Sliding Patio Door Repair Isn't As Tough As You Think
Sliding Patio Door Repair and Replacement
Sliding patio doors are a great addition to any home. They're easy to operate and help provide an expansive view. Like any other household door they're prone to wear and tear that needs repair or replacement.
Keep your sliding patio doors in working order by cleaning and lubricating them regularly. Lubricating them with graphite or silicone allows them to glide smoothly, extending their lifespan.
Roller Replacement
If your sliding patio door isn't rolling easily, it could require lubrication. However, if the rollers have worn out or damaged, they must be replaced. Replacing the rollers on your patio door will allow your doors to operate smoothly and lessen the force required to open or close them.
If your patio door is an older model it might be necessary to take off the bottom part of the frame in order to access the rollers. If this is the case then use a mallet made of rubber and a block of wood to tap the assembly loose, and then pull it off. Be sure to save the roller screws to use when reinstalling your new rollers.
Glass sliding doors are a major security point in many homes and must be properly protected. In addition to making it difficult to open or close your door, damaged or old roller wheels can create gaps that could be exploited by burglars. By replacing the rollers on your patio door, you can ensure that your home will be protected from unwanted guests.
After removing the rails at the top and bottom, it is recommended to wipe down all parts of the track with an alcohol-soaked cloth. This will remove any dirt and make the task of getting rid of the doors from the tracks much simpler. The drainage holes on the bottom track should be clearly visible, but they are often blocked by dirt. If your track appears to be prone of collecting lots of dirt, you may think about installing a stainless steel u-shaped piece that snaps onto the track and provides an extra channel for water to flow through. You can purchase these from CR Laurence and other retailers that specialize in sliding door replacement parts.
When you are reinstalling the doors, make sure you place the bottom panel in first, and then move the top into place. You should be able to test the doors once they are in their original positions to ensure they are smooth and don't require a lot of force to open or shut. If they still feel rough, you can readjust the new rollers to allow them more space.
Weather Stripping Replacement
Your sliding door's weather strip seals wear down slowly opening up drafts and moisture, which can increase your energy costs. It's a quick and simple project that will help you save money on heating expenses.
Resource stripping for sliding doors is available in a range of materials, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. You should select a material that will stand up to friction, weather changes, temperature extremes and foot traffic without hindering the door's function. Foam and felt are both inexpensive, but susceptible to weather and visible in the frame. Vinyl is more costly, but lasts for years. Metals are strong however they may not look appropriate in the modern home. Rubber or plastic may erode with time and require regular replacement.
To install new weather strips, remove the door from the casing. Locate the headstop on the top of the doors It's usually tiny pieces of metal or plastic that is secured by screws. Remove the screw caps and then use a flathead screwdriver to pry the headstop loose from the bottom of the door. Remove the weather stripping and any debris left behind by using scraper or a putty knife.
Do not attempt to pull the door from its track using just one person. You will need to use lots of force. Instead, you should have a second person to hold the door steady as you take it out of its frame.
When the doors are closed, locate the channels that hold the weather stripping. They should be covered with plugs that match the color of your doors. Remove the plugs, then pull them up on the weather stripping to disconnect it from the channel.
There are a myriad of weather stripping however the most suitable for sliding patio doors is Fin Seal. This kind of weather stripping features a Mylar fin centered in the pile (brush material) and is extremely durable, suitable for nearly all climates and stands well against foot traffic. The back of the weather stripping is constructed of a strong, flexible material to better withstand the pressures of sliding patio doors.
Door Alignment
Sliding patio door are a fantastic addition to any home. But, as with all other things, they will need an adjustment from time to time in order to perform at their best. With time, sliding patio doors will be worn out or misaligned. This can cause issues such as sticking, bumping against frames, or not locking properly. Regular maintenance and minor adjustments can prevent these issues, thereby saving you time and money.
The most common reason for sliding door misalignment stems from damage to the rollers or tracks caused by sudden jolts or excessive force. This problem can be solved quickly by using the correct tools. Your patio door will glide smoothly for a long time.
The misalignment could also be caused by changes in temperature and humidity or weatherstripping wear, as well as poor installation. This can lead to parts moving and loosening over time, causing the door to move, but not close or latch correctly. Over time, these shifts could create air drafts, or even let water get into the house.
To avoid these issues to avoid these issues, it is essential to regularly clean and lubricate your track for your patio door. A small amount of spray lubricant could easily be purchased at any hardware store, and applying it often with a small amount of brush will keep the track running smoothly.
Another reason for sliding patio door misalignment is the latch hook not synchronizing with the strike plate that is on the jamb. To correct this begin by opening the door to expose the latch mechanism and give you full access to it. Find the adjustment screw for this latch hook and gently rotate it either way to adjust its length. A properly adjusted latch hook will ensure that the latch strikes and connects to the strike plate without any hindrance or resistance.
Once you've made the necessary adjustments, check your door to make sure it locks and slides properly. If there are any remaining issues, repeat the process until your sliding patio door is working properly. With these simple steps, you can save yourself a lot of money by not having to hire experts to make costly repairs.
Frame Replacement
Over time, the screws on sliding door frames may loosen and allow the frame to move a bit. By regularly tightening and checking the screws, you can keep your doors from becoming stuck or jammed. A screen that is sagging can be fixed by some clamping. However hinges that are loose may require replacement.
It is possible to repair the patio's sliding feature without having to replace the frame but you must first assess the condition of your current frame. This approach is more cost-effective than a complete frame replacement and can be a solution to particular needs like better insulation or a new design.
A complete frame replacement requires the complete removal of all hinged doors, windows and frames from the wall opening. This allows a new sliding patio door to be put in and can provide more flexibility in design, size and material choices.
Sliding glass doors are designed to give you a beautiful view of your backyard, but with time, they may begin to show signs of wear and wear and tear. If your sliding glass doors are difficult to open or get stuck you may need to replace the track or wheels. However, if the frame is in good shape, replacing just the doors could be enough.
Before you begin, ensure that your work area is clear of obstructions and you've laid down a drop cloth. Then, place the sliding door flat on the work surface and remove the grilles and shades that can be removed. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the plugs that protect the roller adjustment screws on the bottom of the frame (they are often covered by caps). Once these are removed then you can loosen them and remove the bottom of the door from the track.
After the frame has been exposed it is possible to replace the track and the sliding door wheels. If your track for sliding doors is damaged or worn out it is recommended to replace it completely than repairing an existing track. You can either purchase a DIY kit or hire a professional to do it. In either case, make sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for the proper installation.