Troubleshooting Problems with Patio Doors With Built-In Blinds

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Streamlined, gorgeous, and highly functional patio doors with built-in blinds are great additions to your home. They comprise a Venetian blind sandwiched between two glass panes. The blind lie horizontally when open and sit vertically when open. They’re operated with a raising and lowering cord or rod-type tilting system. Some use magnets on slide tracks to lower and raise the slats.

While having built-in blinds on patio doors is highly advantageous, they often have drawbacks. Here’s a handy guide to help you troubleshoot and fix some common problems.

Common Patio Door with Built-in Blinds (and How to Fix Them)

Here are some simple fixes to common patio door in-built blinds problems.

  • Sliding difficulties: The blinds may get stuck when sliding the door open or close.
  • Solution: Check the patio door’s tracks and clear out any debris that may cause the blinds to catch. Lubricate the rollers and tracks to help the door slide smoothly.
  • The operator doesn’t work: Sometimes, the operator that raises and lowers the blinds may malfunction. It’s common with magnetic systems and occurs when the magnets become disengaged.
  • Solution: Position the operator at the bottom and slowly raise it up the track. Keep pushing even when you encounter resistance until you hear the lock click into place. Repeat the process if the blinds won’t budge until you hear a second click.
  • The blinds are stuck: The built-in blinds may feel stuck and difficult to move if left in a raised position for a long time.
  • Solution: You’ll need to exercise blinds if left in an uppermost position long before they can move again. Exercising relaxes the cords and allows them to function correctly. Ensure the blinds are fully open, then lower them horizontally. Do this at a moderate speed or as fast as your operator can allow. Repeat the process until the blinds are operating seamlessly.

 

Check If the Patio Door With Built-in Blinds is Under Warranty

  1. Look for the manufacturer’s name and model number. You may find the information on the door, packaging, or the paperwork that came with it.
  2. Check the manufacturer’s website for warranty information. Warranty information outlines the terms and conditions, including what’s covered and the warranty duration.
  3. Contact the manufacturer’s customer service department. Contact their customer service desk if you need help finding the information you need on the website. Provide the customer services representative with details such as serial number, date of purchase, or receipt number. They need this information to verify your purchase.
  4. You can file a warranty claim if a faulty patio door with built-in blinds is still under warranty. Follow the manufacturer-provided instructions. You must fill out a warranty claim form, attach proof of purchase, and return the defective door to the manufacturer.

 

Why You Should Replace a Faulty Patio Door with Built-in Blinds

You should replace any faulty patio door with built-in blinds quickly to improve the integrity of your home.

  • Better home safety: A faulty patio door can compromise your home security and pose a safety risk to you and your loved ones. An intruder could easily access the home, harm or steal your valuables.
  • Energy efficiency: A faulty patio door could saddle you huge power bills as it may allow your expensive conditioned air to escape from the house. Replacing the patio door can fix the leak and keep you warm and toasty during winter without breaking the bank.
  • Improved aesthetic appeal: Jumbled blinds inside the door may lower your home’s aesthetic appeal. The blinds in a fully functional door are neat and appealing to give your home excellent appeal.
  • Enhanced functionality: Using a faulty patio door can be frustrating. It may stick, jam, or require too much effort to operate. A replacement door can improve functionality, making opening, closing, and adjusting the blinds easier.
  • Improved home value: Besides enhancing the home’s curb appeal, a fully functional patio door with built-in blinds improves the value of your home. Potential buyers would be willing to pay top dollar for a home that meets their expectations.

 

When to Call a Professional

While some patio door fixes are quick and suited for DIY fixes, others are complex and require professional intervention. You may need to call a professional if dealing with a malfunctioning lift or tilt mechanism, broken or damaged blinds, or glass pane problems.

Need help replacing a troublesome patio door? Call us and Get a free estimate today!