's possible that a little additional caulking is all needed, or perhaps the shims have to be replaced. In either case, fixing the issue quickly will prevent any further damage and costly repairs. It is always better 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 external forces like a fluctuation in humidity, it can absorb and lose moisture, which can cause the frame to warp. A sagging frame could make it difficult to operate the door, and eventually cause damage or even failure. This is especially relevant for doors that separate garages and basements with damp living areas. A few minor repairs can generally correct a frame that is warped. Begin by looking at the frame to make sure that all bolts and screws are secure and tight. Replace any loose or missing screws. Replace the hinge screws by longer ones, preferably 2 inches or more. This will allow the screw to bite the wall framing instead of the door jamb, and pull the frame back into the right place. You can also add shims, which are small pieces of wood that can be positioned behind the hinges to adjust the frame's position. Shims can assist in supporting the frame, and distribute the weight evenly across the larger area. This will prevent the frame from becoming more distorted over time. For more severe frame warps you may want to consider hiring a professional for repair. A professional can perform an exhaustive inspection to determine the severity of the issue and provide you with an extensive repair solution. They can also install bracing in order to strengthen the frame and prevent it from sagging. This is usually a more durable and cost-effective alternative to buying new patio door components. If the frame is seriously warped, it may be necessary to replace the entire jamb of the door instead of just the door. 5. Cosmetic Damage Over time, patio doors can experience the effects of wear and wear and tear. Damage to the surface can make your doors look less than desirable and impact the aesthetic of your home. The good news is that the majority of cosmetic damage is easily repaired with bonding fillers and 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, a door's weatherstripping could lose its effectiveness over time. It could result in gaps that allow air from outside to enter your home, leading to higher energy costs. Repair My Windows And Doors for doors can install new weatherstripping to reduce energy loss and improve insulation. Moisture in the exterior of doors is always a bad thing, but it's especially risky when it comes to your patio doors. This moisture can lead to wood rot that is costly and difficult to repair. The best way to safeguard your home is to have any leaks fixed immediately by a professional trained to do so. A patio door can become misaligned over time due to foundation modifications or normal usage. This can cause patio doors to become jammed, or make it difficult to open or close. A door repair technician can adjust the tracks and hinges to ensure smooth operation. They can also replace worn-out rollers and hinges to ensure proper functioning.