If you have sliding glass doors in your home, you know how convenient and pleasant they are. They create a wide view, allowing more sunshine and light into any room. Unfortunately, doors are susceptible to wear and tear because they see so much use. This blog post will address some of the most common sliding patio door problems and offer practical solutions to keep your doors gliding smoothly.

Dirty, Broken, or Worn Out Rollers

Sliding doors open and close smoothly because rollers are fixed on either side of the door. However, if the door gets jammed or is stiff to move, the rollers are likely obstructed, broken, or worn out. Rollers can become dirty because of debris like leaves, twigs, or rust, obstructing the door’s movement. Sometimes, the rollers can be cleaned or adjusted to improve the door’s operation. However, they’ll need to be replaced if they’re significantly worn, damaged, cracked, or bent.

Misalignment and Adjustment Issues

If the rollers holding the sliding door move out of the track, the door will move out of alignment. Misaligned doors can lead to difficulty opening and closing and potential leaks. Most sliding patio doors have screws at the bottom that can loosen or fall out. Replacing or screwing the screws into place could fix your alignment problem. You can also use these screws to raise or lower the door until it’s aligned properly. If the door is still misaligned after adjustments, a professional may need to reinstall it.

Another way the rollers could come off the track and be misaligned is when the track itself is bent. Bent rails can prevent the door from running smoothly. An inner bend can be repaired with pliers or vise grips by pulling the bend back into place. The exterior bend requires pliers and a hammer or rubber mallet to repair by pushing it down.

Broken Glass

Cracked or shattered glass in your patio door isn’t just an eyesore; it can also be a safety hazard and decrease the door’s insulating capabilities. Depending on the door’s design, you may be able to replace just the broken pane, or you may need to replace the entire door. Replacing the glass in a sliding door can be difficult because it requires breaking the seal around the window glass, removing the leftover glass shards, then installing new glass. This is a complex task that a professional should handle.

Drafts and Leaks

If you feel drafts or notice water leaks, the weatherstripping around your patio door might be damaged or worn out. This not only makes your home less energy-efficient but can lead to water damage. You can usually replace the weatherstripping yourself, but ensure it’s the correct size and type for your door. If the door continues to leak, it may not be correctly aligned or may need a professional inspection.

Locking Issues

Over time, you may encounter issues with the door’s lock, such as difficulty locking or unlocking the door or the lock not securing the door properly. These issues might be due to a misaligned door, a worn-out lock, or problems with the door’s handle. Depending on the cause, you might need to realign the door, replace the lock mechanism, or adjust the handle.

Sliding Patio Door Repairs with The Sliding Door Repair Company

Sliding patio doors are a lovely feature in any home, but they require occasional maintenance to keep them functioning correctly. While some issues can be handled with a DIY approach, don’t hesitate to call in a professional when needed. At The Sliding Door Repair Company, we repair, install, and replace sliding patio doors effectively and efficiently. We’ll help get your door back in tip-top condition in no time. Call (949) 990-3428, or click here to get started.