How To Fix Blinds inside Patio Door

Built-in blinds are an option for homeowners — also called enclosed blinds or internal blinds — in which the blinds are encased between two panes of glass in a patio door, providing a slim, low-maintenance finish. They provide great protection for your blinds against dust, damage and scratches. But like any device, they can have problems over time. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to check and repair built-in blinds on a patio door frame.

Understand How Built-In Blinds Work

You will find built in blinds are generally installed to a pair of double glazed patio doors. The blinds are encapsulated in the glass unit and are controlled from outside by:

• Sliders or levers with magnetic

• Cordless raise/lower knobs

• Motorized controls

Because they’re sealed up, you won’t actually be doing any repairs on the blinds themselves; you’ll be trying to diagnose and then fix the mechanism.

Common Built-In Blind Issues

Blinds not moving	Disconnected or jammed magnet
Blinds stuck halfway	Misaligned internal track
Slider difficult to move	Dirt/debris in external guide rail
Blinds don’t tilt	Broken tilt control or misalignment

How to Fix or Troubleshoot Built-In Blinds inside Patio Door

1. Inspect the Control Mechanism

• Inspect the slider or knob for any cracked or loose materials.

• Make sure the magnetic connection is still aligned with your internal wheel (you’ll usually feel some resistance if it is).

• Wipe the slider path down with a damp rag — dust or dirt can clog and hinder smooth sliding.

Tip: If you took out magnet and if it has fallen off or lost its power, you will not be able to close blinds from inside with a string. Replacing the magnetic slider from the outside is sometimes all it takes.

2. Check for Visible Obstructions

You can’t, of course, get to the interior blinds directly, but you can check:

• Are the slats obviously bowed or uneven?

• Is there condensation or fog between the panes of the door?

This is usually an indication that the seal is compromised, and if that's the case, the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) might have to be replaced.

3. Reset or Reposition the External Control

If the slider was inched too far:

• Then gently reset to bottom or top stop point and slide slowly.

• Don't pull too hard, or pull too far back — that can dislodge the magnetic track.

4. Lubricate the Track

For easy operation apply a safe lube that isn't greasy to the slider rail. Avoid oil based lube, because they stain and can attract dust.

5. When to Replace the Glass Unit

If:

• Blinds are stuck and no sliders are responsive

• There is visible condensation or fogging between the glass panes

• The magnetic controller is Bad and did not sell separately

In these instances, an entire IGU replacement is necessary. A number of manufacturers (including ours) make replacement IGUs with the blinds already installed and sealed inside, to be swapped out by a glass or door technician.

Tools You May Need

1. Micro screwdriver (to remove slider housing if necessary)

2. Slide block (replaced with new slider from door manufacturer)

3. Window/glass cleaner & a microfiber cloth

4. Non-abrasive lubricant

Preventive Tips

1. Don’t whip or jerk the sliders open or closed

2. The slider track should be cleaned once per month

3. Don’t slam the door— it could warp internal magnets

4. Buy blinds from reputable manufacturers with the repair department

Although intergral blinds are virtually maintenance free, the external operation is still a mechanical device which will behave as a mechanical device does. The good news is that the majority of problems — broken sliders, jammed blinds — can be corrected without cracking the glass. But when moisture does get in or the mechanism fails entirely, you may need to replace the insulated glass unit.

And if you’re sourcing built-in blinds or IGUs for your patio door creation or replacement needs, reach out to our factory team — we offer exceptional quality sealed glass panels with built-in blinds, exact magnetic control products, and dependable post-sale service.