Patio Doors Repairs
Patio doors provide homeowners with natural light and fresh air and boost the value of a home. However, over patio doors repairs , they may develop problems that require immediate attention.
Understanding how patio doors operate will help homeowners communicate better with contractors about issues they face. Here are some of the most common repairs to patio doors:.
Rollers that are not aligned
Sometimes, a sliding patio door gets stuck and it's not simple to get the thing to open once more. The majority of these non-cooperative sliding patio doors can be repaired easily with a bit of oiling and cleaning, unless a structural problem is present. The most frequent cause is dirt in the lower track, which may cause the rollers to be pushed against the track below and cause them to be misaligned. In this instance it is necessary to clean 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 that connect the door panels that house some of these rollers; springs (whether torsion or extensions) as well as cables that lift the door. If damaged or worn out these components could affect the alignment of the rollers, causing resistance, as well as an increased weight of the door or energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections can ensure that all the components are in sync to keep your patio door operating smoothly.
Install a crow's feet at one end, and use the tramming stick to sweep across the rollers. Note the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process on the opposite end of the track, and then divide by 2 to get a reading of the rollers' parallelism (Photo 1). This method is not as accurate as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's more efficient and less time-consuming than measuring each individual rail using a level or carpenter's level.
Another option for checking the alignment of the rollers is to remove the head stop, a flat plate that is located on the door jamb at bottom of the frame that blocks the rollers. This requires the removal of any removable grilles or shades and, if the door is heavy, obtaining assistance in this process. Once the head stop has been removed, carefully remove the screws that adjust the head track by pushing them out using the help of a screwdriver. Then, reinstall the assembly by aligning each adjustment screw with its access hole, and tapping it in using the Hammer.
Dirty tracks or damaged tracks
Sliding patio doors can act as magnets for debris, dirt and other elements from outside. They are also prone to misalignment, and other issues that may require professional assistance to fix. To extend the lifespan of your patio door finding and fixing these issues promptly is crucial.
Dirty tracks are among the most common causes of malfunctions in sliding patio doors. Over time, dirt food debris, pet hair, and yard debris can become stuck in the small spaces of your sliding door track which can cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to open. It is recommended to clean and vacuum your tracks of your patio doors at least once a month to avoid these problems. You can clean your patio door tracks with a non-abrasive cleaning solution, or use warm soapy tap water after you've removed any loose debris. If you find that certain areas of the track are difficult to clean, you can use a butter knife or a toothbrush to scrub these tiny areas.
You should also lubricate the tracks regularly to avoid your sliding door becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we recommend adding silicone spray to the bottom track regularly. You can also rub paraffin wax on the track to enhance the glide.
A draft or a leak of air can also impact your sliding patio doors. This could occur when the weather stripping of your sliding patio door has worn away or has been damaged. This could cause a gap between the frame and the door that allows air to be able to enter and decrease the efficiency of energy. Check that your weather stripping is in good working order and replace it when necessary.
Over time, your patio door may be subject to normal wear and tear. However these issues are usually not indicators of a serious issue. In the majority of cases, minor repairs can help extend the lifespan of your patio door and ensure that it is running smoothly. Get a professional in touch to fix any issues as soon as they occur to prevent costly repairs in the future.
Glass that has cracked or warped
A patio door that is cracked or warped could be a major eye-sore, and it could pose security risks. It can also permit unwanted animals to get into your home, causing the temperature to fluctuate. These issues are simple to fix if detected early.
First, a quick look at the glass will determine the type of repair is required. Glass cracks are typically caused by impact or stress. These are a little more difficult to fix than simple surface chips. A professional may require re-leading the panel. This will require removing the glass and cleaning it, as well as replacing broken pieces. To help match the new glass with the old, a professional requires accurate documentation of how the piece looked at the time.
Sometimes, a crack in the glass can be filled with plastic epoxy. You can buy this at a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will typically use an iron soldering to melt the plastic, then apply it to the crack in the glass. After it has cooled, the professional can wipe away any excess.
If the crack isn't too large it might be possible to repair the glass by using clear sealant. You can buy this type of sealant at any hardware store. It is essential to thoroughly dry the cracked area prior to applying the sealant. This will stop the repair from failing. A hair dryer or another fan can be used to expedite this process.
Damaged weatherstripping
A worn out weather stripping is not only unsightly and a security hazard, but it also allows air from outside to get in and heat or cold escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping in your home.
First, ensure that you have all the necessary tools and supplies. You'll require a new weather-stripping kit or adhesive/caulk sealing agent (depending on the repair method you select) tools, pliers and a pair of scissors, a utility knife and gloves or goggles that are protective and a replacement weather-stripping kit. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting through an end piece and pulling up with any screws attached if necessary. Then, gently remove any pieces left in the pliers or pry bar.
If you decide to replace the weather stripping, start by measuring the gap that is around the door frame. The measurements can be used to determine the amount of weather stripping that you need. Make sure you leave a bit of extra length so that you can refine the size later. Once you have the correct size, apply the backing of the adhesive and press it against the frame. If you wish, nail it to the frame with the nail or hammer.
Apply wood filler onto the frame to cover any divots or holes. Allow the filler to dry completely prior to applying any paint. It is recommended to apply oil-based paint over the filler, but latex paint will work too.
The last thing to do is take care to clean your sliding door tracks and doors frequently. This will avoid future issues such as sticking. Maintaining and repairing your patio doors will ensure they remain functional, attractive and energy-efficient. When you do this you will be able to enjoy the great outdoors with confidence and save some money at the same time! Enjoy your home renovation projects!