Maintain Your Sterling VA Sliding Patio Door With These 7 Tasks

July 11, 2023

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Maintain Your Sterling, VA, Sliding Patio Door With These 7 Tasks

Put These Tasks On Your To-Do List To Prolong The Life Of Your Patio Door

Your Sterling, VA, patio doors are an intricate part of your home. Just like everything else with your home, you do have to put in the work to maintain your patio doors. Otherwise, they may fall into disrepair sooner, resulting in patio door replacement long before you should need it.

However, many Loudoun County area homeowners often wonder what goes into maintaining exterior patio doors. Luckily, we have seven items you need to add to your to-do list when performing seasonal maintenance.

Why Is Door Maintenance Important?

Before discussing what maintenance items you need to perform every month, it is important to note why you are doing these tasks. By ensuring you maintain your Sterling, VA, patio doors, you will get the most out of your patio doors.

Hence, maintenance items are a great way to ensure you take care of your investment and get your money’s worth. However, maintenance is a way to avoid common problems, such as the following:

Derailed doors
Clogged tracks
Worn-out rollers
Sticky tracks

These common problems can affect how well the patio doors close and become a massive hassle for homeowners.

7 Tasks To Add To Your To-Do List

1. Clean The Glass At Least Once Per Month

Cleaning the glass should be a part of your regular cleaning schedule. By cleaning the glass, you can cut down on the debris that gets into the tracks, which results in common issues.

There is no right or wrong way to clean the glass – some love to use window cleaner they purchase from their store, while others use their own vinegar and water recipe to clean the glass.

2. Wipe Down The Frame

The frame is the wood/aluminum/vinyl surrounding your patio door inside and outside. It is best to wipe the frame down when cleaning the windows. Not only does wiping down the frame make the entire door look cleaner, but it can help to prevent weather damage.

Wipe the frame with a rag dipped in mild soap and water. Do not use harsh chemicals, as these can break down the frame and cause issues later.

3. Clean The Track Monthly

When you open your patio doors, you will see the track that runs the length of the sliding door. The track needs to be cleaned monthly – at least. Everyone that steps through the door has the potential to drop dirt into the groove, pet hair can quickly get into the track, and debris from the outdoors can become an issue.

First, you will want to take your vacuum and clean up the loose debris and dust in the track. Afterward, take a soap and water solution and wipe inside the track to remove dirt.

If you find stubborn traces of dirt and debris stuck, many people use a butter knife or a toothbrush to get into the tight sections of the track to remove debris.

4. Perform A Visual Check

Perform a visual check of your Sterling, VA, patio door to determine everything is where it should be. Rough weather, slamming it shut, and numerous other issues can affect a patio door.

If you notice any type of issue, such as the patio door not wanting to close correctly or hanging differently than it once did, it could mean damage beyond your ability to fix.

5. Lubricate The Tracks

Many people lubricate the tracks of their patio doors to ensure they flow more smoothly. If your patio door needs lubrication, it should only be done after you have cleaned the track.

However, it should be noted that it does not need to be lubricated if your patio door uses an aluminum track. It only needs cleaning since greased aluminum tracks can lead to the rollers being gummed up.

6. Check The Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is essential as it protects your home from cold weather during the winter and the heat during the summer. When the weatherstripping becomes damaged or simply ages out, then it no longer helps to keep the cool temperatures out of your home.

You will want to check the weatherstripping for cracks, cuts, and debris. While you can clean the weatherstripping, replacing it is better when you see cracks and cuts.

7. Clean The Rollers

Only some people are comfortable cleaning their patio door rollers, which involves removing, cleaning, and reinstalling them. However, your rollers could be the culprit if the patio door is not sliding correctly despite the clean track.

Let the professionals handle this particular task to avoid damaging the door. Plus, professionals can install new ones for you if the rollers need more than cleaning.

Free Estimates For Sliding Patio Doors For Your Sterling, VA, Home

Keeping your Sterling, VA, patio doors looking and working excellent means doing a few maintenance tasks every month. However, if you find that a new patio door may be needed despite maintenance, Milcon Design & Build is here for you.

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