Patio Doors Repairs
Patio doors provide homeowners with natural light and fresh, air. They also boost the value of a house. But over time, they can cause issues that must be addressed immediately.
Understanding the way patio doors operate can help homeowners communicate with contractors about the issues they face. Here are some common repairs for patio doors:.
Rollers that aren't aligned properly
Sometimes, a sliding patio door will get stuck and it's difficult to get it open once more. Most of these non-cooperative sliding patio doors can be repaired easily by a little oiling and cleaning, unless a structural problem is present. Most often dirt in the lower track can cause the rollers and bottom track to misalign. In this case, clean the track thoroughly and apply the lubricant in a thin layer so that the rollers can glide smoothly.
In addition, misalignment can be caused because of wear or damage in the hinges connecting the door panels that house some of the rollers, springs that are either extension or torsion and cables, which lift the door. When these components are damaged or worn, may alter the alignment of rollers and cause resistance, as well as other issues, like a heavier feeling door or a rise in energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional will ensure that these parts are in sync to keep your patio doors functioning smoothly.
Create a crow's foot at one end, and use a trammingstick to sweep across the rollers. Note the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process at the opposite side of the track, and then divide by 2 to obtain a reading of the rollers' parallelism (Photo 1). This method is not as precise as using pi tapes to measure the diameter directly, but it's quicker and simpler than measuring each individual rail with a level or carpenter's level.
You can also check the alignment of the rollers by taking off the head stop. This is an elongated plate that is located at the bottom of your door jamb. It stops the rollers. This requires the removal of any removable grilles or shades, and if the door is heavy, obtaining assistance with this step. After the head stop has been removed, carefully remove the head track adjustment screws by pushing them out using an screwdriver. Reinstall the assembly by aligning each roller adjustment screw with its access hole and tapping it in using the Hammer.
Dirty or damaged tracks
Sliding patio doors can act as magnets for dirt, debris and other elements outside. They are also susceptible to misalignment and other issues that require professional repair. To prolong the life of your patio door, identifying and addressing these problems promptly is crucial.
Dirty tracks are one of the most common causes of sliding patio door malfunctions. Over time,, food debris, pet hair, and yard debris can become stuck in the small spaces of the track of your sliding door and cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to open. It is recommended to vacuum and clean the tracks of your patio doors every month, at minimum, to avoid these problems. You can clean your patio door tracks with an anti-abrasive cleaning solution or warm soapy tap water once you've removed any loose debris. If you find that certain areas of the track are difficult to clean, use a butter knife or toothbrush to clean these small spaces.
It is also important to grease the tracks frequently 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 to improve the glide.
A draft or a leak of air 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 could cause an opening between your sliding patio door and the frame. This allows air in and decreases the efficiency of energy. Check that your weather stripping is in good working order and replace it if needed.
Over time your patio door could see normal wear and tear. However, these issues are typically not indicative of a serious issue. In the majority of cases, minor repairs can help extend the life of your patio door and keep it functioning properly. Contact a professional as soon when you spot any issues to avoid costly repairs in the future.
Glass that is cracked or warped
A patio door that is damaged or cracked could be a major eye-sore and could be an security risk. It could also allow in unwanted creatures and cause your home temperature fluctuate wildly. These issues are easy to fix when detected early.
A quick glance at the glass will help you determine what type of repairs are required. Usually, cracks in glass are caused by stress or impact. They are more difficult to repair than simple chipping on the surface. A professional may have to replace the lead on this panel. This will require removing the glass clean it, and replacing broken pieces. This is why a professional will need accurate documentation of the piece in its original form to help match up the new glass to the original.
Plastic epoxy can be used to fill in a crack. You can purchase this in a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will use a soldering tool to melt the plastic then apply it on the crack. After it has cooled, the professional can clean 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 product from any hardware retailer. However, it is crucial 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 just ugly and a security hazard, but it also allows air from outside to enter and cold or heat to escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping inside your home.
Make sure you have the appropriate tools and materials. This includes a new weather stripping kit, or adhesive/caulk sealant (depending on your chosen repair method), scissors, pliers, utility knife, as well as gloves or protective goggles. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting through one end piece, then pulling it up, along with any screws that attach it, when applicable. Remove any remaining pieces with pliers and a plier.
Start by measuring Repair My Windows And Doors around the door frame. You can use these measurements to determine the amount of weather stripping that you need. Make sure you leave extra length for later fine-tuning. Once you've found the perfect size, place the backing and press the material against the frame. If you want, secure it to the frame using the nail or hammer.
Apply wood filler to the frame to cover any holes or divots. Let the filler dry completely prior to painting. It's best to use oil-based paints, but latex will also work.
The last thing to do is make sure you clean your sliding tracks and doors regularly. Taking the time to do this will prevent sticking and other issues later on. Cleaning and maintaining your patio doors will ensure they remain attractive, functional and energy-efficient. You will save money while enjoying the great outdoors while doing it. Enjoy your home renovation projects!