Patio Doors Repairs
Patio doors offer homeowners sunlight and fresh, air. They also enhance the value of homes. Over time, however they could develop issues that require immediate attention.
Understanding how patio doors work will help homeowners communicate with a contractor regarding the issues they face. Here are some of the most common repairs to patio doors:.
Misaligned rollers
Sometimes, a sliding patio door can become stuck and it's not easy to get it open again. However in the absence of a underlying structural problem, most such doors that aren't cooperating could be fixed by a bit of cleaning and lubrication. Most often dirt in the lower track can cause the bottom track and rollers to misalign. In this instance it is necessary to clean the track and apply a light coating of lubricant to let the rollers move easily.
Misalignment may be caused by damage or wear to the hinges that connect the doors that house a portion of these rollers; springs (whether torsion or extensions) as well as cables that lift the door. When these components are damaged or worn, can cause roller alignment issues and lead to resistance and other issues, like the door feeling heavier or higher energy consumption. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections will ensure that these elements are working together to keep your patio doors operating smoothly.
Install a crow's feet at one end. Use a trammingstick to sweep across the rollers. Note the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process at the opposite side of the track, and 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 the diameter directly. It is however, faster and more efficient than using a carpenter's or level to measure each rail.
You can also check the alignment of the rollers by removing the head stop. This is a flat plate that is located in the bottom of the door jamb. It stops the rollers. This will require removing any removable grilles or shades, and in the event that the door is heavy, getting help with this step. After the head stop is removed, carefully remove the screws that adjust the head track by removing them with an screwdriver. Reinstall the assembly by aligning each roller adjustment screw with its access hole and tapping it in with a hammer.
Tracks that are dirty or damaged
A sliding patio door can serve as magnet for dirt, debris, and other elements. They are also susceptible to misalignment, as well as other issues that may require professional repair services. To prolong the life of your patio doors, it's essential to find and fix these issues in the earliest time possible.
Dirty tracks are among the most frequent causes of sliding patio door malfunctions. Over time, dirt and other debris like food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris can get trapped in the narrow spaces between your sliding door tracks which can cause it to become stuck or difficult to open. It is recommended that you clean and vacuum the tracks of your patio doors every month at a minimum to avoid problems like this. You can clean your patio door tracks using an anti-abrasive cleaning solution or warm soapy tap water once you've removed any loose debris. If you notice areas of the track are more difficult to clean, try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean out these small areas.
You should also lubricate the tracks frequently to prevent sliding doors from becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we suggest applying silicone spray to the bottom track on a regular basis. You can also rub paraffin wax on the track to improve the glide.
A draft or a leak of air can also impact your sliding patio doors. This can happen when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has worn out or has been damaged. This could cause gaps between the frame and the door which allows air be able to enter and decrease energy efficiency. Make sure that your weatherstripping is in good order and replace it when needed.
With regular use your patio door will go through normal wear and wear and tear over time. However, these issues are typically not indicative of a serious issue. In the majority of cases, minor repairs can prolong the life of your patio door and ensure it is operating properly. Contact a professional to address any issues as soon as they are apparent to avoid costly repairs in the future.
Glass that is cracked or warped
A patio door that is cracked or warped could be a major eye-sore and can pose security risks. This could also allow unwanted animals into your home and cause the temperature to fluctuate. These issues are easy to fix when caught early.
A quick glance at the glass will help determine what kind of repair is required. Generally, cracks in glass are the result of stress or impact. These are more difficult to repair than chips that are on the surface. A professional will probably require re-leading the panel. This would require removing the glass and replacing any broken pieces. To make sure that the new glass with the old, a professional requires precise documentation of the appearance of the piece at the time.
Plastic epoxy can be used to fill in a crack. It can be purchased at a hardware store or the home improvement section of many stores. A professional will typically use an iron soldering 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 the glass with clear sealant. You can purchase this type of product from any hardware store. However, it is crucial to dry thoroughly the damaged area before applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. You can accelerate the process by using a hair dryer or a different fan.
Weatherstripping damaged
A weather stripping that is worn out is not just ugly and can pose a security risk however it also allows outside air in and heat out. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping in your home.
First, ensure you have all the tools and supplies. You'll require a new weather-stripping kit or adhesive or caulk sealing agent (depending on the repair method you choose), pliers and scissors, a utility knife, protective goggles or gloves and a replacement weather-stripping kit. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting through an end piece, and then pulling it back up with any screws attached if applicable. Then take care to remove any pieces still left in the pliers or pry bar.
Start by measuring the gap around the door frame. Use the measurements to determine the size of weather stripping you will need. Be sure to leave a little extra length so that you can adjust the size later. Once you've found the perfect size, apply the backing of the adhesive and press it against the frame. If you want, secure it in place using small nails or hammers.
Finally apply some wood filler to any divots or holes in the frame. Let the filler dry completely prior to painting. In general, it is best to apply oil-based paint on the filler, however latex paint is also a good choice.
Last but not least, clean your sliding door tracks and doors regularly. By taking glass door repairs to do this can prevent the doors from sticking and other problems down the road. Maintaining regular maintenance and repairs to your patio doors will ensure they stay practical, attractive, and energy-efficient. You can save money while enjoying the outdoors while doing so. Happy home-fixing!