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Sliding Patio Door Repair and Replacement A sliding patio door is a great addition for any home. They're easy to operate and offer the most expansive view. However, like all door in the home, they're susceptible to wear and tear that needs repair or replacement. Keep your sliding patio doors in working condition by cleaning and lubricating them frequently. Lubricating them with silicone spray or graphite will allow them to slide smoothly, extending their lifespan. Roller Replacement If your sliding patio door isn't rolling smoothly, you might need to grease it. However, if the rollers are worn out or damaged, they must be replaced. Replace your patio door rollers to make your doors operate smoothly. You will also need less pressure to open or close them. If your patio door was manufactured before 2000, you may have to take off the bottom part of the frame in order to access the rollers. If this is the situation then use a mallet made of rubber and a block of wood to tap the assembly loose and then pull it off. Save the roller screws to reinstall your new rollers. Sliding glass doors are major security points in most homes and must be secured in a secure manner. Roller wheels that are damaged or worn out can make the door difficult to push open or closed and also create gaps around the door that burglars can take advantage of. By replacing your patio door rollers you can ensure that your home is secured from unwanted visitors. After removal of the rails at the top and bottom, it is a good idea to wipe all parts of the track with an alcohol soaked cloth. This will eliminate any grime and make removing the doors from the tracks much easier. The drainage holes in the bottom track should be clearly visible however they are often clogged by dirt. If you notice that your track is susceptible to accumulating dirt, you might consider installing a stainless steel u-shaped piece that snaps onto the track to create an extra channel for water flow. These are available from CR Laurence and other retailers who specialize in sliding door replacement parts. Make sure to install the bottom panel first before installing the top panel. You should be able test the doors after they are in their original position to ensure they are smooth and don't require any excessive force to open or shut. If patio door refurbishment feel rough, you could readjust the new rollers to allow them to move more freely. Weather Strip Replacement The weather strip seals on the sliding doors gradually wear out, permitting drafts and moisture to enter. This increases the cost of energy. It is a quick and simple project that will save you money on heating costs. Sliding door weather stripping is available in a wide range of materials, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. You'll want to choose the right material that can stand up to friction as well as weather variations temperatures, extreme temperature fluctuations and foot traffic, without interfering with the door's operation. Foam and felt, for example are not expensive, but they are susceptible to weather and visible within the frame; vinyl is more expensive but lasts for years and is durable, however they may not look in the frame of a modern home; and plastic or rubber can erode over time and need regular replacement. To install new weather stripping, you must first take the door out of its casing. Locate the headstop on the top of the doors – it's usually small pieces of plastic or metal that is held in place with screws. Take off the screws and then use a flathead screwdriver to remove the headstop from the bottom of the door. Remove the old weather stripping and any residue left behind with the help of a scraper or putty knife. You'll require a lot of force to pull the door off of its track So don't attempt to do it with only one person. You can have a partner hold the door as you remove it. Find the channels that hold your weather stripping. Plugs that are in line with the color of your doors are best placed in these channels. Remove the plugs, and then pull them up on the weather stripping to separate it from its channel. There are a myriad of weather stripping that are available however the most suitable for sliding patio doors is Fin Seal. This kind of weather seal has a Mylar centered in the brush material, and is extremely robust. It is suitable for almost all climates, and can withstand the rigors of foot traffic. The back of the stripping is made of a pliable, hard material that is able to withstand the rigors a sliding patio door. Door Alignment The sliding patio doors are a wonderful addition to any home. However, just like everything else, they may require adjustments periodically to ensure they perform at their best. With time, sliding patio doors can get worn out or misaligned. This can lead to problems like sticking, bumping against frames, or not locking properly. Regular maintenance and minor adjustments will keep these issues from happening which will save you time and money. The most common reason for sliding door misalignment stems from damage to the rollers or tracks caused by sudden jolts and excessive force. This issue can be fixed quickly by using the correct tools. Your patio door will continue to slide smoothly for many years. It can also be caused by changes in temperature and humidity, weatherstripping wear, and poor installation. Parts may shift and become loose over time. This could cause the door to move, and not latch or close properly. Over time, these movements can cause air drafts and even allow water to be leaking into the home. To avoid problems like this, it is important to regularly clean and lubricate your patio door track. You can purchase a small amount of spray-on lubricant at any hardware retailer. Applying it regularly using a small bristle can help keep your track running smoothly. Another common cause of misalignment of sliding patio doors is that the latch hook is not syncing with the strike plate that is on the jamb. To fix this issue start by opening the door to expose the latch mechanism and give you full visibility and access to it. Then, locate the adjusting screw that controls this latch hook and gently rotate it in either direction to adjust its length. A properly adjusted latch hook will guarantee that the latch hits and is able to engage with the strike plate without resistance or obstruction. Once you've made the necessary adjustments, test your door to ensure that it is sliding and locks correctly. Repeat the process if there are any issues, until your sliding patio doors is fully functional. You'll save money by not paying professionals to fix costly issues. Frame Replacement Over time, the screws in sliding door frames may loosen. This allows the frame to move a small amount. By regularly checking and tightening these screws will keep your doors from sticking or becoming jammed. A sliding screen door can be corrected with a little some clamping, but hinges that are loose may require a replacement. Replacing the sliding patio door without replacing the frame is possible, but it requires careful analysis of the condition of the existing frame. This option is less expensive than a complete frame replacement and can address specific needs such as improved insulation or a new aesthetic. A complete frame replacement requires the complete removal of hinged doors frames, windows and hinges from the wall opening. This allows a brand new sliding patio door to be put in and will allow for more flexibility in style, size and material choices. Sliding glass doors are made to offer a stunning view of your backyard. However, they do begin to show signs of wear and tear over time. If your sliding glass doors are difficult to open or stuck it may be necessary to replace the track or wheels. If the frame is in good condition it could be enough to replace the doors. Before you begin, make sure your work area is free of obstructions and you've laid down a drop cloth. Then, place the sliding door flat on the work surface and remove the grilles and shades that can be removed. Utilizing a screwdriver, remove the plugs that protect the roller adjustment screws on the bottom of the frame (they are often covered with caps). Once these screws are removed, you can loosen and pull the bottom of the door away from the track. After the frame has been exposed it is possible to replace the track and the sliding door wheels. If your track for sliding doors is old or damaged it is recommended to replace it completely than repairing an existing track. You can purchase a kit for an DIY project or have an expert handle it for you. In either case, be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions for proper installation.