Door bounces open, replace hinges?
[i]outside track, water[/i] [i]inside track water[/i] [i]new door[/i] [i]weep holes outside, outside tracj[/i] [i]noticed this today[/i]Good Morning! I had a Reliabilt sliding door installed by my contractor, and when it rains I noticed that we get water on the inside track. Open the sliding door, I see water in that track too. Wondering if water is running down door, penetrating in between? How can I prevent this? Weep holes on outside are open and clear. Contractor had originally had them covered with the first water issue we had, he forgot to take off the cover. This is a Reliabilt universal door. Contractor says its not his work, it's a manufacturers problem, he only works with Anderson and since I supplied the door "no name door" I need to contact Reliabilt. So before I need bail, I am hoping that someone can give me some guidance. Many thanks![i]outside track, water[/i][i]inside track water[/i][i]new door[/i][i]weep holes outside, outside tracj[/i][i]noticed this today[/i]
Helpful Tips on How to Fix Issues with Sliding Glass Doors
Sliding glass doors offer many benefits to a home and go well beyond simply making it aesthetically pleasing. Depending on the type of hardware that is used and the maintenance, these doors can last up to thirty years.
While sliding glass doors have the ability to provide a high level of service, they can begin to experience performance issues over time. Often, homeowners have questions about their sliding glass doors when problems begin to arise.
Commonly Asked Questions
Why is my sliding glass door so resistant to opening and closing?
Over time, dirt and debris can begin to build up on the rollers of a sliding glass door and this dirt and grime can impede its movement. Dirt and grime can also build up inside the tracks and this can make for problems.
To take care of this problem and allow for easy sliding when operating the doors, simply use a soft cloth that is moistened with alcohol to clean the tracks and rollers. This will remove the grease and grime. After the tracks and rollers have been cleaned with alcohol, a silicone spray can be used to help lubricate the rollers and tracks and keep them gliding as they should.
How can I repair a broken roller?
One of the first areas to break down on a sliding glass door is usually the rollers because they bear the brunt of abuse during the opening and closing process. In some areas of the country, high levels of humidity can cause the rollers to corrode and eventually break over a period of years.
The only way to replace broken rollers is to remove the sliding glass door from the track and carry out the repairs. While this is a simple job for the professionals, taking a DIY approach is not the easiest of processes.
What can I do about the crack in my sliding glass door?
When a sliding glass door is opened or closed too forcefully or experiences the impact from an object, cracks can occur. A cracked sliding glass door is not only a safety issue, but it also makes a home more vulnerable to break-ins.
While there are glass repair kits that can be purchased, these do not always offer seamless repairs, especially on large cracks. It is recommended the glass be replaced so the door offers full protection again and is not in danger of completely shattering and causing serious injuries.
Why doesn’t my sliding glass door close properly?
If this issue is occurring, a homeowner needs to first take a look at their track to see if any object has fallen inside and is preventing the sliding glass door from properly moving back and forth. Small toys, crayons, sticks, and even pebbles could block a door from closing.
Outside of a blockage, one of the most common reasons for a sliding glass door not properly closing is due to a bent track. The tracks of the door take on a lot of abuse over the years and being stepped on over and over can cause them to become bent. A bent track can sometimes be repaired, but when one is severely bent, it will need to be replaced.
Why won’t my sliding glass door latch properly?
If the sliding glass doors are closed and do not latch properly or the lock does not work, this means the doors are not offering the right level of security and a home could be vulnerable to break-ins. Sometimes, latches become slightly corroded over time and need to be oiled so they will work again.
If oiling the latch does not work, the entire latch and lock mechanisms may need to be replaced. To ensure these are replaced appropriately, many homeowners choose to hire the professionals to come out and take care of this quick task.
How can I repair my sliding glass door that is off track?
After many years of opening and closing sliding glass doors, the roller wheels can sometimes come out of alignment. When this happens, the glass doors will jump the track and then will become impossible to close.
This issue is often caused by the screws becoming loose where the rollers attach to the door frame. These can easily be tightened with a screwdriver and this should prevent the door from jumping track again. Sometimes, sliding glass doors are difficult to get back on track so a homeowner may need to have a professional come out and carry out a service call to get the doors operating properly again.
What can be done about drafts coming from my sliding glass doors?
Over a period of years, the weather stripping around a sliding glass door can become loose or worn down. When the weather stripping has lost its functionality, drafts may begin to occur and they can increase the energy costs of the home.
Replacing the weather stripping is a fairly easy process and most homeowners can take care of this simple chore themselves. As long as the old weather stripping is properly removed, the new should be easy to install. A homeowner will simply need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.
Conclusion – Issues with Sliding Glass Doors
Sliding glass doors offer increased light, beautiful views, and security. When these doors are not operating properly, they can be a pain to deal with and can become a dangerous risk. Homeowners should not take a DIY approach to repairs unless they feel confident in their ability and have the right tools for safety.
If a sliding glass door is becoming too problematic, it may be wise for a homeowner to consider having their doors replaced. Milgard sliding glass doors offer premium performance and the beautiful designs homeowners expect. These doors are meant to stand up to years of abuse and stay looking exquisite.
If your sliding glass doors are not working correctly, use the above tips to help restore their functionality. Should you be in the market to replace your old doors, research Milgard sliding glass doors so you can fully understand the benefits they can offer a home.
Common Sliding Door Problems & How to Fix Them
Repairing a sliding door can be tricky, especially when you don’t have a lot of experience and knowledge about the system. If the door does not slide or close properly, there are various issues that could be causing it. This could turn out to be a real pain, especially when it comes to an internal glass sliding door that is constantly in use.
In any case, you need to take immediate actions, try to locate the problem and fix it. No need to worry – we will guide you through some of the most common sliding door problems and provide an easy solution that you can try to carry out on your own.
How to remove a sliding door
Removing sliding doors is trickier than removing a normal door. Still, it is possible to do it, but we advise you to get someone to help lift the heavy door. Here are the steps to follow:
- First, you will have to remove the adjustable rollers’ screws that help regulate the door’s height on the track. Usually, they are located at the bottom of the door and could be hidden behind plastic caps.
- Some sliding doors have removable moulding at the top of the frame to keep the door from falling out. If yours has one, you’ll need to remove the moulding by unscrewing the nails that hold it in place.
- You can now try lifting the door straight up. Angle the bottom for easier removal.
Repairing sliding door rollers
The rollers often cause troubles for sliding door owners, mainly due to the amount of dust and grime that collects along the tracks over the years. In this case, a simple cleaning can quickly solve your problem.
However, sometimes sliding doors can prove hard to close or open, even with the track clean and the whole system working properly. If this happens, then it may be that the upper or bottom rollers are simply worn out from the constant rubbing against the track. If just the rollers on top do not work properly, the weight of the whole door will fall on the bottom rollers and make them slide harder.
To try and fix the rollers on your sliding door, you will need to do a few things:
- Remove the door from the track and lay it on a flat surface.
- Examine the rollers to determine whether they are broken, bent, loose, or simply worn out.
- If the issue is a loose roller, then you just have to tighten the screws.
- If the issue is a broken or bent roller, you’ll need to replace it, preferably with an identical one, so it will help if you can find or already know the name of the manufacturer.
- Use a screwdriver to re-attach the roller to the door.
In most cases, problems with rollers come from dirt, debris, or pet hair gummed around the wheel. Regularly clean the rollers to prevent this from happening.
Fixing a door track
If the door track is damaged or broken, you need to take immediate action. A track problem usually results in the sliding door’s inability to open or close.
As mentioned before, one of the most common causes for a sticking door is a dirty track. Built-in dust and debris can “clog” the track and affect the smooth sliding of the door. Use a vacuum cleaner and a wire brush to clean the track regularly to avoid this.
If the track is bent or worn out, though, you will have a more complicated problem on your hands. One of the ways to fix it is by using a hammer. Here is how to proceed:
- Remove the door from the track.
- Use a level to see if the track is flat. If not, tighten the screws that hold it in place.
- Use a hammer and a wooden piece and tap gently on places where the surface is bent to try and reposition it.
- Re-install the door and test the track.
- Maintain the track by lubricating it with silicone spray, oil, or paraffin to keep the door sliding smoothly.
If that does not seem to work, you can get a professional handyman over to inspect and identify the problem. The specialist can also find and fix any other problems with your sliding door that you may have missed.
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Repairing a sliding door catch
If the door is not closing properly and there is no issue with the rollers or the track, then the catch could be responsible. It can bend over time and cause the door to stop working properly. You can test the catch by listening for a clicking sound when you try to close the door. It should also be completely pressed when the door is open.
In some cases, a full removal of the sliding door may be necessary to see for sure whether the catch is operational. To fix the catch, use a hammer and tap it gently to bend it in the proper position. If the catch is broken or damaged, you can replace it, but make sure you look for the same model.
Sliding doors weaknesses to remember
Sliding doors may look good and be convenient, but they also have their downsides. It’s better to know what they are, so you are aware of the possible problems they may cause and think whether a sliding door is the best option for a certain part of the house.
Sliding glass doors are not secure
Unfortunately, sliding doors with a glass panel cannot guarantee your safety. It is easy for intruders to use them to break into your property. They can also serve as a large window into your home that may expose your belongings to curious eyes.
Even though there is a locking mechanism, it may not pose much of a challenge for intruders. Most sliding door locks are made of simple latches that can be removed. Sliding doors can also be taken down easily if not screwed properly. The only thing burglars have to do is lift the door and free the rollers from the track.
Sliding doors are easy to break
Sliding doors are aesthetically beautiful and can let more sunlight into the room. But they’re not as strong as normal doors made of solid wood. The glass can be broken accidentally with a larger object. This often happens because of kids or even pets during play time, so it’s good to consider whether this is the safest and best option for your home.
Sliding doors are not as durable
Over the years, these doors can start jamming and causing problems because of the rust and dirt build-up in the hardware parts. If regular cleaning and maintenance is not provided, then the lifespan of the door will be significantly shortened. With years of constant use, the door can also start unhooking from the trails, which may require you to reinstall the doors.
Takeaways:
- Since most sliding door repairs require removal of the door, remember that these types of doors are a lot heavier for a single person to carry.
- Usually, the rollers or track create a lot of problems. Make sure you inspect them regularly and keep them lubricated and clean, free from dirt and dust.
- Consider all your pros and cons before installing a sliding door in your home. It is easy to open even from outside, more fragile, and will require regular care in order to serve you properly for many years.
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