Why Patio Doors Repairs Might Be Your Next Big Obsession
Patio Doors Repairs
Patio doors give homeowners sunlight and fresh air and can boost the value of a home. However, over time they can develop issues that require immediate attention.
Understanding how patio doors work will help homeowners communicate with a contractor about the issues they experience. Here are some of the most common repairs to patio doors:.
Rollers that aren't aligned properly
It's not always simple to open a patio sliding door. The majority of these sluggish sliding patio doors can be repaired easily by a little oiling and cleaning, unless a structural problem is present. Typically, dirt in the lower track can cause the track's rollers and bottom track to become misaligned. In this instance, clean the track thoroughly before applying an even layer of lubricant so that the rollers can glide smoothly.
It can be caused by wear or damage to the hinges that connect the doors that house a portion of these rollers, springs (whether torsion or extensions) as well as cables that lift the door. When damaged or worn these components could affect the alignment of the rollers, causing resistance and other problems such as the door being heavier or having higher energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional can help ensure that all these elements work in harmony to keep your patio door functioning smoothly.
To verify the alignment between rollers, set up a crow's foot at one end of the track. employ a tramming tool to sweep across both rollers, observing the distance they travel. Repeat the process at the opposite side of the track, and then divide by 2 to obtain a reading of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method isn't as accurate as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's much more efficient and less time-consuming than measuring each individual rail with a level or carpenter's level.
You can also test the alignment of the rollers by removing the head stop. It is an aluminum plate located in the bottom of your door jamb. It stops the rollers. If the door is heavy, you may require assistance in removing removable grilles and shades. After the head stop has been removed, remove the head track adjustment screws by backing them out with a screwdriver, then reinstall the assembly by aligning each roller adjustment screw with its access hole and tapping it in with a hammer.
Tracks that are dirty or damaged
Patio doors that slide are magnets for debris, dirt and other outside elements. They are also prone to misalignment, and other issues which may require professional repair. To extend the life of your patio doors, it's essential to find and fix these problems in the earliest time possible.
Dirty tracks are among the most frequent causes of problems with sliding patio doors. Over time, dirt, food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris can get trapped in the tiny spaces of your door's track, causing the door to snag or become difficult to open. To avoid this it is recommended to clean and vacuum your patio door tracks at least once each month. You can clean your patio door tracks with a non-abrasive cleaner or with warm soapy tap water after you've removed any debris that is floating around. If you notice that some areas of the track are difficult to clean, try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean out these small spaces.
It is also important to grease the tracks frequently to prevent your sliding door from becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you own Panda patio doors, it is recommended to add silicone spray to the bottom track on a frequent basis. You can also apply paraffin wax along the track to improve glide.
Another issue that could affect your sliding patio door is a air leak or draft. This can occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door is damaged or worn out. This could cause gaps between the frame and the door, which allows air to come in and reduces the efficiency of your energy. Check that your weatherstripping is in good condition and replace it if necessary.
Over time your patio door will be subject to normal wear and tear. These issues aren't usually a sign of an urgent problem. In most cases, small repairs can extend the lifespan of your patio door and keep it functioning properly. Contact a professional to address any issues as soon as they appear to avoid costly repairs in the future.
Glass that is damaged or warped
A patio door that is cracked or warped is a real eye-sore, and it could pose security risks. This can also allow unwanted animals to get into your home and cause the temperature to fluctuate. patio door repair are easy to fix if discovered early.
A quick glance at the glass can help you determine what type of repairs are needed. Generally, cracks in the glass are caused by stress or impact. These are a little more difficult to fix than normal chipping on the surface. A professional will likely need to re-lead the panel. This will require removing the glass and cleaning it, as well as replacing broken pieces. To ensure that the new glass with the old, a professional needs precise documentation of the way the piece looked at the time.
Sometimes cracks in glass can be filled with epoxy plastic. This can be purchased from hardware stores or the home improvement section of many stores. A professional will use a soldering tool to melt the plastic then apply it on the crack. Once the plastic has cooled 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 type of product can be found at any hardware store. It is crucial to dry the crack completely before applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. A hair dryer or other fan can be used to expedite this procedure.
Weatherstripping damaged
A weather stripping that is worn out not only looks ugly and can pose a security risk, but also allows the outside air and heat out. A simple fix with a new piece of weather stripping can save you money while keeping your home more comfortable.
First, ensure you have all the necessary tools and supplies. This includes a replacement weather stripping kit or caulk sealant or adhesive (depending on the repair method) tools, pliers, scissors, a utility knife, and some gloves or goggles that are protective. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting through the end piece and then pulling it up, along with any screws that attach it, in the event that they are needed. Then remove any pieces left in the pliers or pry bar.
Begin by measuring the space around the door frame. Make use of the measurements to determine the size of weather stripping you require. Make sure you leave a little bit of extra length so that you can fine-tune the size later. Once you have the correct size then apply the backing of the adhesive and press it against the frame. If you wish, nail it to the frame using a small nail or hammer.
Finally, apply wood filler to any holes or divots in the frame. Let the filler completely dry before painting. 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 help prevent future issues such as sticking. Repairing and maintaining your patio doors will ensure that they remain functional, attractive and energy efficient. When you do this you will be able to enjoy the outdoors with confidence, and save money in the process! Happy home-fixing!