7 Small Changes That Will Make The Biggest Difference In Your Repair Patio Doors
How to Repair Patio Doors
Sliding patio door enhances the appearance of a house and provides convenience and energy efficiency. They require regular maintenance to perform as they were intended to.
Performing these simple tasks can help extend the lifespan of your doors and reduce costly repairs. In some cases the expertise of a professional may be necessary for more extensive damage.
Clear the Tracks
If the sliding patio door gets stuck in its tracks, it may be difficult to open and close. Fortunately, this is an easy issue to resolve. In the majority of cases, just simply lubricating the door is all required to move it.
Cleaning regularly your sliding patio doors and their tracks can limit the buildup of dirt that could hinder track operation. Every week, vacuum or brush your sill and tracks to get rid of larger dirt particles. Use a soft sponge or cloth with mild soap along with warm water and a mild detergent to wash them and thoroughly rinse them. You can also scrub stubborn stains on the tracks with a small brush, but make sure not to scratch or damage them. Be sure to get into all the crevices and nooks of the tracks and sill as well as narrow spaces and corners.
After the tracks and sill have been cleaned, they must be cleaned with a lint free cloth and dried with paper towel. If you have white vinegar in your house, it can be used to quickly remove stubborn stains on the sill and tracks. To do this, apply a small amount of vinegar to an absorbent cloth and then rub the area in which the stain is. If the stains are persistent Try rubbing them using a small toothbrush or a small brush.
Keep your sliding doors and tracks clean to extend their life and increase their efficiency. It is a good idea to clean them as often that you would your windows. Be sure to inspect the weather strip around doors to the patio regularly and replace it if damaged or worn out. This is an essential step to reducing energy costs and maintaining indoor comfort. If you notice drafts or a noticeable increase in your cooling or heating costs, it could be time to consider purchasing new patio doors with improved insulation and weather stripping.
Lubricate the Locks
The lock mechanism needs to be kept lubricated to ensure smooth operation of the patio door. This will also prolong the lifespan of the lock because it won't suffer excessive wear and tear. Light machine oil is a good choice however, you can also make use of a graphite lock lubricant. The right lubricant will help stop the buildup of gunk that could harm the pins inside the lock.
Graphite is a great lubricant for the lock cylinder, since it doesn't get soiled or attract dirt. This dry lubricant is available in a majority of hardware stores. It comes in a squeeze-bottle which lets you blow the powder directly into the lock. Insert your key, and then move it back and forward to spread the graphite across the lock.
Spray WD-40 directly onto the lock's cylinder. This will give you an instant blast of lubrication, however it might be too powerful for some locks. If the cylinder is not working it is possible to try moving the key in and out several times to distribute the WD-40 across all internal components.
Teflon-based lubricants are another option. These lubricants can withstand high temperatures and are extremely durable, which makes them a great choice for a lock. They're also water-resistant, so they'll help prevent the rust that can affect other types of lubricants.
If your sliding patio doors seem a bit stiff to open and close, it's probably because the locking mechanism isn't aligned with the frame of the door. If you're unable to fix this problem yourself, it's usually best to contact a professional locksmith. They can inspect your lock and determine the reason for it to be difficult and stiff to operate. They can also install new rollers and springs to restore the functionality of your patio door. If necessary, they can help you select the right locks to replace the ones that are damaged. You'll never have to think about losing your keys, or getting broken locks on your door.
Adjust the Rollers
The difficulty of opening and closing a patio door may be caused by misaligned rollers, tracks or latches. If the door is stuck due to one or more of these reasons, the fix can be simple. However, if the issue persists and you're experiencing drafts or seeing increases in your cooling and heating costs, it might be time to replace your doors.
If the tracks and latch are clean The next thing to check is the rollers. The rollers are a key element in the sliding track of a door and, if damaged or worn they can cause the door to slam. To remove the rollers using a Phillips screwdriver, pry them gently up by removing screw that holds them into place.
After the screws have been removed, you can extract and replace the rollers with new ones if you need to. The wheels that are used in most patio door systems are usually steel and can get rusty with time. The majority of newer doors come with plastic wheels, which last a lot longer than the steel ones do. If your wheels are dated and rusty, you'll likely need to replace the entire set of rollers and track.
If your rollers work, you can usually correct the alignment with the adjustment screws on the bottom of the track. (The screwdriver that you used to remove the rollers will also work). These adjustment screws will tighten or loosen the track to ensure it is properly positioned. When you have the adjustment correct, the door should be in contact with the track all the way around, and there should not be any gaps.
After patio door repairs , spray lubricant that contains silicone on the rollers and tracks. Apply a generous coat of lubricant and slide the door back and forth several times to spread it. When the lubricant has dried and you are able to open and close your patio door with no problems. If you're still having problems, contact your Milgard dealer for assistance. They will show you how to replace the part and help you find them.
Replace the Glass
Patio doors are a great option to provide your home with sunlight and stunning views of the outside. However, they can also be an issue for security as a cracked window could easily allow intruders to break into your home. It is important to replace the glass on these doors in order to keep them functional and secure.
It can be difficult to replace a patio door's glass if the glass has broken. But, if you follow the right instructions replacing a glass window on your patio is actually very easy. The job can be completed without removing the patio door from its frame. To get started, first remove the trim around the glass, referred to as the mull. Place a putty knife between the trim and the door and then use a small hammer and pry-bar. Wear gloves and long sleeves to prevent damaging the trim.
Once the old glass is removed, sweep and vacuum the area to remove any broken pieces glass. After that, wipe clean the frame. Tape any cracks that appear on the frame to strengthen it. You can then begin reassembling the door. Make sure to measure (and note the thickness) the original glass before you begin. This will help you ensure that the replacement glass is the right size and thickness.
After reassembling your frame, apply a clear silicone caulk around the opening. This will stop water or air from leaking into the gap, causing damage to the glass. When the caulk has dried and the glass is slid into place and then use the glazing points to secure it in the place. Once the glass is secure by the stops, you can replace them and then tap into the brad nails with the nail punch.
Patio doors not only provide stunning views but they also increase the energy efficiency of your home by reducing the heat and cold transfer from the inside to the outside. They also offer an additional layer of security against elements like storms and rain that could cause damage to your windows or cause leaks.