5 Patio Doors Repairs Lessons Learned From The Pros
Patio Doors Repairs
Patio doors provide homeowners with natural light and fresh clean air. They also increase the value of a house. In time, however they can develop issues that require immediate attention.
Understanding how patio doors function can help homeowners communicate better with contractors about problems they encounter. Here are some of the most common repairs to patio doors:.
Misaligned rollers
It's sometimes difficult to open a patio sliding door. Most of these sluggish sliding patio doors can be fixed with a bit of oiling and cleaning, unless a structural issue is present. The most common culprit is dirt in the lower track, which may cause the rollers to rub against the track at the bottom and cause them to become misaligned. In this instance, you'll need to clean the track and apply a thin coating of lubricant, allowing the rollers glide smoothly.
Misalignment may also 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); and cables which lift the door. When they are damaged or worn out, could alter the alignment of rollers and cause resistance, as well as other problems, such as doors that feel heavier or increased energy consumption. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional can help ensure that all the components are in sync to keep your patio door operating smoothly.
Set up a crow’s foot at one end. Use a trammingstick to sweep across the rollers. Note the distance each roller travels. Repeat the same process at the opposite end of track and divide by two to find the rollers' alignment (Photo 1). This method isn't as accurate as using pi tape to measure diameter directly. It is however, faster and less cumbersome than using a carpenter's level to measure the length of each rail.
You can also verify the alignment of the rollers by removing the head stop. It is an elongated plate that is located in the bottom of the door jamb. It stops the rollers. If the door is very heavy, you may need help removing removable grilles and shades. After removing the head stop, remove the head track adjusters screws by securing them with a screwdriver. After reinstalling the assembly and aligning each adjustment screw with its access hole, and tapping it with the hammer.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty
A sliding patio door can serve as an attraction for dirt, debris and other elements. They are also susceptible to misalignment, and other issues that require professional repair. To prolong the lifespan of your patio door, identifying and addressing these problems in the early stages is crucial.
One of the main causes for sliding patio doors to fail is dirty tracks. Over time, dirt, food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris can become trapped in the tiny spaces of your door's track, causing the door to snag or become difficult to open. To avoid these issues it is recommended to sweep and clean your patio door tracks once every month. You can clean your patio door tracks with a non-abrasive cleaner or with warm soapy tap water after you've removed any debris that is floating around. If you notice that certain parts of the track are difficult to clean, you can use a butter knife or a toothbrush to scrub these tiny spaces.
It is also important to grease the tracks frequently to prevent your sliding door becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, it is recommended to apply silicone spray to the bottom track on a frequent basis. You can also rub paraffin wax along the track to enhance 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 worn out or damaged. This can result in an opening between the frame and the door which allows air enter and reduce energy efficiency. Ensure that your weather stripping is in good working order and replace it when required.
With regular use your patio door will experience normal wear and wear and tear with time. These problems are usually not an indication of a serious issue. Minor repairs can extend the life of your patio door. Consult a professional for any issues as soon they occur to prevent costly repairs in the future.
Glass that is damaged or warped
A patio door that's cracked or warped is a real eye-sore and could be an security risk. It also allows in unwanted critters and make your home's temperature change dramatically. These issues are simple to fix if they are detected early.
A quick glance at the glass can help determine what kind of repair is needed. Generally, cracks in glass are the result of stress or impact. These are more difficult to repair than chips on the surface. A professional will probably need to re-lead this panel. This will require the removal of the glass, cleaning it, and replacing broken pieces. For this reason, an expert will require precise documentation of the glass as it was originally viewed to aid in comparing the new glass to the old one.
Sometimes cracks in the glass can be filled with epoxy made of plastic. It is available in a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will typically use the soldering iron to melt the plastic then apply it to the crack in the glass. After it has been cool, the professional can remove any excess.
If the crack is not too big, it may be possible to repair the glass using clear sealant. You can purchase this type of product at any hardware store. It is important to thoroughly dry the crack prior to applying sealant. This will prevent the repair from failing. You can accelerate the process by using a hair dryer or another fan.
Weatherstripping damaged
A damaged weather stripping is not just unsightly and a security risk but it also allows outside air to enter and cold or heat to escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping inside your home.
Ensure you have the right tools and materials. This includes a new weather stripping kit or caulk sealant or adhesive (depending on the repair method) and scissors, pliers, 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 up with any screws attached, if applicable. Remove any remaining pieces using the pliers and a prybar.
If patio door repair near me decide to replace the weather stripping, begin by measuring the gap around your door frame. The measurements can be used to determine the size of weather stripping you will require. Make sure you leave extra length to allow for fine-tuning later. Once you have the correct size then apply the adhesive backing and press it against the frame. If you wish, nail it to the frame with a small nail or hammer.
Finally apply some wood filler to any divots or holes in the frame. Let the filler dry completely prior to painting. It is recommended to apply oil-based paint on the filler, but latex paint will work too.
Last but not least, clean your sliding door tracks and doors frequently. This will prevent future problems like sticking. Maintaining and repairing your patio doors will ensure they remain functional, attractive and energy-efficient. You can save money while enjoying the outdoors while doing it. Happy fixing your home!