Patio Doors Repairs

Patio doors give homeowners natural light and fresh, air. They also enhance the value of a home. In time, however they can develop issues that require immediate attention.

Understanding how patio doors function can help homeowners better communicate with a contractor about the issues they face. Here are some of the most frequently encountered patio door problems:

Rollers that aren't aligned properly

Sometimes the sliding patio door repairs patio door gets stuck and it's not easy to get it open once more. The majority of these uncooperative sliding patio doors can be fixed easily with some cleaning and oiling, unless a structural problem is present. The most common culprit is dirt on the lower track, which can cause the rollers to rub against the bottom track and cause them to misalign. In this case it is necessary to clean the track and apply a light coating of lubricant, allowing the rollers glide smoothly.

In addition, misalignment can be caused because of wear or damage in the hinges that join the door panels which house a portion of the rollers, springs either torsion or extension; and cables, which lift the door. When these components are damaged or worn, may affect roller alignment and lead to resistance and other issues, like a heavier feeling door or increased energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional will ensure that these parts are in good working order to ensure that your patio doors are operating smoothly.

To verify the alignment between rollers to determine alignment, set up the crow's feet at one end of the track. Then use a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, recording the distance each travels. Repeat the process at the opposite end of the track, and divide by 2 to get a reading of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method is not as precise as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's much faster and easier than measuring each rail with a level or carpenter's level.

You can also verify the alignment of the rollers by removing the head stop. This is an aluminum plate located in the bottom of the door jamb. It stops the rollers. This will require removing any grilles or shades that are removable and, in the event that the door is heavy, getting assistance in this process. Once the head stop is removed, carefully remove the head track adjustment screws by backing them out with a screwdriver, then reinstall the assembly by aligning each adjustment screw with its access hole and tapping it in using the hammer.

Tracks that are damaged or dirty

Sliding patio doors can act as magnets for dirt, debris and other elements outside. They can also be susceptible to misalignment, as well as other issues that could require professional repair. In order to extend the lifespan of your patio door, the identification and resolution of these issues early on is essential.

One of the most frequent reasons for sliding patio doors to malfunction is dirty tracks. Over time,, food particles, pet hair and yard debris can become stuck in the small spaces of the track of your sliding door, causing the door to become stuck or become difficult to open. To avoid problems like this, it's recommended to vacuum and clean your patio door tracks once per month. You can clean your patio door tracks with a non-abrasive cleaning solution, or with warm soapy tap water after you've removed any loose debris. If you find that certain areas of the track are difficult to clean, you can use a butter knife or a toothbrush to scrub these tiny areas.

In addition to cleaning the tracks, you must be sure to lubricate them frequently to avoid sliding doors from squeezing or becoming difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we suggest adding silicone spray to the bottom track regularly. You can also use paraffin wax to increase the glide.

A draft or a leak of air can also affect your sliding patio doors. This may occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door lock repairs near me door has worn out or damaged. This can cause an opening between your sliding patio door and the frame. This allows air in and reduces the energy efficiency. Make sure that your weatherstripping is in good order and replace it if necessary.

If you use it regularly your patio door will experience normal wear and wear and tear over time. However these issues are usually not a sign of a serious issue. In most cases, minor repairs can extend the lifespan of your patio door and ensure that it is running smoothly. Consult a professional for any problems as soon as they appear to avoid costly repairs in the future.

Glass that has cracked or warped

A patio door that is damaged or cracked could be a major eye-sore and can pose security risks. This could also allow unwanted animals to enter your home and cause the temperature to fluctuate. These problems are easy to fix when detected early.

First, a quick glance at the glass can help determine what kind of repair is required. Generally, cracks in glass are the result of stress or impact. They are more difficult to repair than chips on the surface. A professional may need to re-lead this panel. This will require the removal of the glass and cleaning it, as well as replacing broken pieces. To help match the new glass to the old, professionals require exact documentation of how to repair patio door lock the piece looked at the time.

Plastic epoxy can be used to fill a crack. You can purchase this in a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will use an soldering tool to melt the plastic then apply it to the crack. After it has been cooled, the professional will clean any excess.

If the crack in the glass is not too large, there could be a chance of repairing it using clear sealant. This type of product is available at any hardware store. It is essential to thoroughly dry the cracked area before applying sealant. This will prevent the repair from failing. You can speed up the process by using a hair dryer or another fan.

Weatherstripping damaged

A weather stripping that is worn out is not just unsightly and a security risk, but it also allows air from outside to enter and cold or hot air to escape. A quick fix with a new piece of weather stripping could save you money while keeping your home more comfortable.

First, make sure you have all the tools and supplies. This includes a replacement weather stripping kit or caulk sealant or adhesive (depending on your chosen repair method), scissors, pliers, a utility knife, and a pair of gloves or goggles that are protective. Remove the old weather stripping, by cutting through the end piece and pulling up using any screws that are attached, if appropriate. Then, gently remove any pieces still left over using pliers or a pry bar.

Begin by measuring the space around the door frame. Utilize the measurements to determine the size of weather stripping you will need. Make sure to leave some extra length to allow for fine-tuning later. Once you've found the perfect size, place the backing and press it against the frame. If desired, tack it to the frame using the nail or hammer.

Apply wood filler onto the frame to cover any holes or divots. Let the filler dry completely before painting. It is best to use oil-based paints however, latex can also be used.

Lastly, make sure to clean your sliding doors and tracks regularly. This will avoid future issues such as sticking. Cleaning and maintaining your patio door repairs near me doors will ensure they remain functional, attractive and energy efficient. By doing so you can enjoy the great outdoors with confidence, and save money at the same time! Happy home-fixing!