What's The Good And Bad About Patio Doors Repairs
Patio Doors Repairs
Patio doors offer homeowners natural light and fresh clean air. They also boost the value of homes. Over time, however they can develop issues that require immediate attention.
Understanding how patio doors function will help homeowners communicate better with contractors regarding issues they encounter. Here are some common repairs for patio doors:.
Misaligned rollers
It's not always easy to open a patio sliding door. But in the absence of a underlying structural problem, most such uncooperative doors can be easily repaired with a little cleaning and lubrication. The majority of the time dirt on the lower track can cause the bottom track and rollers to become misaligned. In this situation, you'll need to clean the track and apply a light coating of lubricant to let the rollers move easily.
The misalignment could also be due to damage or wear in the hinges that join the door panels, which house some of the rollers, springs either torsion or extension; and cables, which raise the door. When these components are damaged or worn, can cause roller alignment issues and cause resistance and other issues, like doors that feel heavier or a rise in energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional will ensure that these elements are in sync to keep your patio doors functioning smoothly.
To verify the alignment between rollers, set up an eagle's foot at the one end of the track and employ a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, observing the distance that each travels. Repeat the process on the opposite end of the track, and divide by 2 to get a reading of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method isn't as precise as using a pi tape to measure the diameter directly. However, it's faster and less cumbersome than using a carpenter's level to measure the length of each rail.
You can also test the alignment of the rollers by removing the head stop. It is an elongated plate that is situated at the bottom of your door jamb. It stops the rollers. If the door is very heavy, you may require assistance in removing removable grilles and shades. Once the head stop is removed, carefully remove the screws that adjust the head track by removing them with a screwdriver, then reinstall the assembly by aligning each adjustment screw with its access hole and tapping it in with a hammer.
Dirty or damaged tracks
Sliding patio doors are magnets for debris, dirt and other elements outside. They are also prone to misalignment, as well as other issues that may require professional repair. To extend the life of your patio doors, it's crucial to recognize and fix these issues as soon as you can.
Dirty tracks are one of the most common causes of problems with 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 the tracks of your sliding doors which can cause it to get stuck or difficult to open. To avoid these issues it is recommended to vacuum and clean your patio door tracks at least once each month. You can clean your patio door tracks using a non-abrasive cleaning solution, or warm soapy tap water after having removed any debris that is floating around. If you notice that some parts of the track are difficult to clean, you can use a butter knife or toothbrush to clean these small areas.
In addition to cleaning the tracks, you should keep them lubricated to prevent your sliding door from becoming stuck or becoming difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we suggest applying silicone spray to the bottom track on a regular basis. You can also apply paraffin wax to increase the glide.
A draft or air leak 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 gaps between the door and frame which allows air enter and reduce energy efficiency. Make sure your weatherstripping is in good shape and replace it if needed.
Over time, your patio door may see normal wear and tear. These issues are not usually a sign of an urgent issue. In most cases, small repairs can extend the life of your patio door and ensure that it is functioning properly. Call a professional as quickly as you notice any problems to avoid future costly repairs.
Glass that is cracked or warped
A patio door that is damaged or cracked is a real eye-sore and could be a security risk. It also allows in unwanted animals and cause your home temperature fluctuate wildly. These issues are simple to fix if they are discovered early.
First, a quick glance at the glass can determine the type of repair is required. Generally, cracks in the glass are the result of stress or impact. They are more difficult to fix than normal chipping on the surface. A professional will probably need to re-lead this panel. This will require the removal of the glass, cleaning it, and replacing broken pieces. To help match patio doors repairs with the old, professionals require accurate documentation of the way the piece looked at the time.
Plastic epoxy can be used to fill a crack. It can be purchased at hardware stores or in the home improvement section of many stores. A professional will typically use a soldering iron to melt the plastic then apply it to the crack in the glass. After the plastic has cooled and the professional has removed any excess.
If the crack is not too big it is possible to repair the glass by using clear sealant. This kind of product is available at any hardware store. However, it is important to thoroughly dry the cracked area prior to applying the sealant. This will prevent the repair from failing. A hair dryer or other fan can be used to speed up this process.
Weatherstripping damaged
A weather stripping that is worn out not only looks ugly and can pose a security risk however it also allows outside air in and heat to escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping on your home.
First, ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials. You'll require an additional weather-stripping kit, or adhesive or caulk sealing agent (depending on the repair method you choose) as well as pliers and scissors, a utility knife as well as protective gloves or goggles, and a replacement weather-stripping kit. Then, remove the old weather stripping by cutting one end piece and lifting it up with any screws for attachment if applicable. Then, gently remove any pieces still left in the pliers or pry bar.
Start by measuring the gap around the door frame. Use the measurements to determine the size of weather stripping you require. Be sure to leave an extra length to allow for fine-tuning later. Once you've found the perfect size, place the backing and press the material against the frame. If desired, tack it to the frame with a small nail or hammer.
Apply wood filler to the frame to cover any holes or divots. Let the filler completely dry before painting. It's best to use oil-based paint, however, latex can also be used.
The last thing to do is take care to clean your sliding door tracks and doors frequently. By taking the time to do this will prevent sticking and other issues in the future. Keeping up with maintenance and repairs to your patio doors ensures they stay attractive, functional, and energy-efficient. You'll save money while enjoying the outdoors while doing it. Enjoy your home renovation projects!