Ten Patio Door Repair That Will Actually Improve Your Life

Tilt and Slide Patio Door Repairs Near Me

Patio doors are a simple way to move from the inside to the outside, whether you're entertaining friends or just enjoying the outside. You might need to adjust your patio door if it's not moving smoothly.

Remove the plastic plugs and locate the screws that adjust the lower rail to adjust the height or lower of your door. Make sure the door is even and is moving smoothly (Photo 1).

Window Treatments

When selecting window treatments for sliding doors it is essential to consider light control, privacy as along with aesthetics. Do you wish to stop natural light from shining on your furniture or artwork? Or would you prefer that sunlight only enters when the sun is at a low level in the sky.

You can also design a unique style by selecting the proper window treatment. If your sliding patio door is one glass pane, you can use mullions to divide it into smaller panes for a more stylish appearance. Window treatments can be made of soft or hard materials and comprise everything from curtains, drapes and valances to cellular shade or roller shades, as well as woven wood shades. They can be combined with other window treatments, like a swag, or used as a stand-alone item.

One of the most sought-after types of window treatments that are suitable for patio doors is vertical blinds that feature large fabric panels called vanes that can be closed and open and allow you to limit the amount of light that enters your home. They can be operated using a wand or a cord and chain.

Window films can be used to minimize the glare and help save energy when using a sliding patio. They are a great way to enhance your sliding door or as an alternative window treatment like an cellular shading.

For a more traditional appearance you may want to consider a swag or valance over your sliding door. They come in a variety of materials and colors, and in classic tabs, pinch pleats and grommet styles. You can also purchase them with a blackout liner for additional privacy and control of light.

Keep in mind that patio doors must be able slide open and close. It is recommended to hang window treatments at a height so they can support this task. This will also help keep them out of reach of children and pets.

If your window treatments do not have a rod pocket or are made of a valance, you can utilize a traverse rod to allow them to move horizontally across your sliding doors. Hang them about an inch above the patio doors so that they don't brush heads.

Rollers

If your patio door starts to squeak it is most likely due to worn rollers. The rollers are located at the bottom of the doors and allow them to glide easily on a track. They can either get stuck or can simply become rusty over time. This could make it difficult to open and shut the doors and cause loud noises when they are in motion. Fortunately, there are a few things that can help you fix your sliding doors to allow them to slide and close easily again.

It is recommended to start by making sure that the tracks are lubricated. This will allow the door to move more smoothly and it should be done at least once a year. A good lubricant can be purchased at a local hardware store. Use the spray of silicone if you have tracks made of vinyl, and a wax based oil if you have wooden ones. If the lubricant isn't working, you may need to replace your rollers.

You can also adjust the rollers. This is a two person task as you will need to lift the door, and then locate the plastic adjustment screws at the bottom of the track. The screws are fitted with a small plug which needs to be removed with a screwdriver. Then, you can turn the screw to raise or lower the rollers and allow the door to come in contact with a lesser amount of the track.

Another possibility is that the doors are not being properly positioned in the track. This can cause a space between the frame and the door. This could let cold air in during a cold winter morning, or hot air to escape on a hot day. If this is the case, then you must take off the door and then lift it up to examine what is causing the gap.

If the gap was caused by the track, you can fix it by taking off the upper part of the track. Then screw it back into place. Installing new tracks could also repair the gap, and give the door something to rest on when it is in use.

Tracks

It could be time to lubricate your tracks if they aren't closing or opening smoothly. It's an easy task that will enhance the performance of your patio doors.

Take the door off the frame and set it on a level, flat surface to ensure it is not in your way while you are working. If the door is heavy, it could be necessary to have another person assist you in lifting and holding it while you work. Use a brush with hot soapy water to thoroughly clean the track of your sliding door. If your doors have blinds that are placed between the glass, be sure to vacuum those as well.

For Next Dimension vinyl patio doors, dirt and dust can accumulate near the tilt and raise/lower operator which can cause problems for the operation. If your door is equipped with these, make sure to regularly clean the surface with water and vinegar or a standard household window cleaner.

Signature and Pro patio door come with an antilift block in their head pocket. They require a 3 to 6 inch opening to remove this feature and lower the sill track. Slide the sash or panel into the open position and then lift it to tilt it backwards. This will open the sill pocket to allow the track to lower from the head jamb. Repeat the process on both sides of the sash/panel.

Glass

It could be a concern in the event that your patio door glass is cracked. It can prevent sunlight from entering your home, and it could cause the space to be inaccessible until the glass is replaced.  RepairMyWindowsAndDoors  can be dangerous to have cracked glass as it can break and cause serious injuries if a person is hit on the head with shards.

Fortunately, it's fairly easy to repair broken doors and frames. The first step is cleaning the glass to remove any dust and dirt that has accumulated over time. After cleaning the glass you can apply a clear coating to protect it from the elements. You can also add decorative film to the doors to improve their privacy and style.

A roller that isn't aligned properly could be the cause of your sliding glass door not moving smoothly. You can usually find the adjustment screws on the bottom of the door, which are usually covered by trim caps. If you cannot find the screws, try lifting or lowering your door until it appears to be in line with the track.

Be sure to have all the tools you need before you begin to repair the sliding door. You'll also need an awl and a screwdriver along with caulk or plastic putty. It is also necessary to move furniture away from the door so you can work on it quickly. You can also put blankets or foam sheets under the door to shield it from scratches when you remove it and replace it.

Our engineers will determine the manufacturer's name upon arrival at the job site. This can sometimes be done by removing the cover from the actual rollers (bogies) that sit on the bottom of the door. You could also search for a label in the side panel or on the handle. If you are unable to locate the label, the best option is to contact the manufacturer directly.