Patio Doors Repairs

Patio doors give homeowners fresh air and light and can boost the value of a home. But with time, they may develop issues that need to be addressed quickly.

Understanding how patio doors function can help homeowners communicate more effectively with contractors regarding issues they encounter. Here are some of the most common repairs to patio doors:.

Misaligned rollers

It's not always simple to open a patio sliding patio doors repairs door. The majority of these non-cooperative sliding patio doors can be repaired easily with some cleaning and oiling, unless a structural problem is present. The most common culprit is dirt in the lower track, which can cause the rollers to rub against the bottom track and cause them to become misaligned. In this instance it is necessary to clean the track and apply a light coating of lubricant to let the rollers move easily.

The misalignment could also be due to damage or wear in the hinges that join the doors, which house some of the rollers; springs either torsion or extension and cables, which raise the door. When these components are damaged or worn, may affect roller alignment and cause resistance and other issues, like a heavier feeling door or higher energy consumption. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional will ensure that these parts are working together to keep your patio doors functioning smoothly.

Create 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 at the opposite side of the track, then divide by 2 to get a measurement of the rollers' parallelism (Photo 1). This method isn't as precise as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's faster and easier than measuring each rail using a level or carpenter's level.

You can also verify the alignment of the rollers by removing the head stop. It is an aluminum plate located in the bottom of the door jamb. It stops the rollers. If the door is heavy you may require help in removal of the removable grilles and shades. After removing the head stop take out the head track adjustment screws by securing them with a screwdriver. Then, reinstalling the assembly, align each screw for adjustment to the hole that it is accessible through, and tapping it with a Hammer.

Dirty or damaged tracks

Patio doors that slide can serve as magnets for dirt, debris and other elements from outside. They also are susceptible to misalignment, as well as other issues that require professional repair. To prolong the life of your patio doors, it's important to identify and address these issues in the earliest time possible.

Dirty tracks are among the most frequent causes of malfunctions in sliding patio doors. Over time, dirt and other debris like food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris, can get trapped in the narrow spaces between the tracks of your sliding doors and cause it to become stuck or difficult to open. It is recommended that you vacuum and clean the tracks of your patio door every month, at minimum, to avoid these problems. After you've cleared all the loose debris 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 areas of the track are harder to clean, try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean out these small areas.

In addition to cleaning the tracks, you should be sure to lubricate them frequently to avoid your sliding door from sticking or becoming difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we suggest applying silicone spray to your bottom track on a regular basis. You can also use paraffin wax to increase the glide.

Another common issue that can impact your sliding patio door is draft or air leak. This could happen if the weather stripping on your sliding patio door is worn or is damaged. This could cause an opening between the door and frame, which allows air to enter and reduce energy efficiency. Check that your weatherstripping is in good order and replace it if needed.

With consistent use, your patio door will go through normal wear and wear and tear over time. These issues aren't usually indicative of a major problem. In most cases, minor repairs can extend the life of your patio door and ensure that it is operating properly. Get in touch with a professional as soon when you spot any issues to avoid costly repairs in the future.

Glass that has cracked or warped

A warped or cracked patio door is an visual ailment and a potential security risk. This could also allow unwanted animals to get into your home and cause the temperature to fluctuate. These issues are easy to fix if they are discovered early.

A quick glance at the glass can assist you in determining what kind of repairs are required. Generally, cracks in glass are caused by stress or impact. These are a little more difficult to repair than normal surface chips. A professional may need to reconnect this panel. This will require the removal of the glass and cleaning it, as well as replacing broken pieces. This is why professionals will require accurate documentation of the piece as it was originally viewed to aid in comparing the new glass with the old.

Sometimes cracks in the glass can be filled with epoxy made of plastic. It can be bought from a hardware store or the home improvement section of a lot of stores. A professional will use a soldering tool to melt the plastic and then apply it to the crack. After the plastic has cooled down and the professional has removed any excess.

If the glass crack is small, there may be a chance of repairing it with clear sealant. You can buy this type of product at any hardware store. It is essential to dry thoroughly the damaged area prior to applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. A hair dryer or another fan can be used to expedite this procedure.

Weatherstripping damaged

A worn out weather stripping is not just ugly and a security risk but it also allows outside air to get in and cold or hot air to escape. A simple fix using a new piece of weather stripping could save you money and make your home more comfortable.

Make sure you have the appropriate tools and materials. This includes a replacement weather stripping kit or adhesive/caulk sealant (depending on the repair method) and scissors, pliers, a utility knife, and some gloves or goggles that are protective. Remove the weather stripping that was used previously by cutting through an end piece, and then pulling it back up using any screws that are attached, if applicable. Then take care to take any remaining pieces over with pliers or a pry bar.

If you decide to replace the weather stripping, start by measuring the gap around the door frame. The measurements can be used to determine the length of weather stripping you need. Make sure you leave a little bit of extra length so you can adjust the fit later. Once you've found the perfect size then apply the adhesive backing and press it against the frame. If you want you would like to 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 dry completely before painting. It is recommended to use oil-based paints, however, latex paint can also be used.

Also, ensure that you clean your tracks and sliding doors regularly. This will avoid future issues such as sticking. Keeping up with maintenance and repairs to your patio doors ensures they are practical, attractive and energy efficient. By doing so, you can enjoy the outdoors with confidence and save some money at the same time! Enjoy your home improvements!