Patio Doors Repairs
Patio doors offer homeowners natural fresh air and light and can boost the value of a home. In time, however they could develop issues that require immediate attention.
Understanding the way patio doors operate can help homeowners communicate with a contractor about the issues they experience. Here are some of the most frequently encountered problems with patio doors:
Misaligned rollers
Sometimes, a sliding patio door can become stuck and it's not easy to get it open once more. Most of these uncooperative sliding patio doors can be fixed with some cleaning and oiling, unless a structural problem is present. Typically dirt in the lower track can cause the track's rollers and bottom track to become misaligned. In this case you'll need to wash the track and apply a thin coat of lubricant so that the rollers move easily.
The misalignment could also be due to wear or damage in the hinges that connect the door panels that house some of the rollers, springs either torsion or extension and cables that lift the door. When they are damaged or worn out, could cause roller alignment issues and lead to resistance and other issues, like a heavier feeling door or increased energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections will ensure that these elements are in sync to ensure that your patio doors are operating smoothly.
Set up a crow’s foot at one end and use a trammingstick to sweep across the rollers. Note the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process at the other end of the track, then divide by 2 to obtain a reading of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method is not as precise as using pi tapes to measure the diameter directly, but it's quicker and simpler than measuring each individual rail using a level or carpenter's level.
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 your door jamb. It stops the rollers. This requires removing any grilles or shades that can be removed, and when the door is heavy, you should seek help with this step. After taking off the head stop, take out the head track adjustment screws by securing them with a screwdriver. After reinstalling your assembly, align each screw for adjustment to the hole that it is accessible through, and tapping it with the hammer.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty
A sliding patio door can serve as magnet for dirt, debris, and other elements. They can also be susceptible to misalignment and other issues that require professional repair services. To prolong the life of your patio doors, it is essential to find and fix these problems as soon as possible.
One of the most common causes for sliding patio doors to malfunction is filthy tracks. Over time dirt and other debris such as food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris, could get caught in the tiny spaces between the tracks of your sliding doors, causing it to get stuck or difficult to open. To avoid problems like this, it's recommended to vacuum and clean your patio door tracks once each month. You can clean your patio door tracks with an anti-abrasive cleaning solution or with warm soapy tap water after you've removed any loose debris. If you find that certain areas of the track are difficult to clean, use a butter knife or a toothbrush to clean these tiny areas.
In addition to cleaning the tracks, you must be sure to lubricate them frequently to avoid sliding doors from squeezing or becoming difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we recommend adding silicone spray to your bottom track on a regular basis. You can also apply paraffin wax to enhance the glide.
Another common issue that can impact your sliding patio door is a air leak or draft. This can occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has damaged or worn out. This can lead to a gap between your sliding patio door and the frame. This allows air to enter and decreases the efficiency of energy. Make sure that your weather stripping is in good working order and replace it as necessary.
Over time, your patio door may be subject to normal wear and tear. However, these issues are typically not a sign of a serious issue. In most cases, minor repairs can help extend the life of your patio door and ensure that it is running smoothly. Consult a professional for any problems as soon as they occur to prevent costly repairs in the future.
Glass that is damaged or warped
A patio door that's damaged or cracked is a real eye-sore and could be an security risk. This could also allow unwanted animals into your home, causing the temperature to fluctuate. Fortunately, these issues are usually fixable when they are caught early.
First, a quick look at the glass can determine the type of repair is needed. Click In this article in glass are usually caused by impact or stress. They are more difficult to repair than simple chipping on the surface. A professional may need to re-lead the panel. This will require the removal of the glass and cleaning it, as well as replacing the 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 the glass can be filled with plastic epoxy. It is available 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 cracks in the glass. After the plastic has cooled it is then removed by the professional any excess.
If the crack in the glass isn't too big, there might be a possibility of repairing it with clear sealant. This kind of product is available at any hardware store. It is essential to dry the crack completely before applying sealant. This will prevent the repair from failing. You can speed up the process by using a hair dryer or another fan.
Damaged weatherstripping
A worn out weather stripping is not only unsightly and a security risk, but it also allows air from outside to get in and cold or heat to escape. A simple 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 necessary tools and supplies. You'll need a new weather-stripping kit or adhesive or caulk sealing agent (depending on the repair method you select) tools, pliers and a pair of scissors, a utility blade as well as protective gloves or goggles, and a replacement weather-stripping kit. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting the end piece and then pulling it up, along with any screws that attach it, in the event that they are needed. Then, gently remove any pieces left in the pliers or pry bar.
Begin by measuring the space around the door frame. Utilize the measurements to determine what size weather stripping you will need. Make sure you leave a little bit of extra length so you can adjust the size later. Once you've got the right size, apply the backing and press the material against the frame. If desired you would like to use a small nail to secure the frame in place.
Apply wood filler onto the frame to cover any divots or holes. Let the filler completely dry before painting. Ideally, it's best to apply oil-based paint over the filler, but latex paint can also be used.
The last thing to do is take care to clean your sliding door tracks and doors regularly. Making the effort to do this will prevent sticking and other issues in the future. Maintaining and repairing 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 at the same time! Happy fixing your home!