Patio Doors Repairs
Patio doors provide homeowners with natural light and fresh air and can increase a home's value. Over time, however they can develop issues that require immediate attention.
Understanding how patio doors function will help homeowners communicate better with contractors regarding issues they encounter. Here are some of the most frequent patio door problems:
Misaligned rollers
Sometimes the sliding patio door can become stuck and it's not easy to get the thing to open again. But it's not a sign of a structural issue, most doors that aren't cooperating can be repaired with a little cleaning and lubrication. Most often, dirt in the lower track can cause the track's rollers and bottom track to be misaligned. In this situation, clean the track thoroughly and apply the lubricant in a thin layer to allow the rollers to glide easily.
Misalignment can also occur because of wear or damage in the hinges that connect the doors, which house some of the rollers, springs that are either extension or torsion; and cables, which lift the door. When worn or damaged, these components can affect the alignment of the rollers, leading to resistance and other problems such as the door being heavier or having higher energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections can ensure that all the components are in sync to keep your patio door operating smoothly.
Set up a crow’s foot at one end, and use the tramming stick to sweep across the rollers. Take note of the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process at the other end of the track, and then divide by two to determine the alignment of the rollers (Photo 1). This method isn't as precise as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's more efficient and less time-consuming than measuring each individual rail with a level or carpenter's level.
Another option to check the alignment of rollers is to take off the head stop, which is a flat plate on the door jamb at bottom of the frame that blocks the rollers. This requires the removal of any grilles or shades that are removable and, if the door is heavy, getting assistance in this process. After the head stop has been removed, carefully remove the screws that adjust the head track by removing them with the help of a screwdriver. Then, reinstall the assembly by aligning each screw adjustment for the roller with its access hole, and tapping it in using the hammer.
Dirty or damaged tracks
A sliding patio door can serve as a magnet for dirt, debris and other elements. They can also be susceptible to misalignment, as well as other issues that may require professional repair. To prolong the life of your patio door the identification and resolution of these issues promptly is crucial.
Dirty tracks are among the most common causes of problems with sliding patio doors. Over time dirt and other debris, such as food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris can be trapped in the small spaces between the tracks of your sliding doors, causing it to get stuck or difficult to open. To avoid this it is recommended to sweep and clean your patio door tracks once every month. You can clean your patio door tracks using an anti-abrasive cleaning solution or use warm soapy tap water after having removed any loose debris. If you notice that certain parts of the track are difficult to clean, you can use the butter knife or toothbrush to clean these small areas.
It is also important to grease the tracks on a regular basis to prevent sliding doors from becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we recommend adding silicone spray to the bottom track on a regular basis. You can also use paraffin wax to improve the glide.
A draft or a leak of air can also affect your sliding patio doors. patio door repair near me may occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has worn out or damaged. This can lead to gaps between your sliding patio door and the frame. This allows air to enter and reduces the energy efficiency. Make sure that your weather stripping is in good condition and replace it if necessary.
If you use it regularly your patio door will experience normal wear and tear over time. However these issues are usually not indicators of a major problem. In most cases, minor repairs can help extend the lifespan of your patio door and keep it running smoothly. Get in touch with a professional as soon as you notice any problems to avoid future costly repairs.
Warped or cracked glass
A cracked or warped patio door can be a major eye-sore and could pose a security risk. This can also allow unwanted animals to enter your home and cause the temperature to fluctuate. Fortunately, these issues are usually easy to fix if you catch them early.
First, a quick look at the glass will help determine what type of repair is required. Glass cracks are typically caused by stress or impact. These are a little more difficult to repair than normal surface chips. A professional may have to replace the lead on this panel. This will require taking the glass off and cleaning, as well as replacing any broken pieces. To ensure that the new glass to the original, a professional needs precise documentation of the way the piece looked at the time.
Sometimes cracks in glass can be filled with epoxy made of plastic. It is available in a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will use a soldering tool to melt the plastic then apply it to the crack. Once the plastic has cooled it is then removed by the professional any excess.
If the crack isn't too large it might be possible to repair the glass using clear sealant. You can purchase this type of sealant at any hardware retailer. It is important to thoroughly dry the crack before applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. A hair dryer or other fan can be used to speed up this procedure.
Weatherstripping damaged
A weather stripping that's worn-out is not just ugly and can pose a security risk it also lets the outside air and heat to escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping inside your home.
First, ensure that you have all the necessary tools and supplies. This includes a replacement weather stripping kit, or adhesive/caulk sealant (depending on your chosen repair method), pliers, scissors, a utility knife, as well as gloves or goggles that are protective. Remove the weather stripping that was used previously by cutting through the end piece and pulling it up with any screws attached if appropriate. Then remove any pieces still left over using pliers or a pry bar.
Begin by measuring the space around the door frame. You can use the measurements to determine the size of weather stripping that you will require. Make sure to leave some extra length for later fine-tuning. Once you have the correct size then apply the backing of the adhesive and press it against the frame. If you want, use a small nail to tack the frame to the wall.
Finally, apply wood filler to any divots or holes in the frame. Let the filler dry completely before painting. It is recommended to apply oil-based paint on the filler, however latex paint will work too.
Lastly, make sure to clean your tracks and sliding doors regularly. Making the effort to do this will prevent sticking and other issues down the road. Making sure you are keeping up with maintenance and repairs to your patio doors will ensure they remain attractive, functional, and energy-efficient. You'll save money while enjoying the outdoors while doing so. Happy fixing your home!