Patio Doors Repairs
Patio doors provide homeowners with natural light and fresh, clean air. They also increase the value of a home. Over time, however, they may develop problems that require immediate attention.
Understanding how patio doors work will help homeowners communicate with a contractor regarding the problems they encounter. 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 uncooperative sliding patio doors can be fixed easily with some cleaning and oiling, unless a structural problem is present. The majority of the time dirt on the lower track can cause the track's rollers and bottom track to be misaligned. In this instance, you'll need to clean the track and apply a thin coat of lubricant so that the rollers glide smoothly.
In addition, misalignment can be caused due to damage or wear in the hinges that connect the doors which house a portion of the rollers, springs, whether torsion or extension; and cables, which lift the door. When damaged or worn these components can cause problems with the alignment of the rollers, causing resistance as well as other issues such as an increased weight of the door or energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and regular professional inspections can ensure that these components are in sync to keep your patio door functioning smoothly.
To check roller-to-roller alignment and alignment, place an eagle's foot at one end of the track. use a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, recording the distance each travels. Repeat the process at the other end of track and divide by two to determine the alignment of the rollers (Photo 1). patio door lock repair near me isn't as precise as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's quicker and simpler than measuring each individual rail using a level or carpenter's level.
Another method of checking roller alignment is to remove the head stop, a flat plate in the door jamb at bottom of the frame that blocks the rollers. This requires removing any grilles or shades that are removable and, if the door is heavy, obtaining assistance in this process. Once the head stop has been removed, remove the head track adjustment screws by removing them with a screwdriver, then reinstall the assembly by aligning each screw adjustment for the roller with its access hole and tapping it in using a hammer.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty
Sliding patio door can act as an attraction for dirt, debris and other elements. They are also susceptible to misalignment, as well as other issues that require professional repair. To prolong the life of your patio doors, it's crucial to recognize and fix these issues as soon as you can.
Dirty tracks are among the most common causes of problems with sliding patio doors. Over time,, food debris, pet hair, and yard debris can get trapped in the tiny spaces of the track of your sliding door which can cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to open. To avoid these issues it is recommended to clean and vacuum your patio door tracks once each month. After you've cleared all the debris that has accumulated and dirt, you can use a non-abrasive household cleaning solution or warm soapy water to wipe down your patio door tracks. If you notice that certain areas of the track are difficult to clean, you can use the butter knife or toothbrush to scrub these tiny areas.
It is also recommended to lubricate the tracks on a regular basis to prevent sliding doors from becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we suggest adding silicone spray to the bottom track on a regular basis. You can also use paraffin wax to enhance the glide.
A draft or air leak can also impact your sliding patio doors. This could occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has worn out or is damaged. This can cause gaps between your sliding patio door and the frame. This allows air in and reduces the energy efficiency. Ensure that your weather stripping is in good working order and replace it as required.
With consistent use, your patio door will go through normal wear and tear over time. However these issues are usually not indicators of a significant issue. Small repairs can prolong the life of your patio door. Contact a professional as soon when you spot any issues to avoid costly repairs.
Glass that has cracked or warped
A patio door that's cracked or warped is a real eye-sore and could be an security risk. It can also let in unwanted creatures and cause your home's temperature change dramatically. Thankfully, these problems are usually simple to fix when they are caught early.
First, a quick glance at the glass can help determine what kind of repair is required. Generally, cracks in glass are caused by stress or impact. They are more difficult to fix than normal chipping on the surface. A professional will likely have to re-lead the panel. This will require the removal of the glass and cleaning it, as well as replacing broken pieces. To ensure that the new glass to the old one, a professional requires exact documentation of the way the piece looked at the time.
Plastic epoxy can be used to fill in a crack. It is available in a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will usually use the soldering iron to melt the plastic then apply it to the cracks in the glass. After the plastic has cooled it is then removed by the professional any excess.
If the crack is small it might be possible to repair the glass by using clear sealant. You can purchase this kind of product at any hardware retailer. However, it is important to dry thoroughly 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 other fan.
Weatherstripping damaged
A worn out weather stripping is not only unsightly and a security risk, but it also allows outside air to seep in and cold or hot air to escape. A quick fix with a new piece of weather stripping will save you money while keeping your home more comfortable.
First, ensure you have all the tools and materials. This includes a replacement weather stripping kit or caulk sealant adhesive (depending on your chosen repair method) and pliers, scissors, a utility knife, and some gloves or goggles that are protective. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting one end piece and pulling it up along with any attaching screws when applicable. Remove any remaining pieces using pliers and a prybar.
If you decide to replace the weather stripping, start by measuring the distance around the door frame. The measurements can be used to determine the size of weather stripping that you need. Be sure to leave an extra length to allow for fine-tuning later. Once you've found the perfect size, apply the backing and press it against the frame. If desired, use a small nail to tack the frame to the wall.
Apply wood filler onto the frame to cover any divots or holes. Let the filler completely dry before painting. Ideally, it's best to apply oil-based paint on the filler, but latex paint can also be used.
Finally, be sure to clean your sliding doors and tracks regularly. Taking the time to do this can prevent the doors from sticking and other issues later on. Maintaining regular maintenance and repairs to your patio doors will ensure they are practical, attractive and energy efficient. You'll save money while enjoying the great outdoors while doing so. Enjoy your home improvement projects!