Sliding doors are a wonderful addition to your home's interior design; thanks to their practicality and stylishness. However, weather conditions and minor accidents can cause them to derail or go off track over time, especially if you have a sliding patio door. In such cases, a few tricks and hacks can help you resolve the issue. But before going through these tips, it is important to understand the factors that cause this problem in the first place.
What Causes Your Sliding Door To Lose Momentum?
Take a look at some of the elements that can inflict damage upon your sliding door.
Hardware Damages
The hardware of a sliding glass door, like any other door or window, can deteriorate with time. Because of its heavy use, sliding glass door hardware is frequently in need of maintenance and repairs. Hence, make sure you get high-quality, long-lasting hardware and pay attention to its upkeep regularly.
Cracked Glass
Cracked or shattered glass is a common problem that disrupts the movement of your sliding door. This is more in the case of a garden door. It can crack for a number of reasons, the most common of which are extreme weather conditions and excessive use. If you discover that your sliding door's glass is broken, make sure to fix it as soon as possible to secure your safety and avoid costly repairs later on.
Spoilt Seals
Door seals are essential because they prevent debris, dust, and other particles from interfering with the door's operation. A damaged seal traps dirt, water, and insects, thereby limiting the door's mobility.
How Can You Fix A Sliding Glass?
Given below are 5 points to help you fix a sliding glass door if you ever find yourself in a similar situation.
Inspect The Sliding Door
Take a good look at the door before you worry and start calculating the cost for patio door replacement. Since many things can cause the door to come off the track, comprehend the situation first. Inspecting the door can help determine the seriousness of the matter. The analysis will give you an insight into whether you can fix it yourself or hire an expert.
Clear Up The Tracks
Because the sliding door tracks are on the ground, they can collect a lot of dust, grime, and debris, especially if it's your garden door. This may obstruct the door's mobility and hence, it is best to clean the tracks as soon as possible. Wipe away the filth with a little paintbrush or a toothbrush. You can also use a vacuum to get rid of all the dust in one go.
Take A Look At The Rollers
If there is an excessive build-up of dust, the rollers will get obstructed and the door will not slide as effortlessly as it should. In such a case, mere outward cleaning will not be of much help. You will have to clean thoroughly and scrape the dirt by detaching the door from the track. Detach carefully using a screwdriver and some protective gear. Upon removal, clean the area and place the door back after you are done. To ensure that you complete the process without difficulty, ask someone to assist you.
Use Lubrication For The Tracks
Before replacing the door, consider lubricating the tracks to prevent them from accumulating dirt quickly. Make sure to use the correct product to avoid ruining the door.
A silicone-based lubricant will work on a vinyl french door. Its non-stick nature ensures that your living space's aesthetics are not harmed. You can also lubricate the track's bottom using a block of paraffin wax. Seek advice from a professional or a local hardware store if you are not sure what type of product you need.
Consult With A Professional
If you have tried all of the previous sliding door repair tips and still can't get it to work, it is time to seek professional assistance. While the aforementioned approaches are cost-effective, expert assistance ensures that your sliding patio door will be fixed without any damage or injury. Since quality service is paramount when it comes to fixing sliding doors and windows, try reaching out to reputed service providers like Red Deer Windows & Doors service.
How To Keep Your Sliding Door In Good Working Order?
Now that you know what causes the sliding glass door to derail and how to fix it, it is time to learn about its maintenance. Undertaking the maintenance of your sliding door on a regular basis can save you money and time in the long run. Here are some tips to help you maintain your sliding glass door.
Clean The Tracks Timely
The dirt accumulated in the tracks can necessitate the removal of the entire door. So take some time to vacuum any material that may have lodged in the track rails to avoid this.
Try Performing Minor Fixes
Rather than replacing the rails or the door, minor fixes can sometimes solve the problem. Check to see whether the rail guide is misplaced or if there is any loose screw frequently.
Buy Good Quality Replacement Parts And Hardware
The material quality and brand you choose determines how long the hardware will last. Choose one that is the best in the market to ensure lower repair costs and long-term use. Keep in mind that a one-time investment can save you a good amount of money.
While all of the above points and tips are beneficial, contacting professionals and reputable service providers when installing a sliding door can make a significant difference. So, to properly understand your needs, reach out to the experts at Red Deer Windows & Doors service. They not only provide excellent service and unbeatable pricing, but also a lifetime warranty on their products. The best part is that you can schedule a free consultation to truly understand your needs; whether it’s fixing that needs to be done or patio door replacement.
To schedule your free quote and consultation appointment, simply fill out a quick form outlining your requirements. Alternatively, you can also call 403.348.6433 to book a slot for expert assistance with your home’s sliding doors!