Patio Doors Repairs

Patio doors provide homeowners with natural light and fresh air. They also boost the value of a house. But over time, they could develop issues that need to be addressed immediately.

Understanding how patio doors work can help homeowners communicate with a contractor regarding the issues they experience. Here are some common patio door repairs:.

Rollers that aren't aligned properly

It's not always simple to open a sliding patio door. Most of these sluggish sliding patio doors can be fixed by a little oiling and cleaning, unless a structural issue is present. The most common culprit is dirt on the lower track, which could cause the rollers to rub against the bottom track and cause them to misalign. In this case, clean the track thoroughly and apply the lubricant in a thin layer so that the rollers can glide easily.

It can be caused by damage or wear to the hinges connecting the door panels that house some of these rollers; springs (whether extensions or torsion); and cables which lift the door. When worn or damaged these components could affect the alignment of the rollers, leading to resistance as well as other issues such as a heavier door or higher energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections can help ensure that all these elements work in harmony to ensure that your patio door is operating smoothly.

Set up a crow’s foot at one end. Use a trammingstick to sweep across the rollers. Take note of the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process at the other end of the track and divide by two to find the alignment of the rollers (Photo 1). This method isn't as precise as using a pi tape to measure diameter directly. However, it's quicker and more efficient than using a carpenter's level to measure each rail.

Another option for checking roller alignment is to remove the head stop, a flat plate on the jamb of the door at the bottom of the frame, which stops the rollers. This requires the removal of any removable grilles or shades, and if the door is heavy, getting assistance with this step. Once the head stop is removed, carefully remove the head track adjustment screws by removing them with an screwdriver. Reinstall the assembly by aligning each adjustment screw with its access hole, and tapping it in with the hammer.

Dirty or damaged tracks

A sliding patio door lock repair near me door can serve as magnet for dirt, debris, and other elements. They are also susceptible to misalignment, as well as other issues that require professional repair services. To prolong the lifespan of your patio doors, it is important to identify and address these issues in the earliest time possible.

Dirty tracks are one of the most frequent causes of malfunctions in sliding patio doors. Over time, dirt and other debris, such as food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris can get caught in the tiny spaces between the tracks of your sliding doors and cause it to become stuck or difficult to open. To avoid this, it's recommended to clean and vacuum your patio door tracks once each month. You can clean your patio door tracks using a non-abrasive cleaning solution, or warm soapy tap water after having removed any loose debris. If you notice that some areas of the track are harder to clean, you can try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean these tiny spaces.

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

Air leaks or drafts can also affect your sliding patio doors. This can happen when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door is worn or has been damaged. This can lead to a gap between your patio door and the frame. This allows air in and decreases the efficiency of energy. Ensure that your weather stripping is in good shape and replace it if necessary.

With consistent use your patio door will show normal wear and wear and tear with time. However, these issues are typically not indicative of a significant issue. In most cases, small repairs can prolong the life of your patio door and ensure that it is running smoothly. Call a professional as quickly when you spot any issues to avoid costly repairs.

Warped or cracked glass

A damaged or cracked patio door is a serious visual ailment and a potential security risk. This could also allow unwanted animals to get into your home, causing the temperature to fluctuate. These issues are simple to fix if they are detected early.

First, a quick glance at the glass will help determine what type of repair is required. Generally, cracks in glass are the result of stress or impact. They are more difficult to repair than chips that are on the surface. A professional may need to re-lead the panel. This would require taking the glass off, cleaning and replacing any broken pieces. To ensure that the new glass with the old, a professional requires accurate documentation of the way the piece looked at the time.

Plastic epoxy can be used to fill in a crack. It can be purchased at a hardware store or the home improvement section in many stores. A professional will typically use an iron soldering to melt the plastic, then apply it to the cracks in the glass. After the plastic has cooled down, the professional can remove any excess.

If the crack in the glass isn't too big, there might be a possibility of repairing it using clear sealant. You can purchase this type of product from any hardware store. It is crucial to dry the crack completely prior to applying sealant. This will stop the repair from failing. You can speed up the process by using a hair dryer or another fan.

Weatherstripping damaged

A worn out weather stripping is not just unsightly and a security hazard, but it also allows outside air to enter and cold or hot air to escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping inside your home.

Make sure you have the proper tools and materials. You'll require a new weather-stripping kit or adhesive/caulk sealing agent (depending on the repair method you select), pliers and scissors, a utility blade, protective goggles or gloves and a new weather-stripping kit. Then, remove the old weather stripping by cutting one end piece, then pulling it up, along with any attaching screws when applicable. Remove any remaining pieces with pliers and a plier.

Start by measuring the gap around the door frame. Utilize the measurements to determine what size weather stripping you will need. Make sure to leave some extra length to allow for fine-tuning later. Once you have the right size then apply the backing with adhesive and press it against the frame. If desired, tack it to the frame using the nail or hammer.

Apply wood filler to the frame to fill any holes or divots. Allow the filler to dry completely prior to applying any paint. It is recommended to apply oil-based paint on the filler, but latex paint will work too.

Lastly, make sure to clean your sliding doors and tracks regularly. Taking the time to do this will prevent sticking and other problems later on. Maintaining regular maintenance and repairs to your patio doors ensures they remain functional, attractive and energy efficient. If you do this you will be able to enjoy the outdoors with confidence and save some money in the process! Enjoy your home improvement projects!