15 Things You're Not Sure Of About Patio Door Repair
Why You Should Hire a Professional Patio Door Repair Company
French patio doors are an excellent method to connect your indoors and outdoor. However, they might require periodic repairs to fix common problems. These include problems with alignment, damaged weatherstrippings as well as locks and handles that are not working properly broken or foggy glass, and drafts.
Foggy glass could be an indication that the seal has been compromised and can lead to air and moisture leaks. This could affect energy efficiency and increase your utility bills.
Misalignment
As time passes all sliding patio doors are susceptible to wear and wear and. This causes them to lose their original shape and can be difficult to open and close and allowing unwanted drafts to infiltrate your home. Fortunately, all of these problems can be easily fixed by adjusting your door and restoring its original fitting.
When rollers are misaligned, they can cause sliding patio doors to become stuck. patio doors repairs can damage the track system and glass panels. This could be caused by excessive use of the door, insufficient maintenance and cleaning or simply by age. You can prevent this from happening by regular inspection of your patio door and acting if you notice it to be out of place.
If the operating panel isn't able to open or close, especially when trying to lock your patio door, it is a sign that it is not in alignment. This could be due to a number of different issues but the most frequent is that your door's rollers have lost their traction and aren't moving along the track as smoothly. Fortunately, this can be repaired by loosing the screw for adjusting, typically located in the bottom corners of the door, and turning it clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the height.
You might also have to seek out a professional if your patio door is not aligned due to shifting of the frame. This is often difficult to identify and requires professional intervention. In this situation, you may need to put a wood shim on the door jamb at the point where it joins the operating panel.
It is also common for double French patio doors to become uneven in time, which could make them harder to lock and permit drafts into your home. This is usually caused by the weight of the doors making them to move differently on the opposite side of the opening. It is essential to check and tighten your French doors as soon as you spot any loose fasteners in order to avoid further damage.
Weatherstripping that is damaged
A worn or damaged weatherstripping seal could create gaps around your patio door that allow drafts to get in. This can affect the comfort of your home and its energy efficiency. You can replace or repair the weatherstripping on your doors to increase insulation and eliminate drafts.
Rollers that are misaligned
Your patio door could be impeded by damaged or loose rollers. Regular cleaning and lubrication can ensure smooth operation.
Dirty Tracks
If you have an accumulation of dirt or dust on the tracks, it could cause your patio door to feel like it is bouncing or sticking when you open or close it. This issue can be fixed by cleaning and Lubricating your rollers and tracks.
Broken Glass
French patio doors are made of large glass panels that offer ample light and beautiful views. If the glass chips or cracks, it can affect the strength and stability of the door. It should be repaired in the shortest time possible.
Poorly designed Handles
The operation of your patio door may be affected by loose or worn handles. Tightening loose handles or replacing them can increase the functionality and give solid grip to the handlebar.
Weatherstripping that is damaged or missing
Weatherstripping that's worn out or missing could cause gaps within your home, allowing drafts to get in. Weatherstripping that is damaged or replaced can increase the efficiency of your home and also reduce noise.
You can check the weatherstripping by observing signs of damage such as obvious wear, missing chunks, or a swelling appearance. If the weatherstripping has been damaged, it is recommended to replace it following the instructions of the manufacturer.
You can also apply caulk that is of the highest quality around the door frames and cracks. This is a simple solution that can be done quickly and costs less than replacing the existing weatherstripping. Check your door's weatherstripping frequently and take care to address any issues immediately to avoid costly repairs in the future. In addition to increasing energy efficiency, properly maintaining your doors and windows will help prevent pests, moisture, and rot and maintain the aesthetics of your home. A professional can assess the condition of your door and recommend the best option for replacement or maintenance.
Broken or foggy glass
If you notice cracks or chips on your patio door glass, it's time to replace it. Foggy or damaged patio doors can be a source of displeasure and also pose a security threat by allowing intruders into the home. It is crucial to fix your patio doors as soon as you can when you find any damage.
Examining the condition and appearance of your door's frame is the best method to determine if your glass requires replacement. Often, cracks and chips can be repaired by our professionals without needing complete replacement. You can then apply caulk, flex-seal or other sealants to fill cracks and fill any gaps.
If your patio doors are constructed of double or triple-pane insulated windows, you should be concerned when they begin to become cloudy. This indicates that the window panes are suffering from a leak and that the inert gases that keep them warm in cold temperatures are no longer there. The loss of gas in the windows could cause windows to be less efficient than they were previously which is one of the primary reasons why people decide to replace their patio doors instead of repairing them.
It's possible that your windows are creating too much moisture in the first place. A dehumidifier installed in the room where your patio doors are located can help keep humidity levels down. This will make your home more comfortable and you won't have to replace patio doors as frequently.
Wear safety gear like gloves and shoes while removing broken glass to avoid causing cuts. Also, you should remove your kids and pets from the area until it's completely cleaned up to avoid injuries.
After you've removed all the broken glass, clean the area and then prepare to install the new patio door. You must seal the joints first with caulk or flex-seal. This will keep any future water from getting into the joints. You can then put an insulate inside the sliding door to absorb any future condensation.
Drafts
The sliding patio door is among the largest glass pieces within a home. They are often used and can result in drafts and air leakage. Drafts can be caused by a number of different things, including the lack of proper maintenance and repair, old age or wear and tear, and the misalignment. A professional can identify and fix the issue to improve comfort and energy efficiency in your home.
Over time, the seal around your patio door will expand and contract in response to changing weather conditions. This can lead to air leaks or drafts that could be uncomfortable for your family and friends and also use up energy. Regularly cleaning your doors, the lubrication of moving parts and replacing worn-out parts is the best method to avoid drafts and air leaks. If you notice a draft, do the "Draft Test" to determine whether it's due to the door's seal being inadequately sealed. Place yourself close to your patio doors using an open flame from a lighter or match. If the flame is moving when the draft happens, your patio doors may not be properly sealing. Replace them as soon as you can.
A worn-out or damaged weather stripping is a common reason for drafts. This can be easily repaired by removing old weather stripping and replacing it with new, higher quality weather strips that create a more secure seal to lessen drafts.
If the locking mechanism has been damaged, it's important to consult an expert to make repairs. A faulty lock can pose security dangers, and increase your energy costs due to heat loss through the patio door. A professional with experience can replace the lock quickly that is a simple fix. This will not only increase your security and safety but also boost the value of your home and boost curb appeal. It is important to evaluate your own skills and time availability against the cost of a professional service before trying to repair your patio door yourself.