Say "Yes" To These 5 Patio Doors Repairs Tips
Patio Doors Repairs
Patio doors provide homeowners with natural sunlight and fresh air, and they boost the value of a home. However, over time they could develop issues that require immediate attention.
Understanding the way patio doors operate will help homeowners communicate with a contractor regarding the problems they encounter. Here are some of the most frequently encountered patio door problems:
Misaligned rollers
Sometimes the sliding patio door will get stuck and it's not simple to get it open again. The majority of these sluggish sliding patio doors can be fixed with a bit of oiling and cleaning in the event that a structural issue is present. The most common culprit is dirt on the lower track, which could cause the rollers to be pushed against the track below and cause them to become misaligned. In this case clean the track thoroughly before applying the lubricant in a thin layer to allow the rollers to glide smoothly.
In addition, misalignment can be caused due to damage or wear in the hinges that join the doors, which house some of the rollers, springs, whether torsion or extension and cables, which raise the door. If damaged or worn out, these components can affect the alignment of the rollers, causing resistance, as well as an increased weight of the door or energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and regular professional inspections can ensure that these components are in sync to keep your patio door operating smoothly.
Install a crow's feet at one end. Use a trammingstick to sweep across the rollers. Note the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process on the other end of the track, then divide by 2 to obtain a reading of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method is not as precise as using pi tapes to measure the diameter directly, but it's much quicker and simpler than measuring each rail with a level, or carpenter's level.
Another method of checking the alignment of rollers is to take off the head stop, which is a flat plate that is located on the door jamb at bottom of the frame that stops the rollers. This requires the removal of any removable grilles or shades and, in the event that the door is heavy, you should seek help with this step. After taking off the head stop, remove the head track adjustments screws by backing them up with a screwdriver. After reinstalling your assembly and aligning each roller adjustment screw to its access hole, and tapping it with a hammer.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty
Sliding patio door can act as an attraction for dirt, debris, and other elements. They are also prone to misalignment, as well as other issues that may require professional assistance to fix. To extend the life of your patio doors, it is essential to find and fix these problems in the earliest time possible.
Dirty tracks are among the most frequent causes of malfunctions in sliding patio doors. Over time, food debris, pet hair, and yard debris can become trapped within the narrow spaces of your sliding door track which can cause the door to snag or become difficult to open. To avoid these issues it is recommended to vacuum and clean your patio door tracks at least once per month. Once you've removed all the debris that has accumulated and dirt, you can use a non-abrasive household cleaning solution or warm soapy water to clean down your patio door tracks. If you find that certain parts of the track are difficult to clean, you can use a butter knife or a toothbrush to clean these tiny areas.
It is also important to grease the tracks on a regular basis to prevent your sliding door becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we recommend adding silicone spray to your bottom track regularly. You can also apply paraffin wax along the track to improve the glide.
A draft or a leak of air can also impact your sliding patio doors. This could happen if the weather stripping on your sliding patio door is worn or is damaged. This can lead to gaps between your sliding patio door and the frame. This allows air to enter and reduces the energy efficiency. Make sure that your weather stripping is in good shape and replace it when necessary.
Over time your patio door could be subject to normal wear and tear. These problems are usually not an indication of a serious problem. In most cases, minor repairs can prolong the lifespan of your patio door and ensure that it is functioning properly. Contact a professional as soon when you notice any issues to avoid costly repairs in the future.
Warped or cracked glass
A damaged or cracked patio door is a serious eye-sore and could pose a security risk. It can also permit unwanted animals into your home, causing the temperature to fluctuate. Thankfully, these problems are usually simple to fix in the event that you spot them early.
First, a quick look at the glass will help determine what kind of repair is required. Generally, cracks in the glass are caused by stress or impact. These are more difficult to repair than chips that are on the surface. A professional may require re-leading the panel. This will require removing the glass and cleaning it, as well as replacing the broken pieces. For this reason, a professional will need accurate documentation of the glass in its original form to aid in comparing the new glass with the old.
Sometimes, a crack in the glass can be filled with epoxy made of plastic. It is available in a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will typically use the soldering iron to melt the plastic then apply it to the crack in the glass. After the plastic has cooled, the professional can remove any excess.
If the crack in the glass isn't too big, there might be a chance to repair it using clear sealant. This kind of product can be found at any hardware store. However, it is important to dry thoroughly the damaged area before applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. A hair dryer or any other fan can be used to expedite this procedure.
Weatherstripping damaged
A weather stripping that is worn out is not just unsightly and a security risk, but it also allows outside air to seep in and cold or hot air to escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping in your home.
Make sure you have the proper tools and materials. You'll require an additional weather-stripping kit, or adhesive/caulk sealing agent (depending on the repair method you decide to use), pliers and scissors, a utility blade as well as protective gloves or goggles, and a replacement weather-stripping kit. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting through the end piece, and then pulling it back up with any screws attached if necessary. Remove any remaining pieces using the pliers and a prybar.
If you decide to replace the weather stripping, begin by measuring the gap that is around your door frame. The measurements can be used to determine the size of weather stripping you require. Make sure you leave extra length for later fine-tuning. Once you've found the perfect size then apply the backing of the adhesive and press it against the frame. If you want, secure it to the frame using a small nail or hammer.
Apply wood filler to the frame to cover any holes or divots. Let the filler dry completely before painting. It is recommended to apply oil-based paint on the filler, but latex paint will work too.
patio doors repairs to do is clean your sliding door tracks and doors frequently. Making the effort to do this prevents sticking and other issues in the future. Making sure you are keeping up with maintenance and repairs to your patio doors ensures they stay functional, attractive and energy efficient. You can save money and enjoy the great outdoors while doing so. Happy home-fixing!