Patio Doors Repairs

Patio doors offer homeowners natural fresh air and light and boost the value of a home. But with time, they may develop issues that need to be addressed quickly.

Understanding how patio doors work can help homeowners better communicate with a contractor about the issues they experience. Here are a few of the most common patio door problems:

Misaligned rollers

Sometimes the sliding patio door can become stuck and it's not simple to get it open again. But in the absence of a underlying structural problem, most such uncooperative doors can be easily repaired with a little cleaning and lubrication. The most frequent cause is dirt in the lower track, which may cause the rollers to rub against the bottom track and cause them to misalign. In this instance, clean the track thoroughly and apply the lubricant in a thin layer so that the rollers can glide smoothly.

The misalignment could also be because of wear or damage in the hinges that join the doors, which house some of the rollers; springs, whether torsion or extension and cables that lift the door. When worn or damaged, these components can affect the alignment of the rollers, leading to resistance as well as other issues such as the door being heavier or having higher energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional will ensure that these components are in good working order to keep your patio doors functioning smoothly.

To verify the alignment between rollers to determine alignment, set up the crow's feet at the one end of the track. Then employ a tramming tool to sweep across both rollers, noting the distance each travels. Repeat the process at the opposite end of the track, then divide by 2 to get a measurement of the rollers' parallelism (Photo 1). This method is not as accurate as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's faster and easier than measuring each rail using a level or carpenter's level.

Another option for checking roller alignment is to remove the head stop, a flat plate on the door jamb at the bottom of the frame that stops the rollers. If the door is heavy you may require assistance in taking off the grilles and shades that are removable. Once 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 screw adjustment for the roller with its access hole, and tapping it in using a hammer.

Tracks that are damaged or dirty

patio screen door repair doors that slide can serve as magnets for dirt, debris and other elements outside. They can also be prone to misalignment and other issues that could require professional repair patio door lock. To extend the lifespan of your patio door finding and fixing these issues in the early stages is crucial.

One of the main causes for sliding patio doors to malfunction is dirty tracks. Over time dirt and other debris such as pet hair, food crumbs and yard debris, could get trapped in the narrow spaces between your sliding door tracks which can cause it to get stuck or difficult to open. It is recommended to vacuum and clean the patio door tracks at least once a month to avoid problems like this. After you've cleared all the loose debris then you can use a non-abrasive home cleaning solution or warm soapy water to clean down your patio door tracks. If you notice that some areas of the track are difficult to clean, use a butter knife or toothbrush to clean these small areas.

It is also recommended to lubricate the tracks on a regular basis to prevent your sliding door becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, it is recommended to apply silicone spray to the bottom track on a regular basis. You can also apply paraffin wax along the track to enhance glide.

A draft or a leak of air can also impact your sliding patio doors repair doors. This could occur when the weather stripping of your sliding patio door has worn away or is damaged. This could cause gaps between your sliding patio door and the frame. This allows air in and decreases the efficiency of energy. Check that your weatherstripping is in good condition and replace it if needed.

Over time your patio door could be subject to normal wear and tear. These issues aren't usually indicative of a major issue. Small repairs can prolong the lifespan of your patio sliding door repair near me door. Consult a professional for any problems as soon as they occur to avoid 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 a security risk. It can also let in unwanted critters and make your home temperature fluctuate wildly. Thankfully, these problems are usually simple to fix when they are caught early.

A quick glance at the glass will aid in determining what kind of repairs are required. Usually, cracks in glass are the result of stress or impact. They are more difficult to repair than chips on the surface. A professional may have to re-lead the panel. This would require removing the glass and replacing any broken pieces. To help match the new glass to the old one, professionals require exact documentation of the appearance of the piece at the time.

Sometimes, a crack in the glass can be filled with epoxy plastic. This can be purchased from hardware stores or in the home improvement section in many stores. A professional will typically employ a soldering iron to melt the plastic, then apply it to the crack in the glass. After it has been cool, the professional can remove any excess.

If the crack in the glass is small, there may be a possibility of repairing it using clear sealant. You can purchase this kind of product at any hardware retailer. It is essential to dry the crack completely prior to applying sealant. This will stop the repair from failing. You can speed up the process by using a hair dryer or other fan.

Damaged weatherstripping

A worn-out weather stripping not only looks bad and can pose a security risk, but also allows outside air in and heat out. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping on your home.

First, ensure you have all the tools and supplies. This includes a replacement weather stripping kit or caulk sealant adhesive (depending on the repair method), scissors, pliers, a utility knife, as well as gloves or protective goggles. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting through an end piece, and then pulling it back up with any screws attached if necessary. Then take care to take any remaining pieces over with pliers or a pry bar.

If you decide to replace the weather stripping, begin by measuring the distance around your door frame. You can use these measurements to determine the amount of weather stripping that you require. Be sure to leave a bit of extra length so that you can fine-tune the fit later. Once you've found the ideal size, apply the backing and press the material against the frame. If desired you want to, use a nail to secure the frame to the wall.

Finally, apply some wood filler to any holes or divots in the frame. Allow the filler to dry completely before applying any paint. It is best to use oil-based paints, but latex will also work.

The last thing to do is clean your sliding door tracks and doors frequently. This will avoid future issues like sticking. Cleaning and maintaining your patio doors will ensure that they remain functional, attractive and energy efficient. You can save money and enjoy the great outdoors while doing it. Enjoy your home improvement projects!