7 Things You Didn't Know About Patio Doors Repairs
Patio Doors Repairs
Patio doors offer homeowners natural sunlight and fresh air and increase a home's value. However, over time, they may develop problems that require immediate attention.
Understanding how patio doors function will help homeowners communicate better with contractors about problems they encounter. Here are some common patio door repairs:.
Misaligned rollers
It's not always simple to open a patio sliding door. Most of these non-cooperative sliding patio doors can be fixed with a bit of oiling and cleaning, unless a structural problem is present. Most often, dirt in the lower track can cause the rollers and bottom track to become misaligned. In this instance, clean the track thoroughly before applying a thin layer of lubricant to allow the rollers to glide smoothly.
Misalignment may also be caused by damage or wear to the hinges connecting the doors that house a portion of these rollers, springs (whether extensions or torsion); and cables which lift the door. When they are damaged or worn out, could cause roller alignment issues and cause resistance, as well as other issues, such as a heavier feeling door or higher energy consumption. Regular maintenance checks and periodic inspections by a professional can help ensure that all the components work harmoniously to keep your patio door functioning smoothly.
Create a crow's foot at one end, and use a trammingstick to sweep across the rollers. Note the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process at the opposite side of the track, and divide by 2 to get a measurement of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method isn't as precise as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's much faster and easier than measuring each rail using 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 that is located on the door jamb at bottom of the frame that stops the rollers. fix patio door requires removing any removable grilles or shades and, when the door is heavy, obtaining help with this step. Once the head stop has been removed, carefully remove the screws that adjust the head track by backing them out with an screwdriver. Reinstall the assembly by aligning each roller adjustment screw with its access hole, and tapping it in with the Hammer.
Dirty tracks or damaged tracks
Patio doors that slide can act as magnets for dirt, debris and other outside elements. They can also be susceptible to misalignment and other issues that could require professional repair. To prolong the life of your patio doors, it's important to identify and address these issues as soon as possible.
Dirty tracks are among the most frequent causes of malfunctions in sliding patio doors. Over time, dirt and other debris such as food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris can be trapped in the small spaces between your sliding door tracks which can cause it to get stuck or difficult to open. It is recommended to vacuum and clean the patio door tracks every month, at minimum, to avoid problems like this. You can clean your patio door tracks with an anti-abrasive cleaning solution or use warm soapy tap water once you've removed any loose debris. If you notice that certain areas of the track are more difficult to clean, try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean out these tiny areas.
In addition to cleaning the tracks, it is recommended to keep them lubricated to prevent your sliding door from sticking or becoming difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we recommend adding silicone spray to the bottom track on a regular basis. You can also rub paraffin wax on the track to improve glide.
A draft or air leak can also affect your sliding patio doors. This can happen when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has worn away or has been damaged. This could cause an opening between your sliding patio door and the frame. This allows air to enter and reduces the energy efficiency. Check that your weather stripping is in good condition and replace it as necessary.
If you use it regularly, your patio door will go through normal wear and wear and tear with time. However these issues are usually not a sign of a serious issue. In the majority of cases, minor repairs can extend the lifespan of your patio door and ensure that it is operating properly. Contact a professional to address any problems as soon as they appear to save on costly repairs in the future.
Glass that has cracked or warped
A cracked or warped patio door is an eye-sore and could pose a security risk. This can also allow unwanted animals to enter your home, causing the temperature to fluctuate. These problems are easy to fix if detected early.
First, a quick look at the glass will determine the type of repair is required. Generally, cracks in glass are due to stress or impact. These are more difficult to repair than chips on the surface. A professional will probably have to re-lead the panel. This will require the removal of the glass clean it, and replacing the broken pieces. To ensure that the new glass to the old, a professional needs exact documentation of how the piece looked at the time.
Sometimes cracks in glass can be filled with epoxy made of plastic. You can buy this in a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will use an soldering tool to melt the plastic and then apply it on the crack. After it has been cool, the professional can remove any excess.
If the crack isn't too large it might be possible to repair the glass with clear sealant. You can buy this type of sealant at any hardware retailer. However, it is important to dry thoroughly the damaged area prior to applying sealant. This will stop the repair from failing. A hair dryer or another fan can be used to expedite this process.
Weatherstripping damaged
A weather stripping that is worn out is not just ugly and poses a security threat it also lets the outside air and heat out. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping on your home.
First, make sure you have all the tools and supplies. This includes a new weather stripping kit or caulk sealant or adhesive (depending on your chosen repair method) and scissors, pliers, a utility knife, and some gloves or protective goggles. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting the end piece and then pulling it up, along with any screws that attach it, when applicable. Then take care to take any remaining pieces over using pliers or a pry bar.
If you decide to replace the weather stripping, start by measuring the gap around your door frame. Make use of the measurements to determine the right size weather stripping you need. Be sure to leave a bit of extra length so you can adjust the size later. Once you have the correct size then apply the backing of the adhesive and press it against the frame. If you wish, nail it in place using small nails or hammers.
Finally apply wood filler to any divots or holes in the frame. Allow the filler to dry completely before applying any paint. Ideally, it's best to apply oil-based paint on the filler, but latex paint is also a good choice.
The last thing to do is make sure you clean your sliding tracks and doors frequently. This will avoid future issues such as sticking. Repairing and maintaining your patio doors will ensure they remain attractive, functional and energy efficient. You can save money and enjoy the outdoors while doing so. Enjoy your home improvement projects!