Patio Doors Repairs
Patio doors provide homeowners with natural sunlight and fresh air, and they enhance the value of a house. In time, however they could develop issues that require immediate attention.
Understanding how patio doors work can help homeowners communicate with a contractor regarding the problems they encounter. Here are some of the most common patio door problems:
Rollers that aren't aligned properly
It's not always simple to open a patio sliding door. Most of these uncooperative sliding patio doors can be repaired easily with some cleaning and oiling, unless a structural issue is present. The most common culprit is dirt in the lower track, which could cause the rollers to be pushed against the track below and cause them to be misaligned. In this instance, clean the track thoroughly and apply an even layer of lubricant to allow the rollers to glide easily.
The misalignment can also be caused by damage or wear to the hinges that connect the door panels that house some of these rollers, springs (whether extensions or torsion); and cables which lift the door. When they are damaged or worn, can affect roller alignment and lead to resistance and other issues, like the door feeling heavier or increased energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and regular inspections by a professional can help ensure that all these elements work in harmony to keep your patio door functioning smoothly.
To determine the alignment of rollers to determine alignment, set up the crow's feet at one end of the track. use a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, noting the distance that each travels. Repeat the process at the opposite side of the track, then divide by 2 to obtain a reading of the rollers' parallelism (Photo 1). This method isn't as exact as using pi tape to measure diameter directly. However, it's quicker and easier than using a carpenter's level to determine the rail's diameter.
Another option for checking the alignment of the rollers is to remove the head stop, which is a flat plate on the jamb of the door at the bottom of the frame that blocks the rollers. This requires removing any grilles or shades that are removable, and if the door is heavy, getting assistance in this process. After taking off the head stop, remove the head track adjusters screws by backing them with a screwdriver. After reinstalling your assembly and aligning each roller adjustment screw to its access hole, and tapping it with a Hammer.
Dirty tracks or damaged tracks
Sliding patio door can act as magnet for dirt, debris, and other elements. They can also be susceptible 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 issues as soon as you can.
Dirty tracks are one of the most common causes of sliding patio door malfunctions. Over time, dirt food particles, pet hair and yard debris can become trapped within the narrow spaces of your door's track, causing the door to snag or become difficult to open. To avoid this it is recommended to clean and vacuum your patio door tracks once every month. You can clean your patio door tracks using a non-abrasive cleaning solution, or with warm soapy tap water after you've removed any debris that is floating around. If you notice that some 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.
In addition to cleaning the tracks, it is recommended to be sure to lubricate them frequently to avoid sliding doors from squeezing or becoming difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we suggest adding silicone spray to the bottom track regularly. You can also apply paraffin wax along the track to enhance the glide.
Another common issue that can impact your sliding patio door is a draft or air leak. This could happen when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has worn out or damaged. This could cause an opening between the frame and the door which allows air enter and reduce energy efficiency. Make sure that your weather stripping is in good shape and replace it when needed.
If you use it regularly your patio door will show normal wear and tear over time. However, these issues are typically not a sign of a major problem. Small repairs can prolong the lifespan of your patio door. Get in touch with a professional as soon when you notice any issues to avoid costly repairs.
Glass that is cracked or warped
A patio door that is damaged or cracked is a real eye-sore and can pose security risks. This could also allow unwanted animals to enter your home and cause the temperature to fluctuate. Thankfully, these problems are usually simple to fix in the event that you spot them early.
A quick glance at the glass can assist you in determining what kind of repairs are needed. Cracks in glass are usually caused by impact or stress. These are a little more difficult to fix than simple cracks in the surface. A professional may need to re-lead this panel. This would require taking the glass off and replacing any broken pieces. This is why a professional will need accurate documentation of the piece as it looked originally to help match up the new glass with the old.
Sometimes, a crack in the glass can be filled with epoxy made of plastic. It can be purchased at a hardware store or the home improvement section of many stores. A professional will employ the soldering tool to melt the plastic and then apply it to the crack. After it has cooled, the professional can remove any excess.
If the crack is not too big it might be possible to repair the glass using clear sealant. You can purchase this type of product at any hardware store. However, it is crucial to thoroughly dry the cracked area prior to applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. You can speed up the process by using a hair dryer or other fan.
Weatherstripping damaged
A worn-out weather stripping is not just ugly and can pose a security risk it also lets the outside air and heat to escape. A simple fix with a new piece of weather stripping can save you money and keep your home more comfortable.
First, ensure that you have all the necessary tools and materials. You will need a new weather-stripping kit or adhesive or caulk sealing agent (depending on the repair method you decide to use) as well as pliers and scissors, a utility blade, protective goggles or gloves and a new weather-stripping kit. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting through an end piece and pulling it up with any screws attached if necessary. Then, gently remove any pieces left in the pliers or pry bar.
If you decide to replace the weather stripping, begin by measuring the gap around the door frame. The measurements can be used to determine the length of weather stripping that you require. Be sure to leave an extra length for later fine-tuning. Once you've found the perfect size, place the backing and press it against the frame. If desired, tack it in place using the nail or hammer.
Finally, apply some wood filler to any holes or divots in the frame. Let the filler dry completely prior to painting. sliding patio door repair near me to use oil-based paint, however, latex can also be used.
Lastly, make sure to clean your tracks and sliding doors regularly. This will avoid future issues such as sticking. Maintaining regular maintenance and repairs to your patio doors will ensure they are attractive, functional and energy efficient. You can save money and enjoy the great outdoors while doing it. Happy fixing your home!