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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door Sliding patio doors can become difficult to operate due to a range of problems. Luckily, most of these problems can be fixed easily. Cleaning your patio door sliding will make it easier 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 improve their movement. 1. Tracks that are damaged or dirty One of the most common causes of a squeaky or sticky patio door is dirt and debris in the track. Sand and salt from winter roads, pine straw and bird droppings, pet hair and other unpleasant things can clog the work. It's important to regularly lubricate and scrub your sliding doors. Start by putting on rubber gloves and safety glasses to shield your eyes. Make use of a shop vacuum or a brush to remove any gunk that is loose. Next, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in the spray bottle. Spray a small amount of the solution on your cleaning brushes and scrub the track. Rinse and dry the area with paper towels. This will stop scratching and further damage to the track and sill. After the tracks have been cleaned, use a toothbrush to scrub the more stubborn areas that are stuck. You can also sand rough spots on the bottom tracks, and then relubricate the wheels to restore smooth operation. Another reason for a squeaky door is a misaligned roller that can be corrected by altering the height and positioning of the rollers. It is a good idea to replace the weather stripping that surrounds the door when you do this to ensure a secure fit and improve energy efficiency. Leaking from the track is also a serious issue that can lead to mold growth and structural damage to your home. You may be able repair the issue on your own when the leak is restricted to a specific section of the track. Simply seal the joint. If however, the issue is widespread, it's best to seek out a professional to repair the patio door. 2. Broken or Torn Screen If your patio door doesn't allow airflow, it could make your home feel uncomfortable and uncomfortable. It could also create a welcoming entryway for insects and mosquitoes. Suggested Looking at should call a professional as soon as you notice a broken screen or fog in between the glass panes. If you have a basic sliding patio door, the most straightforward solution is to replace the existing screen with a new one. Screen material is available in pre-measured rolls that will accommodate the majority of door sizes. You can also buy a complete screen repair kit that includes the screen, spline and roller in one box. For the installation of the new screen, start by locating a flat surface to work from and then lay out your replacement material across it. Use your scissors to cut the screen to the length you want, so that it overlaps the frame on both sides by around 1 inch. Next, remove the old spline and any excess screen from the window frame using your utility knife. It is now possible to lay the new screen spline, beginning at the bottom left corner of the frame. Work your way around until you reach the perimeter. Once the spline has been put in position, run your screen rolling tool over it several times, pushing it into the groove of the frame. Then trim any excess screen and spline using your utility knife, making sure not to cut through the interior of the frame. You should also examine the spline for any ripples or distortions and adjust the screen if needed. 3. Seals that leak If you notice that water is pooling around the patio door or getting stuck between the glass panes, it's a sure sign that your seals and frame are losing their integrity. This can lead mold and decay, as well as higher energy bills due to air leakage and drafts. Leaking seals are usually caused by improperly installed flashing or caulking. To prevent this from happening, it's important to work with an expert who has previous experience installing patio doors and will ensure the frame is properly flashed and caulked. In addition to installing the flashing, you'll also want to make sure that any cracks or gaps are sealed with caulking that is suitable for the specific weather conditions. For instance, if you live in a humid climate such as Ontario, you'll want to select a caulking option that can stand up to moisture. Another reason for leaky seals is when the shims underneath the door frame aren't put in the right place. They are usually made of wood and are used to keep the sheathing in line with the framing, but if they're not placed correctly, they can create a gap that allows moisture to enter your home. One way to test the seals by spraying the frame using the help of a garden nozzle or hose. If you notice an airborne mist entering these areas, you need to call a professional come take a closer look at the installation. You may only need to apply a bit of caulking or replace the shims. In either case, addressing the issue fast will avoid the possibility of further damage and costly repairs. It is always better to fix your patio door or frame before it's too late to put off the repair. 4. Warped Frame When wood is exposed to external forces, such as a fluctuation in humidity, it will absorb and lose moisture, which could cause the frame to warp. A sagging frame could make it difficult to operate the door and ultimately cause damage or failure. This is especially true for doors that separate damp garages and basements from living areas. A few minor repairs are able to generally correct a frame that is warped. Begin by checking the frame to make sure that all bolts and screws have been tightened and secured. Replace any screws that are loose or missing. Then, replace the hinge screws with longer ones that are at least 2 inches long. This will allow the screw to pierce the wall framing instead of the door jamb, and pull the frame back into place. You can also add shims. These are thin pieces that can be put in front of the hinges. This will allow you to tweak the way that the frame is placed. Shims will help support the frame, and distribute the weight evenly over a larger area. This will stop the frame becoming more distorted with age. You might want to engage an expert to repair serious frame warps. A professional will inspect the frame thoroughly to determine the severity and offer a complete solution. They can also install bracing in order to strengthen the frame in order to stop it from sagging. In the majority of instances this is a much more cost-effective and durable solution than simply buying new patio door parts. If the frame has severely damaged, you might need to replace the entire jamb of the door, not just the actual door. 5. Cosmetic Damage Over time, patio doors be subject to a lot of wear and tear. Surface damage can make your doors appear 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 cracks or dents, it will be best to replace it rather than trying to repair it. Weatherstripping on doors can also become less effective over time, just like the seal around windows. It could result in gaps that allow outside air to get into your home, which leads to higher energy costs. A professional door repair specialist can install new weatherstripping in order to decrease energy loss and improve insulation. Moisture in the exterior of doors is always a problem however, it's particularly risky when it comes to your patio doors. This moisture can cause wood rot, which is costly and difficult to repair. The best method to protect your home is to have any leaks repaired immediately by a certified professional. Over time a patio door could be misaligned as a result of normal usage or foundation changes. This can cause the doors to jam or make it difficult to open and shut. Technicians can adjust hinges and tracks for smooth operation. They can also replace worn-out rollers and hinges to restore their functionality.