Watch This: How Sliding Patio Door Repair Is Taking Over And What We Can Do About It
Sliding Patio Door Repair and Replacement
Sliding patio doors are a great addition to any home. They're easy to operate and help provide a wide-open view. However, like any other doors in the house, they're subject to wear and tear that needs repair or replacement.
Keep your sliding patio doors in good in good order by cleaning and lubricating them frequently. Lubricating them using graphite or silicone spray will allow them to slide smoothly, thus prolonging their life span.
Roller Replacement
If you notice that your sliding patio door doesn't move easily, it could require lubrication. If the rollers are worn or damaged, they must be replaced. Replace your patio door rollers to ensure that your doors run smoothly. Also, you will require less force to open or shut them.
If your patio door is older it might be necessary to take off the bottom of the frame to get access to the rollers. If this is the situation, use a rubber mallet and a block of wood to tap the assembly loose and then pull it off. Save the roller screws to install your new rollers.
Glass sliding doors are a key security factor in many homes and must be properly protected. In addition to making it difficult to open and close your door, old or damaged roller wheels can leave gaps that can be exploited by intruders. Replacing your patio door rollers ensures that your home is safe from unwanted visitors.
After you have removed the bottom and top rails, it is an ideal idea to wipe down all parts of the track with an alcohol-soaked cloth. This will remove any dirt and make taking the doors off the tracks much easier. You will be able to see drainage holes in the bottom of the track, but they often get clogged with dirt. If Repair My Windows And Doors discover that your track is prone to accumulating dirt, you might consider installing a stainless steel u-shaped piece which snaps over the track to provide an additional channel to allow water flow. They are available from CR Laurence, as well as other retailers that specialize in sliding door parts.
When you are reinstalling the doors, make sure you place the bottom panel in first and then swing the top one into the place. You should be able to test the doors once they are back in their original position to ensure that they move smoothly and don't require any excessive force to open or shut. If the doors feel rough you can adjust the new rollers for more clearance.
Weather Strip Replacement
Your sliding door's weather strip seals are slowly worn away, letting in drafts and moisture, which can increase your energy bills. Replacing them is a straightforward project that takes few minutes and will be paid for in lower heating expenses in no time.
There are a myriad of materials available for sliding door weather stripping, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. You'll want to choose the right material that can be able to withstand friction as well as weather variations, temperature extremes and foot traffic without hindering the door's function. Foam and felt, for example are not expensive, but they are susceptible to weather and visible within the frame Vinyl is more costly but will last for many years and is durable, but could look out of the frame of a modern home. Plastic or rubber will degrade over time and require regular replacement.
To install new weather stripping, first remove the door from its casing. To do this, look for the headstop on the top of the door. It's typically a small piece of metal or plastic fixed by screws. Remove the screw caps and then use a flathead tool to pry off the headstop from the bottom of your door. Remove the old weather stripping as well as any residue left behind with scraper or a putty knife.
Don't try to pull the door from its track with only one person. You will need to apply plenty of force. It is better to have a partner to hold the door steady as you take it out of its frame.
After the doors are closed Find the channels that hold the weather stripping. Plugs that match the color of your doors are best placed in these channels. Remove the plugs, then pull them up on the weather stripping to separate it from its channel.
Fin Seal is the most effective kind of weather stripping for sliding patio doors. This type of weather stripping has a Mylar fin centered in the pile (brush material) and is very robust, suitable for almost all climates, and is able to stand up well to foot traffic. The back of the weather stripping is made from a hard, flexible material to better withstand the demands of sliding patio doors.
Door Alignment
Sliding patio door are a great option for any home. However, just like many other things, they might need an adjustment periodically to ensure that they perform at their best. As time passes, sliding patio doors will be worn out or misaligned. This can lead to problems like sticking, bumping against frames, and not locking properly. Regular maintenance and minor adjustments can prevent these issues, which will save you time and money.
The most common cause of sliding door misalignment stems from damage to the tracks or rollers caused by sudden jolts and excessive force. A quick repair using the right tools can resolve this issue, ensuring your patio door in good shape for many years to come.
Misalignment can also be caused by changes in humidity and temperature, weatherstripping wear, and inadequate installation. This can lead to parts moving and loosening over time, causing the door to move and not latch properly or close. Over time, these movements could create air drafts, or even let water leak into the house.
It is essential to clean and lubricate the sliding patio door track frequently to avoid these issues. A small amount of spray lubricant can be easily purchased from any hardware store and applying it frequently with a small brush will keep the track running smoothly.
Another reason for misalignment of sliding patio doors is that the latch hook isn't aligned with the strike plate on jamb. To correct this begin by opening the door to expose the latch mechanism, giving you full visibility and access to it. Find the adjustment screw for this latch hook and gently turn it in either direction to adjust its length. A properly adjusted latch hook will ensure that the latch strikes and is able to engage with the strike plate without obstruction or resistance.
Test your door after you have made the necessary adjustments to ensure that it slides and locks correctly. Repeat the process if there are still any issues until your sliding patio doors is functional. With these simple steps, you can save yourself lots of money by not having to hire professionals to perform expensive repairs.
Frame Replacement
Over time, screws in sliding door frames can loosen. This causes the frame to move small amount. By checking and tightening the screws, you can prevent your doors from getting stuck or jammed. A sliding screen is fixable with a bit of clamping. However, a loose hinge may require replacement.
It is possible to upgrade the patio's sliding mechanism without having to replace the frame however, you should first determine the condition of the current frame. This method is more cost-effective than a complete replacement of the frame and can be a solution to specific needs such as improved insulation or a fresh look.
A complete frame replacement involves the complete removal of the current hinged doors, window and frame from the wall opening. This allows a brand new sliding patio door to be installed and offers more flexibility in style size, material and design.
Sliding glass doors are designed to give you a beautiful view of your backyard, however in time, they begin to show signs of wear and wear and tear. If your sliding doors are jammed or difficult to open, you may require replacing the track or wheels. If the frame is in good shape, replacing just the doors could be enough.
Before you begin, make sure your work area is free of obstructions. Also, lay down a drop cloth. Next, lay the sliding door on a flat surface and remove any grilles that are removable or shades from the frame. Then make use of a screwdriver remove the plugs that are covering the roller adjustment screws at the bottom of the frame (they're usually covered by caps). After these have been removed, you can loosen and remove the bottom of the door from the track.
Once 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 old, it's best to replace it entirely rather than fixing an existing track. You can purchase a kit for a DIY project or have a professional do it for you. In either case, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for the proper installation.