Spring is in the air!
Unless you have pets, your patio door probably didn’t see too much action this winter. With the warmer days and cookouts ahead, now is the perfect time to check out your sliding patio door and make sure it is in top shape for the upcoming season!
Check the Track
Sitting on the ground, separating the inside of your home from outside, the track of your patio door collects a ton of dirt and grime. While this might not seem like a major problem, if left unchecked, this could cause permanent pitting or corrosion which will make the door difficult to open or close.
How to Maintain: For tracks that are very dirty, use a vacuum cleaner hose to pick up the larger pieces of dirt and debris. Then use warm, soapy water and a mild cleaner to wash the track. A toothbrush may be necessary to reach into all the nooks and crannies. After the track is clean, use a dry silicone spray to lubricate the track, making it easier for the door to slide.
Inspect the Screen Frame
To take the screen out, go to the outside of your door. Pick the screen straight up, you should feel the door “give” a little at the top. You will then have enough clearance from the track to pull the screen out and towards you.
How to Maintain: Start from the top down. Inspect the rollers at the top to ensure they are still in good working order. With an Andersen door, these are protected from the elements so you shouldn’t notice much wear. Next, look at the weatherstripping. There should be one long strip of fuzzy bug/wind strip on the left and the right. If this is worn down, this can easily be replaced to prevent bugs from getting in.
Inspect the Screen
Check to make sure the screen doesn’t have any tears or holes. Small holes can be fixed with a screen fixing kit, but larger tears will require replacement. Thankfully, patio door screens are very easy to replace! Those looking for professional help can usually have this project done very inexpensively at a hardware store, but this is also a very simple project if you’re interested in DIY. Check out this Youtube video for a simple tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vBS-UP37fI
How to Maintain: Patio door screens are typically made with a thicker material than window screens, meaning they can handle a bit of a beating. The best way to clean these screens is to remove the screen (and frame) from the door, lay it down, and wash it off with a towel or sponge. Let it dry and put it back on the patio door.
These simple, but effective tips will help you extend the life of your patio door. If your door is past the point of repair, give Packerland Home Improvement a call. We offer free, in-home consultations to help you find a custom made, replacement patio door that you’ll love!
