10 Sites To Help You Be A Pro In Sliding Patio Door Repair
Sliding Patio Door Repair and Replacement
Sliding patio doors are a great addition for any home. They're simple to operate and provide a wide-open view. As with all doors in the house, they're susceptible to wear and tear, which requires replacement or repair.
Regularly clean and lubricate your sliding patio doors to keep them in good condition. Lubricating them with graphite or silicone will allow them to slide smoothly, thus prolonging their life span.
Roller Replacement
If your sliding patio door does not roll smoothly, you might need to lubricate it. However, if the rollers have worn out or damaged, they need to be replaced. Replacing your patio door's rollers will enable your doors to function smoothly and lessen the amount of force needed to open or close them.
If your patio door was manufactured prior to 2000, you may need to remove the bottom part of the frame to gain access to the rollers. If this is the situation you can use a wooden block and rubber mallet to tap the assembly free, then pull it out. Save the roller screws to install your new rollers.
Sliding glass doors are crucial security features in many homes and should be secured properly. Old or damaged roller wheels can make your door difficult to push open or closed and can create gaps around the door that burglars can exploit. Replacing your patio door's rollers ensures that your home is safe from uninvited guests.
After you have removed the rails at the top and bottom, it is an ideal idea to clean the entire area of the track with an alcohol-soaked cloth. This will eliminate any grime which makes it easier to remove the doors from the track. You should be able to see drainage holes on the bottom track, but these can become blocked by dirt. If your track seems to be prone of collecting a lot of dirt, you might think about installing a stainless steel u-shaped piece that snaps onto the track and provides an additional channel for water to flow through. You can get these from CR Laurence and other retailers who specialize in replacement sliding door parts.
When you are reinstalling the doors, be sure to put the bottom panel in first and then swing the top in place. When the doors are back in place, you'll be able to test that they move freely and don't require any force to open or close them. If you feel that the doors are rough, you can adjust the rollers to give more clearance.
Weather Strip Replacement
The weather strip seals on your sliding doors slowly become worn, permitting drafts and moisture to be able to. This can increase your energy costs. It's a quick and simple project that will save you money on heating costs.
Sliding door weather stripping is available in a wide variety of materials, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. You'll want to choose a material that will be able to withstand friction and weather changes as well as extreme temperatures and foot traffic, without affecting the operation of the door. Foam and felt, for example aren't expensive but are prone to weather and visible in the frame while vinyl is more expensive but lasts for years and is durable, but could look out of the frame of a modern home. Plastic or rubber will degrade over time and require frequent replacement.
To install new weather strips, you must remove the door from the casing. To do this, locate the headstop on the top of the door. It's typically a thin strip of metal or plastic that is held in place by screws. Remove the screw caps, then use a flathead screwdriver to remove the headstop from the door's bottom. Remove the weather stripping as well as any residue left behind by using a putty knife or scraper.
Don't try to remove the door from its track with only one person. You'll have to apply a lot of force. It is better to have a partner hold the door steady while you take it out of its frame.
Find the channels that are holding your weather stripping. Plugs that match the color of your doors should be placed in these channels. Take the plugs off, then pull them up on the weather stripping to remove it from its channel.
There are a variety of weather stripping available, but the best for sliding patio doors is Fin Seal. This kind of weather seal is made with Mylar that is centered within the brush material. It is extremely robust. It is suitable for all climates, and can endure foot traffic. The back of the weather stripping is also constructed of a strong, flexible material to better withstand the pressures of a sliding patio door.
Door Alignment
Patio doors that slide open are a wonderful feature of any home, but just like everything else, they could require a few adjustments to make sure they are working at their best. Over time, the parts of these doors will wear out or fall out of alignment, which can result in issues like hitting frames, sticking or not locking properly. Regular maintenance and minor adjustments will keep these issues from happening which will save you money and time.
The most common cause of sliding door misalignment stems from damage to the tracks or rollers caused by sudden jolts or excessive force. A quick repair with the right tools can solve this problem, keeping your patio door sliding smoothly for many years to come.
The misalignment could also be caused by changes in temperature and humidity as well as weatherstripping wear and inadequate installation. Parts can shift and become loose over time. This could cause the door to move, and then not latch or close properly. These changes over time could result in air drafts, and possibly water leakage into the house.
To prevent these problems, it is important to regularly clean and lubricate your patio door track. A small amount of spray lubricant could easily be purchased at any hardware retailer and applying it regularly with a small brush can help keep the track running smoothly.
Another common cause for misalignment of sliding patio doors is that the latch hook is not aligned with the strike plate of the jamb. To correct this, open the door and reveal the latch mechanism. This allows you to view it and have full access. Then, locate patio doors repair near me that controls the latch hook, and then gently move it in any direction to adjust the length of the hook. A properly adjusted latch hook will guarantee that the latch strikes and is able to engage with the strike plate without hindrance or resistance.
Check your door after you've made the necessary adjustments to ensure that it is able to slide and locks properly. If there are any issues, you can repeat the procedure until your sliding patio door is fully functioning. With these simple steps, you can save yourself a significant amount of money by not having to hire experts to make costly repairs.
Frame Replacement
Over time, screws on sliding door frames may loosen and allow the frame to move. Checking and tightening the screws will keep your doors from sticking or getting jammed. A sagging screen door could be corrected with a little bit of clamping, while hinges that are loose may require an upgrade.
It is possible to upgrade a sliding patio without having to replace the frame, but you must first assess the condition of the current frame. This method is more cost-effective than a full frame replacement and can help address particular needs like better insulation or a new design.
A full frame replacement involves the complete removal of hinged doors frames, windows and hinges from the wall opening. This allows the new patio to be installed, and it can offer more flexibility in terms of style, size and materials.
Sliding glass doors are designed to provide a beautiful view of your backyard. However, they do begin to show signs of wear and tear over time. If your sliding doors are stuck or difficult to open, you may require replacing the wheels or track. If the frame is in good condition, it may be enough to replace the doors.
Before you begin, ensure that your work area is free of obstructions and you've laid down a drop cloth. Next, lay the sliding door on a flat work surface and remove any grilles that are removable or shades from the frame. Use a screwdriver and remove the plugs that protect the screws for adjustment of the roller on the bottom of the frame (they are typically covered by caps). Once these screws are removed then you can loosen them and remove the bottom of the door away from the track.
After the frame is exposed, you can replace both the track and sliding door wheels. If the track for your sliding door is old or damaged it is best to replace it completely rather than repairing the existing track. You can either buy a DIY kit or employ a professional to install it. In either case, be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions to ensure proper installation.