Patio Doors Repairs

Patio doors give homeowners sunlight and fresh air, and they increase a home's value. In time, however they can develop issues that require immediate attention.

Understanding how patio doors work can help homeowners communicate more effectively with contractors about issues they encounter. Here are some of the most frequent patio door problems:

Rollers that aren't aligned properly

Sometimes an outdoor sliding door will get stuck and it's difficult to get it open again. But, unless there's an underlying structural problem, most such uncooperative doors can be easily fixed by a bit of cleaning and lubrication. Most often dirt in the lower track can cause the bottom track and rollers to become misaligned. In this situation, clean the track thoroughly and apply the lubricant in a thin layer so that the rollers can glide easily.

The misalignment could also be due to wear or damage in the hinges that join the doors which house a portion of the rollers; springs either torsion or extension and cables, which lift the door. When they are damaged or worn out, could affect roller alignment and cause resistance and other issues, like doors that feel heavier or higher energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional will ensure that these components are in sync to keep your patio doors operating smoothly.

To verify the alignment between rollers and alignment, place the crow's feet at one end of the track. employ a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, recording the distance that each travels. Repeat the same process at the opposite end of the track and divide by two to get the rollers' alignment (Photo 1). This method is not as accurate as using pi tapes to measure the diameter directly, but it's faster and easier than measuring each individual rail with a level, or carpenter's level.

You can also verify the alignment of the rollers by taking off the head stop. It is an aluminum plate located at the bottom of the door jamb. It stops the rollers. This requires the removal of any grilles or shades that are removable and, when the door is heavy, getting help with this step. Once the head stop is removed, carefully remove the screws that adjust the head track by pushing them out using an screwdriver. Reinstall the assembly by aligning each adjustment screw with its access hole and tapping it in using the Hammer.

Tracks that are damaged or dirty

Sliding patio door can act as an attraction for dirt, debris and other elements. They can also be prone to misalignment, as well as other issues that require professional repair. To prolong the lifespan of your patio doors, it is crucial to recognize and fix these problems 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 pet hair, food crumbs and yard debris can be trapped in the small spaces between your sliding door tracks, causing it to become stuck or difficult to open. It is recommended that you clean and vacuum your tracks of your patio doors every month at a minimum to avoid problems like this. After you've removed all of the debris that is loose and dirt, you can use a non-abrasive household cleaning solution or warm soapy water to clean down your patio door tracks. If you notice that certain parts of the track are difficult to clean, use a butter knife or toothbrush to scrub these tiny areas.

In addition to cleaning the tracks, you should lubricate them regularly to prevent your sliding door from becoming stuck or becoming difficult to open. If you own Panda patio doors it is recommended to apply silicone spray to the bottom track on a regular basis. You can also apply paraffin wax along the track to enhance glide.

A draft or a leak of air can also impact your sliding patio doors. This can occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door is worn out or damaged. This can cause gaps between your patio door and the frame. This lets air in and decreases the efficiency of energy. Check that your weatherstripping is in good shape and replace it when needed.

With regular use, your patio door will show normal wear and wear and tear over time. These issues aren't usually an indication of a serious problem. Minor repairs can extend the lifespan of your patio door. Contact a professional to address any issues as soon they appear to save on costly repairs in the future.

Glass that is warped or cracked

A warped or cracked patio door is an visual ailment and a potential security risk. It also allows in unwanted critters and make your home's temperature fluctuate dramatically. These issues are easy to fix if caught early.

A quick glance at the glass can help determine what type of repair is required. Cracks in glass are usually caused by stress or impact. They are more difficult to repair than surface chips. A professional will probably need to re-lead this panel. This would require removing the glass and replacing any broken pieces. To help match the new glass with the old one, professionals require exact documentation of how the piece looked at the time.

Sometimes cracks in glass can be filled with plastic epoxy. You can purchase this in a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will employ the soldering tool to melt the plastic and then apply it to the crack. Once the plastic has cooled it is then removed by the professional any excess.

If the crack is small, it may be possible to repair the glass using clear sealant. This type of product can be purchased at any hardware store. It is crucial to thoroughly dry the crack before applying sealant. This will stop the repair from failing. You can accelerate the process by using a hair dryer or another fan.

Weatherstripping damaged

A weather stripping that's worn-out not only looks bad and poses a security threat however it also allows outside air and heat to escape. A quick fix with a new piece of weather stripping will save you money and keep your home more comfortable.

First, ensure that you have all the tools and materials. This includes a new weather stripping kit or adhesive/caulk sealant (depending on the repair patio doors method) tools, 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 applicable. Remove any remaining pieces with pliers and a plier.

Start by measuring the gap around the door frame. Use the measurements to determine the size of weather stripping you need. Make sure to leave some extra length to allow for fine-tuning later. Once you have the right size you can apply the backing with adhesive and press it against the frame. If you wish, nail it to the frame using a small nail or hammer.

Finally apply wood patio door repair filler to any holes or divots in the frame. Let the filler dry completely before applying paint. It is recommended to use oil-based paints but latex will also work.

Last but not least, clean your sliding door tracks and doors frequently. By taking the time to do this prevents sticking and other problems later on. Cleaning and maintaining your patio doors will ensure they remain functional, attractive and energy-efficient. By doing so you can enjoy the outdoors with confidence, and save money in the process! Happy fixing your home!