Patio Doors Repairs: 11 Thing That You're Failing To Do

Patio Doors Repairs: 11 Thing That You're Failing To Do

Sliding Patio Doors Repairs

Your sliding patio doors will let in natural light to your home, and will increase its energy efficiency. In time, they might begin to show signs that suggest some maintenance.

Luckily, the majority of problems with sliding patio doors are simple to address. Find out how you can keep your sliding patio doors looking and working like new.

Dirty or Damaged Tracks

One of the main reasons for sliding patio doors that do not open is dirty or clogged tracks. Over time, the dirt and grime from everyday usage can accumulate on the track.  repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk  can cause the door jam or break completely.

A regular cleaning of sliding doors and tracks as part of your household chores can help to reduce the amount of build-up. Begin by brushing or vacuuming any big debris from the tracks, and then wipe them clean using warm water and a non-abrasive cleaning product like dish soap. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to help get rid of stubborn grease and dirt staining.

If you notice that your sliding door still won't move smoothly after following these steps, it may be the sign of more severe damage and requires a professional repair or replacement. But, there are simple fixes that you can try before calling in the experts to avoid costly repairs or replacements.

Place a doormat under your sliding doors. This will help catch dirt before it gets to the tracks. Regularly trim any plants and bushes that are near your sliding door to reduce the amount of debris tracked into the tracks. Close the door correctly to ensure that you don't damage the rollers or wheels. You can extend the life of your doors by maintaining them clean and lubricated.

Rollers that are misaligned

Occasionally the sliding patio door may become out of alignment or becomes stuck. Most often, this is due to obstructions or dirt which can be easily removed. But sometimes it can also be due to a bent track or roller. In this instance you can straighten the rollers by taking them off by using the adjustment screws and cleaning with ruby alcohol. These parts are often fragile.

If your doors are sticking, you can lubricate the rollers. This will decrease friction and allow them to slide more easily. Make use of a silicone-based product as petroleum-based lubricants can attract dirt more quickly. It is also important to clean the tracks and rollers before applying lubricant.

Once you've cleaned the rollers, you are able to reinstall them using their adjustment screws. Use the same lubricant you used to clean them. When reinstalling the rollers, make sure you push them completely into their channels. You can test the door and see if it slides smoothly.

If the issue persists, it might be necessary to remove your door and check the tracks and rollers for more significant problems. If the tracks or wheels are badly bent they may require you to replace them. It is recommended to hire a professional to install the tracks or rollers in this scenario.

Warped Glass

Sliding glass doors are excellent to bring the outdoors into your home and letting in natural sunlight however, they can also be susceptible to damage that requires repair or replacement. Some of the most common problems that occur include cracking, warping and fade. The materials that make up the sliding glass patio doors begin to break down when exposed sunlight, heat and other environmental factors. The most common cause of cracking is injuries caused by impact, like from a lawn mower or ball run-in, whereas fading typically happens due to repeated contact with sunlight and other natural elements.

If you have sliding glass patio doors that are hard to open and close, this could be a sign that the tracks and rollers aren't working correctly. This could be due to the accumulation of dirt, rust, or debris in the track, or misaligned wheels or a lack of lubrication. Cleaning the rollers and tracks by removing obstructions, and then applying silicone spray may aid in resolving this issue.


The locking mechanism might be faulty and make it difficult to open and close your sliding patio doors. It could be caused by misalignment, wear and tear, or an amalgamation of both. To fix this, simply adjust the locking mechanism by turning the hidden adjustment screws located at the bottom.

Air leaks or drafts around your sliding patio doors are a typical problem that can drastically decrease their energy efficiency. These issues are typically caused by worn-out weather stripping or poor door alignment. This issue can be easily fixed by replacing the weather stripping, and realigning your doors.

Loose Handle

It can be frustrating when the handle of a sliding door becomes loose. It makes it difficult to open. This is due to an incorrectly aligned lock mechanism. It can be repaired by tightening and loosening the screws holding it in the correct position.

A loose handle may result from the handle breaking off from the spindle that connects it to the inside or exterior handles. This is often due to a variety of factors including excessive use, wear and tear or just general aging. If the issue isn't addressed quickly, it could eventually result in the entire handle becoming loose, and potentially falling off entirely.

To solve this issue to fix it, you must first locate the screws that connect the interior and exterior handles. They are usually concealed by tabs made of plastic, which can be removed using a flathead screwdriver (or in the case of some handles, a Phillips head screwdriver). It's a good idea to keep these screws safe so that you don't loose them.

After removing the old handles the next step will be to take off the spindle. You can do this by pounding the ends of the spindle with the hammer until it's removed from its place within the door. The new handle is fitted by putting the spindle into the interior handle hole and the other end into the exterior handle hole. Once the handle is in place it can be tightened by screwing the screws back in and then testing to ensure that the locking and unlock mechanisms function correctly.

Unusual Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping that's cracked or worn can allow water and air to seep into your patio door, causing damage to your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It can let in moisture and create drafts, which will increase your heating and cooling costs. Fortunately, replacing faulty weatherstripping is a simple fix that doesn't require professional help. You can remove the old weatherstripping by either loosing the staples with the help of a screwdriver or by gently prying it off with the help of a putty blade, and then taking it off the door. Clean the area, and apply an additional layer of weatherstripping that is backed with a foam seal. This will stop leaks and increase the comfort of your.

If your sliding patio doors are no operating as they should, it's essential to address the issue immediately to prevent any further damage and ensure they remain functional for years to come. Depending on the nature of the problem, DIY or professional repair/replacement may be the best choice.

Most sliding patio door problems are caused by dirty rollers, faulty tracks, or a loose handle. These issues can be resolved through regular cleaning and maintenance, such as changing the track's lubricant and adjust, and tightening the hardware. If these methods are not working then you should seek advice from a professional to make sure that your patio is operating just as it should. If you decide to replace or repair your patio door, be sure to check its warranty information to ensure that it's covered by the manufacturer's warranty. This will save you money on repairs or replacements in the near future.