Patio Doors Repairs
Patio doors offer homeowners natural light and fresh air. They also increase the value of homes. In time, however they can develop issues that require immediate attention.
Understanding how patio doors function can help homeowners communicate with a contractor regarding the issues they experience. Here are some of the most frequently encountered problems with patio doors:
Misaligned rollers
Sometimes, a sliding patio door gets stuck and it's difficult to get it open once more. But, unless there's an underlying structural problem, most such doors that aren't cooperating can be fixed with some cleaning and lubrication. Typically dirt in the lower track can cause the rollers and bottom track to misalign. In this case it is necessary to clean the track and apply a thin coating of lubricant, allowing the rollers glide easily.
Misalignment can also occur due to wear or damage in the hinges that connect the doors that house some of the rollers; springs that are either extension or torsion and cables that raise the door. When they are damaged or worn out, could alter the alignment of rollers and cause resistance and other issues, such as the door feeling heavier or a rise in energy consumption. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional can help ensure that all these elements are in sync to ensure that your patio door is operating smoothly.
To check roller-to-roller alignment, set up a crow's foot at the one end of the track and employ a tramming tool to sweep across both rollers, recording the distance they travel. Repeat the process at the other end of the track and divide by two to get the alignment of the rollers (Photo 1). This method isn't as precise as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's quicker and simpler than measuring each individual rail using a level or carpenter's level.
Another option for checking the alignment of rollers is to take off the head stop, a flat plate in the door jamb at the bottom of the frame, which stops the rollers. This requires the removal of any grilles or shades that are removable, and when the door is heavy, you should seek assistance with this step. Once the head stop is removed, remove the head track adjustment screws by pushing them out using the help of a screwdriver. Then, reinstall the assembly by aligning each roller adjustment screw with its access hole, and tapping it in using a Hammer.
Dirty or damaged tracks
The sliding patio door acts as magnet for dirt, debris and other elements. They can also be susceptible to misalignment and other issues that require professional repair. To extend the life of your patio door the identification and resolution of these issues in the early stages is crucial.
One of the main reasons for sliding patio doors to malfunction is dirty tracks. Over time, food debris, pet hair, and yard debris can become trapped within the narrow spaces of the track of your sliding door which can cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to open. It is recommended that you vacuum and clean the patio door tracks every month, at minimum, to avoid these problems. Once you've removed all the loose debris and dirt, you can use a non-abrasive home cleaning solution or warm soapy water to wipe down your patio door tracks. If you notice parts of the track are harder to clean, you can try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean these tiny areas.
You should also lubricate the tracks frequently to prevent sliding doors from becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you own Panda patio doors it is recommended to apply silicone spray to the bottom track on a frequent basis. You can also use paraffin wax to increase the glide.
Another issue that could impact your sliding patio door is a draft or air leak. This could happen when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door is damaged or worn out. This could cause an opening between your patio door and the frame. This allows air in and reduces the energy efficiency. Check that your weather stripping is in good working order and replace it when required.
With Repair My Windows And Doors will show normal wear and wear and tear with time. These issues are not usually a sign of an urgent problem. In the majority of cases, minor repairs can help extend the life of your patio door and ensure that it is functioning properly. Get in touch with a professional as soon when you spot any issues to avoid future costly repairs.
Glass that is cracked or warped
A patio door that is cracked or warped can be a real eyesore, and it could pose an security risk. This can also allow unwanted animals to get into your home and cause the temperature to fluctuate. Fortunately, these issues are usually simple to fix in the event that you spot them early.
A quick glance at the glass will aid in determining what kind of repairs are required. Cracks in glass are usually caused by stress or impact. They are more difficult to fix than normal surface chips. A professional may require re-leading the panel. This would require removal of the glass and cleaning, as well as replacing any broken pieces. For this reason, a professional will need accurate documentation of the piece as it looked originally to aid in comparing the new glass with the original.
Sometimes, a crack in the glass can be filled with plastic epoxy. You can buy this at a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will usually use an iron soldering to melt the plastic then apply it to the crack in the glass. After it has cooled, the professional can wipe away any excess.
If the crack is small, it may be possible to repair the glass by using clear sealant. You can purchase this type of product from any hardware store. It is important to thoroughly dry the crack prior to 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 that is damaged
A weather stripping that is worn out is not just ugly and poses a security threat, but also allows the outside air and heat to escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping in your home.
Make sure you have the proper tools and materials. You'll need a replacement weather-stripping kit or adhesive/caulk sealing agents (depending on the repair method you choose) tools, pliers and a pair of scissors, a utility blade, protective goggles or gloves, and a replacement weather-stripping kit. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting through one end piece and pulling it up, along with any screws that attach it, if applicable. Then take care to remove any pieces left over using pliers or a pry bar.
Begin by measuring the gap around the door frame. You can use these measurements to determine the length of weather stripping that you will require. Be sure to leave a little bit of extra length so that you can refine the fit later. Once you have the correct size, apply the backing with adhesive and press it against the frame. If you wish you want to, use a nail to secure the frame to the wall.
Finally apply wood filler to any divots or holes in the frame. Let the filler dry completely before applying any paint. It is best to use oil-based paint, but latex will also work.
The last thing to do is make sure you clean your sliding tracks and doors regularly. This will prevent future problems such as sticking. Maintaining and repairing your patio doors will ensure they remain attractive, functional and energy efficient. You can save money while enjoying the great outdoors while doing it. Happy fixing your home!