A Guide To Patio Doors Repairs From Beginning To End
Patio Doors Repairs
Patio doors offer homeowners natural sunlight and fresh air, and they increase a home's value. Over time, however they could develop issues that require immediate attention.
Understanding the way patio doors operate will help homeowners communicate with contractors about the issues they face. Here are some of the most frequent problems with patio doors:
Rollers that are not aligned
It's not always simple to open a sliding patio door. But it's not a sign of a structural issue, the majority of doors that aren't cooperating could be fixed with some cleaning and lubrication. The most frequent cause is dirt in the lower track, which could cause the rollers to be pushed against the track below and cause them to become misaligned. In this situation, clean the track thoroughly before applying an even layer of lubricant so that the rollers are able to glide easily.
The misalignment can be caused by wear or damage to the hinges connecting the door panels that house some of these rollers; springs (whether torsion or extensions); 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 an increased weight of the door or energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional will ensure that these elements are in sync to keep your patio doors operating smoothly.
Create 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 same process at the opposite end of the track, and then divide by two to find the rollers' alignment (Photo 1). This method isn't as accurate as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's faster and easier than measuring each rail with a level, or carpenter's level.
You can also test the alignment of the rollers by removing the head stop. It is an aluminum plate situated at the bottom of your door jamb. It stops the rollers. If the door is heavy you may require help in taking off the grilles and shades that are removable. Once the head stop has been removed, remove the head track adjustment screws by pushing them out using a screwdriver, then reinstall the assembly by aligning each screw adjustment for the roller with its access hole, and tapping it in with the Hammer.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty
The sliding patio door acts as magnet for dirt, debris, and other elements. They are also prone to misalignment, as well as other issues that require professional assistance to fix. In order to extend the lifespan of your patio door the identification and resolution of these issues early on is essential.
One of the main reasons for sliding patio doors to malfunction is filthy tracks. Over time, food particles, pet hair and yard debris could get stuck in the small spaces of the track of your sliding door which can cause the door to stick or become difficult to open. To avoid this, it's recommended to clean and vacuum your patio door tracks once per month. After you've cleared all the debris that has accumulated then you can use a non-abrasive home cleaning solution or warm soapy water to wipe down your patio door tracks. If you notice that certain parts of the track are more difficult to clean, you can try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean out these small spaces.
It is also important to grease the tracks frequently to prevent sliding doors from becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you own Panda patio doors it is recommended that you add silicone spray to the bottom track on a regular basis. You can also apply paraffin wax to improve the glide.
Another issue that could affect your sliding patio door is draft or air leak. This could occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has worn away or has been damaged. This could cause gaps between your sliding patio door and the frame. This allows air to enter and decreases the efficiency of energy. Make sure that your weather stripping is in good working order and replace it if needed.
Over time, your patio door may see normal wear and tear. However these issues are usually not indicators of a major problem. Small repairs can prolong the lifespan of your patio door. Contact a professional as soon when you spot any issues to avoid future costly repairs.
Glass that is warped or cracked
A patio door that is damaged or cracked can be a real eyesore and could be a security risk. This could also allow unwanted animals into your home, causing the temperature to fluctuate. Thankfully, these problems are usually easy to fix when they are caught early.
A quick glance at the glass can help you determine what type of repairs are needed. Cracks in glass are usually caused by impact or stress. These are more difficult to repair than surface chips. A professional will probably require re-leading the panel. This will require removing the glass clean it, and replacing the broken pieces. For this reason, an expert will require precise documentation of the glass in its original form to aid in comparing the new glass with the old.
Plastic epoxy can be used to fill a crack. It can be purchased at hardware stores or the home improvement section of a lot of stores. A professional will typically use a soldering iron to melt the plastic, then apply it to the crack in the glass. After the plastic has cooled down and the professional has removed any excess.
If the crack in the glass is not too large, there could be a chance to repair it using clear sealant. You can purchase this type of product from any hardware store. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors is essential to thoroughly dry the crack prior to applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. You can accelerate the process by using a hair dryer or another fan.
Weatherstripping damaged
A weather stripping that is worn out is not only unsightly and a security risk, but it also allows air from outside to enter and heat or cold to escape. A simple fix using a new piece of weather stripping could save you money while keeping your home more comfortable.
First, make sure you have all the necessary tools and supplies. You will need a new weather-stripping kit or adhesive/caulk sealing agents (depending on the repair method you decide to use) tools, pliers and a pair of scissors, a utility blade as well as protective gloves or goggles and a new weather-stripping kit. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting one end piece and pulling it up, along with any screws that attach it, if applicable. Remove any remaining pieces with the pliers and a prybar.
If you decide to replace the weather stripping, begin by measuring the distance around your door frame. You can use these measurements to determine the length of weather stripping you need. Make sure you leave a bit of extra length so that you can fine-tune the fit later. Once you've got the right size, place the backing and press the material against the frame. If you wish, use a small nail to tack the frame to the wall.
Apply wood filler to the frame to cover any holes or divots. Let the filler completely dry before painting. It is best to use oil-based paints however, latex can also be used.
Finally, be sure to clean your sliding doors and tracks regularly. This will avoid future issues such as sticking. Maintaining regular maintenance and repairs to your patio doors ensures they remain practical, attractive, and energy-efficient. When you do this you can enjoy the great outdoors with confidence and save some money at the same time! Happy fixing your home!