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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door Sliding patio doors can become difficult to operate due to a range of issues. Most of these issues are easily fixable. Cleaning your sliding patio door will make it easier to fix it. You'll want to use the brush and soapy water to thoroughly clean the tracks. You can then lubricate the tracks to increase their performance. 1. Tracks that are dirty or damaged Tracks Dirt and debris in the track are the primary cause of a sticky patio door. Sand and salt from winter roads, pine straw, bird droppings, pet hair and other nastiness could clog the process. It is important to regularly lubricate and scrub your sliding doors. Start by putting on some rubber gloves and safety goggles to protect your eyes. Use a shop vacuum or a brush to get rid of any gunk that is loose. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar into spray bottles. Spray a tiny amount of the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the track and sill. Rinse and dry the area with paper towels. This will stop scratching and further damage to the sill and track. After the tracks have been cleaned, use a toothbrush to scrub the more stubborn areas that are stuck. You can also sand off rough spots on the bottom track, and then re-lubricate the rollers to bring them back to smooth operation. Another cause of a sticky door is the misalignment of the rollers that can be remedied by adjusting the height and positioning of the rollers. It's a good idea to replace the weather stripping that surrounds the door when you do this to ensure a secure fit and increase the efficiency of your energy. Leaks from the track are an issue that could lead to mold growth and structural damage to your home. You may be able repair the issue on your own if the leak is contained to a small portion of the track. Simply replace the joint. If the issue is extensive, you should call a professional to fix the patio door. 2. Broken or Torn Screen If your patio door does not allow for airflow, it could make your home feel stale and uncomfortable. It can also be a welcoming entry point for mosquitoes and pests. It is recommended to contact an expert as soon as you notice the screen is damaged or there is a fog between the glass panes. If you have a basic sliding patio door, the most straightforward solution is to replace the screen with a new one. You can buy screen material in rolls that are pre-measured to fit most door sizes. You can also purchase full screen repair kits that include the screen, spline, and roller all in one package. To put up the new screen, begin by locating a flat surface that you can work on and laying out your replacement material across it. Then, use your scissors to cut it into lengths to the point that about an inch or two of the screen overlaps on both sides of the frame. Then, you can remove the old spline as well as any screen that's left from the window frame with your utility knife. You can now lay the new screen spline beginning at the bottom left corner of the frame. Start by moving it until you reach the perimeter. Once the spline is in position, run your screen rolling tool over it several times, pushing it in the groove of the frame. Trim any excess spline and screen with your utility blade Be careful not to cut the inner frame of the window. Also, check the spline for any distortions or ripples, and then adjust the screen as needed. 3. Leaking patio door repair If you notice water getting trapped or pooling between the glass panes of your patio door, it is a sign that the seals and frame have lost their strength. This could lead to mold and decay, and increased energy bills because of drafts and air leakage. Leaking seals are usually caused by improperly installed caulking or flashing. To avoid this from happening, it's crucial to hire a professional who has expertise installing patio doors and can make sure that the frame is properly caulked and flashed. In addition to ensuring that you install the flashing, you'll want to make sure that any cracks or gaps are sealed with caulking that is suitable for your specific type of weather conditions. If you live in an area with a humid climate, like Ontario or the province of Ontario, you'll be looking for caulking products that are able to withstand humidity. Another reason that leaks seals is when the shims beneath the door frame aren't installed correctly. These are usually made of wood and keep the sheathing level with the framing. However when they aren't properly installed, they may create a gap which allows moisture to enter your home. One way to test the seals by spraying the frame using a hose or garden nozzle. If you notice the presence of a mist in these areas, call an expert to come and take a closer inspection of the frame. It's possible that a bit of more caulking is all that's needed, or perhaps the shims have to be replaced. In either case, addressing the issue quickly will prevent future damage and costly repairs. It is always better to fix your frame or patio door before it's too late to wait. 4. Warped Frame When wood is exposed outside forces, such as a change of humidity, it could absorb or lose moisture, which could cause warping. A sagging frame could make it difficult to operate the door, and eventually cause damage or even failure. This is particularly true for doors that separate basements and garages that are damp from living areas. A few minor repairs are able to usually fix a sagging frame. Begin by looking at the frame to make sure that all of the screws and bolts are tight and secure. Replace any missing or loose screws. Then, you can replace the hinge screws with longer ones that are at least 2 inches long. This will allow the screw to be able to penetrate the wall framing instead of the door jamb, which pulls the frame back into place. You can also add shims. They are small pieces that can be placed in front of the hinges. This will allow you to fine-tune the way that the frame is placed. Shims can assist in supporting the frame and distribute the weight evenly across larger areas, which will prevent the frame from becoming stretched over time. You may want to hire a professional to repair more serious frame warps. A professional will inspect the frame in depth to determine the severity and offer a comprehensive solution. They can also install additional bracing to strengthen the frame and keep it from sagging in the future. This is typically a more durable and cost-effective option than purchasing new patio door components. If the frame has been severely damaged, you might require replacing the entire jamb of the door, not just the actual door. 5. Cosmetic Damage Over time, patio doors will experience a fair amount of wear and tear. Surface damage can make your doors look less appealing and can affect the appearance of your home. The good news is that most cosmetic damage can easily be repaired using bonding fillers or paint. However when the door has significant dents or cracks, it will be best to replace it rather than trying to repair it. Like the seal around windows, doors' weatherstripping can become less effective as time passes. This can result in gaps that allow air from outside to infiltrate your home and increase energy bills. A professional in door repair can install new weatherstripping to reduce energy loss and increase insulation. Moisture on the exterior of doors is always a bad thing however, it's particularly dangerous for your patio doors. This moisture can cause wood rot that is costly and difficult to fix. Water leaks should be repaired immediately by an expert. Over time a patio door could be misaligned as a result of normal usage or foundation changes. This can cause doors to jam or make it difficult to open or close. Technicians can adjust hinges and tracks for smooth operation. They can also replace worn-out rollers and hinges to restore their functionality.