Patio Doors Repairs
Patio doors offer homeowners sunlight and fresh, clean air. They also enhance the value of a home. Over time, however, they may develop problems that require immediate attention.
Understanding how patio doors operate can help homeowners communicate better with contractors about issues they face. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered problems with patio doors:
Misaligned rollers
It’s sometimes difficult to open a patio sliding door. Most of these uncooperative sliding patio doors can be fixed easily with some cleaning and oiling, unless a structural issue is present. Typically, dirt in the lower track can cause the rollers and bottom track to misalign. In this situation you’ll need to wash the track and apply a thin coat of lubricant so that the rollers glide easily.
The misalignment can also be caused by damage or wear to the hinges that connect the doors that house a portion of these rollers, springs (whether extensions or torsion) as well as cables that lift the door. When these components are damaged or worn, may alter the alignment of rollers and cause resistance, as well as other issues, such as doors that feel heavier or increased energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and periodic professional inspections can help ensure that these components work in harmony to keep your patio door functioning smoothly.
Set up a crow’s foot at one end and use a trammingstick to sweep across the rollers. Take note of the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process on the other end of the track, and then divide by 2 to get a reading of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method isn’t as exact as using a pi tape to measure the length directly. It is however, faster and more efficient than using a carpenter’s or level to measure each rail.
Another option to check the alignment of the rollers is to remove the head stop, which is a flat plate in the door jamb at bottom of the frame that blocks the rollers. If the door is heavy, you may require assistance in taking off the grilles and shades that are removable. After the head stop has been removed, carefully remove the head track adjustment screws by backing them out with an screwdriver. Reinstall the assembly by aligning each roller adjustment screw with the access hole for it and tapping it in with a hammer.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty
The sliding patio door acts as magnet for dirt, debris and other elements. They are also susceptible to misalignment and other issues that could require professional repair. To prolong the lifespan of your Patio glass repair near me doors, it is crucial to recognize and fix these problems in the earliest time possible.
One of the most common causes for sliding patio doors to malfunction is dirty tracks. Over time, dirt and other debris such as pet hair, food crumbs and yard debris, could get trapped in the narrow spaces between your sliding door tracks and cause it to get stuck or difficult to open. To avoid these issues, it’s recommended to vacuum and clean your patio door tracks once each month. You can clean your patio door tracks with a non-abrasive cleaning solution, or warm soapy tap water once you’ve 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 spaces.
You should also lubricate the tracks frequently to prevent your sliding door from becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, it is recommended that you add silicone spray to the bottom track on a frequent basis. You can also rub paraffin wax on the track to improve glide.
Air leaks or drafts can also affect your sliding patio doors. This could happen when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has worn out or damaged. This can lead to an opening between your sliding patio door and the frame. This lets air in and decreases the efficiency of energy. Make sure that your weather stripping is in good condition and replace it as required.
Over time your patio door could see normal wear and tear. However these issues are usually not a sign of a significant issue. In most cases, small repairs can help extend the life of your patio door and ensure that it is running smoothly. Contact a professional to address any issues as soon they are apparent to prevent costly repairs in the future.
Warped or cracked glass
A patio door that’s damaged or sagging is a real eye-sore and can pose an security risk. This can also allow unwanted animals into your home and cause the temperature to fluctuate. Fortunately, these issues are usually simple to fix if you catch them early.
First, a quick look at the glass will determine the type of repair is required. Glass cracks are typically caused by impact or stress. They are more difficult to repair than normal surface chips. A professional will probably require re-leading the panel. This will require the removal of the glass clean it, and replacing broken pieces. To make sure that the new glass to the original, a professional requires accurate documentation of how the piece looked at the time.
Plastic epoxy can be used to fill a crack. It is available in a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will typically employ the soldering iron to melt the plastic then apply it to the crack in the glass. After it has been cool, the professional can wipe away any excess.
If the crack is small it might be possible to repair patio doors the glass using clear sealant. You can purchase this kind of product at any hardware store. It is crucial to thoroughly dry the crack before applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. A hair dryer or any other fan can be used to expedite this procedure.
Weatherstripping damaged
A damaged weather stripping is not just ugly and a security risk but it also allows air from outside to get in and heat or cold escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping in your home.
First, ensure you have all the tools and supplies. You will need a replacement weather-stripping kit or adhesive/caulk sealing agents (depending on the repair method you choose), pliers and scissors, a utility blade as well as protective gloves or goggles and a new weather-stripping kit. Remove the old weather stripping, by cutting through the end piece and pulling up with any screws attached if necessary. Remove any remaining pieces using the pliers and a prybar.
If you decide to replace the weather stripping, begin by measuring the distance around your door frame. Utilize the measurements to determine what size weather stripping you require. Be sure to leave an extra length for later fine-tuning. Once you have the correct size, apply the backing of the adhesive and press it against the frame. If desired, tack it to the frame with small nails or hammers.
Finally apply some wood filler to any divots or holes in the frame. Allow the filler to dry completely before applying paint. It is recommended to apply oil-based paint on the filler, but latex paint can also be used.
Also, ensure that you clean your tracks and sliding doors regularly. By taking the time to do this will prevent sticking and other problems in the future. Cleaning and maintaining your patio doors will ensure they remain attractive, functional and energy efficient. If you do this you can enjoy the outdoors with confidence and save money at the same time! Happy home-fixing!