The History Of Patio Doors Repairs In 10 Milestones
Patio Doors Repairs
Patio doors provide homeowners with natural light and fresh, air. They also enhance the value of homes. Over time, however, they may develop problems that require immediate attention.
Understanding how patio doors work can help homeowners better communicate with a contractor about the issues they experience. Here are a few of the most frequent patio door problems:
Rollers that aren't aligned properly
It's not always easy to open a sliding patio door. Most of these non-cooperative sliding patio doors can be repaired easily by a little oiling and cleaning, unless a structural issue is present. Typically dirt in the lower track can cause the bottom track and rollers to be misaligned. In this situation you'll need to wash the track and apply a thin coat of lubricant so that the rollers glide easily.
Misalignment may be caused by damage or wear to the hinges connecting the doors that house a portion of these rollers, springs (whether torsion or extensions) and cables that lift the door. When these components are damaged or worn, can affect roller alignment and cause resistance and other issues, like doors that feel heavier or increased energy consumption. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional will ensure that these elements are in sync to keep your patio doors operating smoothly.
To verify the alignment between rollers and alignment, place an eagle's foot at one end of the track and use a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, observing the distance that each travels. Repeat the process on the opposite side of the track, and divide by 2 to obtain a reading of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method isn't as precise as using a pi tape to measure the length directly. However, it's quicker and more efficient than using a carpenter's level to determine the rail's diameter.
You can also test the alignment of the rollers by taking off the head stop. It is an aluminum plate situated at the bottom of your door jamb. It stops the rollers. If the door is heavy you may require assistance in removal of the removable grilles and shades. Once the head stop is removed, remove the head track adjustment screws by removing them with the help of a screwdriver. Then, reinstall the assembly by aligning each adjustment screw with its access hole, and tapping it in with the hammer.
Dirty tracks or damaged tracks
A sliding patio door can serve as magnet for dirt, debris and other elements. They also are susceptible to misalignment, and other issues which may require professional repair. To prolong the life of your patio doors, it is important to identify and address these issues as soon as you can.
One of the main causes for sliding patio doors to malfunction is dirty tracks. Over time, dirt food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris can become trapped within the narrow spaces of the track of your sliding door, causing the door to become stuck or become difficult to open. It is recommended that you clean and vacuum your patio door tracks at least once a month to avoid problems. You can clean your patio door tracks using a non-abrasive cleaner or warm soapy tap water once you've removed any debris that is floating around. If you notice that some areas of the track are difficult to clean, you can use a butter knife or toothbrush to clean these tiny spaces.
It is also important to grease the tracks frequently to prevent your sliding door from becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we recommend adding silicone spray to your bottom track on a regular basis. You can also apply paraffin wax along the track to increase glide.
A draft or a leak of air can also impact your sliding patio doors. This could happen when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has worn out or damaged. This can cause a gap between your sliding patio door and the frame. This allows air to enter and reduces the energy efficiency. Make sure your weatherstripping is in good order and replace it if necessary.
If you use it regularly, your patio door will experience normal wear and wear and tear with time. These problems are usually not indicative of a major problem. In most cases, small repairs can help extend the life of your patio door and ensure it is functioning properly. Contact patio doors repair near me as soon as you notice any problems to avoid future costly repairs.
Glass that has cracked or warped
A warped or cracked patio door is an eyesore and a potential security risk. It can also permit unwanted animals into your home, causing the temperature to fluctuate. Fortunately, these issues are usually simple to fix if you catch them early.
A quick glance at the glass can help you determine what type of repairs are needed. Generally, cracks in the glass are due to stress or impact. These are more difficult to repair than chips on the surface. A professional will likely have to re-lead the panel. This will require removing the glass, cleaning it, and replacing the broken pieces. To help match the new glass with the old one, a professional requires accurate documentation of the appearance of the piece at the time.
Sometimes, a crack in the glass can be filled with plastic epoxy. It can be purchased at a hardware store or the home improvement section of a lot of stores. A professional will typically use the soldering iron to melt the plastic, then apply it to the crack in the glass. Once the plastic has cooled down it is then removed by the professional any excess.
If the glass crack is small, there may be a chance to repair it with clear sealant. This kind of product can be found at any hardware store. It is essential to thoroughly dry the damaged area prior to applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. You can speed up the process by using a hair dryer or another fan.
Weatherstripping damaged
A worn-out weather stripping not only looks ugly and poses a security threat however it also allows outside air in and heat to escape. A simple fix using a new piece of weather stripping could save you money and make your home more comfortable.
Ensure you have the right tools and materials. You'll need an additional weather-stripping kit, or adhesive/caulk sealing agents (depending on the repair method you select), 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 one end piece, then pulling it up, along with any screws that attach it, if applicable. Remove any remaining pieces using pliers and a plier.
If you decide to replace the weather stripping, begin by measuring the gap around the door frame. Use the measurements to determine the size of weather stripping you need. Make sure you leave a bit of extra length so you can fine-tune the size later. Once you've found the ideal size, place the backing and press the material against the frame. If you want, secure it to the frame using the nail or hammer.
Apply wood filler to the frame to cover any divots or holes. 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 will work too.
Also, ensure that you clean your sliding doors and tracks regularly. This will prevent future problems like sticking. Cleaning and maintaining your patio doors will ensure they remain attractive, functional and energy-efficient. When you do this, you can enjoy the great outdoors with confidence, and save money at the same time! Enjoy your home improvements!