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How to Repair a Sliding Patio Door A variety of issues can cause difficulties in operating sliding patio doors. Fortunately, the majority of these problems can be fixed easily. The easiest way to fix your sliding patio door is to clean it. Make use of a brush and soapy water to clean the tracks. Then, you can apply lubrication to the tracks to improve their performance. 1. Tracks that are damaged or dirty Tracks One of the main causes of a squeaky or sticky patio door is dirt and debris that has accumulated in the track. Pine straw, bird droppings and salt, sand, winter roads and other things can cause a blockage in the track. This is why it's important to clean and lubricate your sliding doors on a regular basis. Put on some rubber goggles and gloves to shield your eyes. Use a shop vacuum or a brush to get rid of any gunk that is loose. Then, mix equal amounts of white vinegar and water in spray bottles. Spray a small amount the solution onto your cleaning brushes and scrub the track. Rinse and dry the area using paper towels. This will stop scratching and further damage to the sill and track. After patio door repairs are cleaned, take the toothbrush and go there to scrub the more difficult areas that are stuck. You can also sand down rough spots on the bottom track. You can then re-lubricate the rollers to bring them back to smooth operation. Another reason for a sticky door is the misalignment of the rollers, which can also be remedied by adjusting the height and positioning of the rollers. It is a good idea to replace the weather stripping around the door when you do this to ensure a snug fit and increase energy efficiency. Leaking tracks can be an issue that could result in to mold growth and structural damage within your home. If the leak is restricted to a specific section of the track, you may be able to repair it yourself by sealing the joint. If the issue is extensive, it's best to call in a professional to repair the patio door. 2. Broken or Torn Screen A patio door that does not allow for a good air flow can make your home feel stuffy and uncomfortable. It can also be a perfect entry point for mosquitoes and pests. You should call a professional when you spot a broken screen or fog in between the glass panes. If you have a basic sliding patio door, the easiest option is to replace your screen with a brand new one. You can purchase screen material in rolls that are pre-measured to fit most door sizes. You can also buy a complete screen repair kit that includes the screen, spline and roller in one box. The process of installing a new screen begins by laying the new material on a flat surface. Then, using your scissors, cut it into lengths so that about an inch or two of the screen covers on both sides of the frame. Then using your utility knife remove the old spline, as well as any excess screen. You can now lay the new screen spline starting at the bottom-left corner of the frame. Work your way around to the edges. Once the spline is in place, run the screen rolling tool across it several times to push it in the groove of the frame. Cut off any excess screen and spline it with your utility knife, being careful not to cut into the inside of the window frame. Check the spline to see whether there are any ripples or distortions. Adjust the screen if needed. 3. Leaking Seals If you see water getting trapped or pooling between the glass panes of your patio door, it is an indication that the frame and seals have lost their elasticity. This can lead mold and rot, as well as higher energy bills due to air leakage and drafts. Caulking and flashing that is not properly installed could result in leaky seals. To avoid this from happening, it's important to work with a professional who has experience installing patio doors and will ensure the frame is properly caulked and flashed. In addition to installing the flashing, you'll also want to make sure that any cracks or gaps are closed with caulking rated for use with the specific weather conditions. If you live in an area with a humid climate, like Ontario, then you will need to choose the caulking product that is able to be able to withstand the effects of humidity. The shims that are placed beneath the door frame could also cause leaks. These are typically made from wood and help keep the sheathing level with the framing, however if they're not set up correctly, they can create gaps that allow moisture into your home. One way to test the seals by spraying the frame using the help of a garden nozzle or hose. If you see an airborne mist escaping these areas, call a professional who can come and take a closer examination of the installation. It's possible that a bit of additional caulking is all required, or the shims have to be replaced. In either case, fixing the issue promptly will help avoid future damage and costly repairs. It is always better to fix your patio door or frame before it's too late than to wait. 4. Warped Frame When wood is exposed to outside factors, like a change in humidity, it can absorb and lose moisture, which can cause the frame to become warped. When a sagging frame develops, it can make the door harder to operate and ultimately cause damage or complete failure. This is particularly relevant for doors that separate basements and damp garages from living spaces. A few minor repairs are able to usually fix a sagging frame. Start by examining the frame to ensure that all the bolts and screws are tightened and secured. Replace any loose or missing screws. Replace the hinge screws by longer ones, preferably 2 inches or more. This will allow the screw to penetrate the wall framing instead of the door jamb, and pull the frame back into place. You can also include shims. These are thin pieces that can be put in front of the hinges. This will allow you to tweak how the frame is set. Shims can help support the frame, and distribute the weight evenly over the larger area. This will stop the frame from becoming more warped with time. For more severe frame warps, you may want to consider hiring a professional to fix the issue. A professional will examine the frame thoroughly to determine the severity and provide a complete solution. They can also install bracing to strengthen the frame in order to prevent it from sagging. In most instances this is a much more cost-effective and durable solution than buying new patio door components. If the frame is badly damaged, you may need to replace the entire jamb of the door, not just the actual door. 5. Cosmetic Damage Over time, the patio door can suffer from the effects of wear and wear and. Surface damage can cause your doors to look less than desirable and impact the look of your home. The positive side is that the majority of cosmetic damage can be repaired using bonding fillers and paint. However should the door have significant dents or cracks it is recommended to replace it rather than trying to repair it. Like the seals around windows, a door's weatherstripping may be less effective as time passes. This can result in gaps that allow air from outside to get into your home, causing an increase in energy bills. A professional door repair service can install new weatherstripping in order to reduce energy loss and improve insulation. Moisture in the exterior of a door is always a bad thing however it can be particularly dangerous when it comes to your patio doors. This moisture can cause wood rot, which can be costly and difficult to repair. The best way to safeguard your home is to have any leaks immediately replaced by a professional trained to do so. Over time the patio door may be misaligned as a result of normal usage or foundation changes. This can cause patio doors to become jammed, or make it difficult to open and close. A technician can realign hinges and tracks for smooth operation. They can also replace worn-out hinges and rollers to restore proper functionality.