Patio Doors Repairs
Patio doors give homeowners fresh air and light and can enhance the value of a house. In time, however, they may develop problems that require immediate attention.
Understanding how patio doors work can help homeowners better communicate with a contractor regarding the problems they encounter. Here are some common patio door repair s:.
Rollers that aren't aligned properly
Sometimes the sliding patio door can become stuck and it's not easy to get it open again. Most of these uncooperative sliding patio doors can be repaired easily by a little oiling and cleaning, unless a structural problem is present. Most often, dirt in the lower track can cause the rollers and bottom track to misalign. In this case, clean the track thoroughly before applying the lubricant in a thin layer to allow the rollers to glide smoothly.
Misalignment may be caused by wear or damage to the hinges that connect the doors that house a portion of these rollers, springs (whether extensions or torsion); and cables which lift the door. If damaged or worn out these components can cause problems with the alignment of the rollers, causing resistance as well as other issues such as an increased weight of the door or energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and regular professional inspections can help ensure that all these elements are in sync to ensure that your patio door is operating smoothly.
Create a crow's foot at one end. Use the trammingstick to move across the rollers. Take note of the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process on the opposite end of the track, and divide by 2 to get a measurement of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method is not as precise as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's much faster and easier than measuring each individual rail with a level, or carpenter's level.
Another option to check 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 removing the head stop remove the head track adjustments screws by securing them with the screwdriver. Then, reinstalling the assembly, align each roller adjustment screw to the hole that it is accessible through, and tapping it with the Hammer.
Dirty or damaged tracks
A sliding patio door can serve as a magnet for dirt, debris and other elements. They can also be susceptible to misalignment, as well as other issues that require professional repair services. To extend the lifespan of your patio doors, it is essential to find and fix these problems as soon as you can.
Dirty tracks are among the most frequent causes of malfunctions in sliding patio doors. Over time, dirt food particles, pet hair and yard debris could get trapped in the tiny spaces of your sliding door track, causing the door to stick or become difficult to open. It is recommended that you vacuum and clean the tracks of your patio doors every month, at minimum, to avoid problems like this. You can clean your patio door tracks using a non-abrasive cleaning solution, or use warm soapy tap water after having removed any debris that is floating around. If you notice that certain parts of the track are difficult to clean, use a butter knife or a toothbrush to clean these small spaces.
In addition to cleaning the tracks, it is recommended to lubricate them regularly to prevent sliding doors from squeezing or becoming difficult to open. If you own Panda patio doors it is recommended to add silicone spray to the bottom track on a frequent basis. You can also use paraffin wax to improve 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 can cause an opening between the frame and the door, which allows air to be able to enter and decrease the efficiency of your energy. Make sure that your weatherstripping is in good condition and replace it if needed.
Over time your patio door could be subject to normal wear and tear. These issues aren't usually indicative of a major problem. In most cases, small repairs can prolong the lifespan of your patio door and ensure it is functioning properly. Contact a professional to address any problems as soon as they occur to prevent costly repairs in the future.
Glass that is warped or cracked
A patio door that's cracked or warped could be a major eye-sore and can pose a security risk. It also allows in unwanted animals and cause your home temperature fluctuate wildly. Thankfully, these problems are usually easy to fix if you catch them early.
A quick glance at the glass will assist you in determining what kind of repairs are required. Glass cracks are typically caused by stress or impact. They are more difficult to repair than chips that are on the surface. A professional may have to reconnect this panel. This will require the removal of the glass, cleaning it, and replacing the broken pieces. For this reason, professionals will require accurate documentation of the glass in its original form to ensure that the new glass with the old one.
Plastic epoxy can be used to fill a crack. You can buy this at a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will employ the soldering tool to melt the plastic then apply it to the crack. After it has cooled, the professional can wipe away any excess.
If the glass crack is not too large, there could be a chance of repairing it with clear sealant. You can purchase this kind of product at any hardware store. It is important to dry the crack thoroughly prior to applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. A hair dryer or another fan can be used to expedite this procedure.
Weatherstripping damaged
A worn out weather stripping is not just ugly and a security risk, but it also allows air from outside to get in and heat or cold escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping on your home.
Ensure you have the right tools and materials. This includes a replacement weather stripping kit or adhesive/caulk sealant (depending on your chosen repair method) and scissors, pliers, utility knife, and some gloves or goggles that are protective. Remove the old weather stripping, by cutting through an end piece, and then pulling it back up with any screws attached, if applicable. Remove any remaining pieces using pliers and a prybar.
Start by measuring the gap around the door frame. The measurements can be used to determine the size of weather stripping that you require. Be sure to leave an extra length for later fine-tuning. Once you have the correct size you can apply the backing of the adhesive and press it against the frame. If you wish, nail it to the frame with a small nail or hammer.
Apply wood filler to the frame to fill any holes or divots. Allow the filler to dry completely before applying paint. 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 clean your sliding door tracks and doors frequently. By taking the time to do this prevents sticking and other problems down the road. Maintaining regular maintenance and repairs to your patio doors ensures they remain functional, attractive and energy efficient. If you do this, you can enjoy the great outdoors with confidence and save money at the same time! Happy fixing your home!