Comprehensive List Of Patio Doors Repairs Dos And Don'ts

Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors provide homeowners with sunlight and fresh, air. They also boost the value of a house. However, over time they can develop issues that require immediate attention. Understanding how patio doors work can help homeowners better communicate with a contractor regarding the problems they encounter. Here are some of the most common repairs to patio doors:. Rollers that are not aligned It's not always easy to open a patio sliding door. However in the absence of a underlying structural issue, most doors that aren't cooperating can be repaired with a little cleaning and lubrication. Most often dirt on the lower track can cause the rollers and bottom track to misalign. In this instance clean the track thoroughly and apply the lubricant in a thin layer so that the rollers are able to glide smoothly. Misalignment can also occur due to wear or damage in the hinges connecting the doors, which house some of the rollers; springs either torsion or extension; and cables, which raise the door. When worn or damaged these components can cause problems with roller alignment, causing resistance, as well as an increased weight of the door or energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections can help ensure that all the components work harmoniously to ensure that your patio door is operating smoothly. To check roller-to-roller alignment to determine alignment, set up a crow's foot at the one end of the track. Then employ a tramming tool to sweep across both rollers, recording the distance they travel. Repeat the same process at the opposite end of track and divide by two to find the rollers' alignment (Photo 1). This method is not as accurate as using pi tapes to measure the diameter directly, but it's more efficient and less time-consuming than measuring each individual rail with a level, or carpenter's level. You can also verify the alignment of the rollers by removing the head stop. It is a flat plate that is located in the bottom of the door jamb. It stops the rollers. This requires removing any removable grilles or shades and, in the event that the door is heavy, obtaining help with this step. After taking off the head stop, remove the head track adjusters screws by backing them up with a screwdriver. After reinstalling your assembly by aligning each adjustment screw with its access hole, and tapping it with the hammer. Tracks that are damaged or dirty Sliding patio door can act as an attraction for dirt, debris and other elements. They are also prone to misalignment, and other issues that may require professional repairs. To prolong the life of your patio doors, it is crucial to recognize and fix these problems in the earliest time possible. Dirty tracks are among the most common causes of sliding patio door malfunctions. Over time, dirt and other debris like pet hair, food crumbs and yard debris, can be trapped in the small spaces between your sliding door tracks and cause it to become stuck or difficult to open. It is recommended to clean and vacuum your tracks of your patio door at least once a month to avoid problems. You can clean your patio door tracks using an anti-abrasive cleaning solution or warm soapy tap water after you've removed any debris that is floating around. If you notice that some parts of the track are harder to clean, try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean these small areas. It is also recommended to lubricate the tracks regularly to avoid sliding doors from becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we recommend adding silicone spray to your bottom track regularly. You can also rub paraffin wax along the track to improve the glide. A draft or a leak of air can also impact your sliding patio doors. This may occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has worn out or damaged. This can lead to an opening between your patio door and the frame. This allows air to enter and reduces the energy efficiency. Make sure that your weatherstripping is in good shape and replace it if necessary. Over time your patio door will be subject to normal wear and tear. However, these issues are typically not a sign of a significant issue. In the majority of cases, minor repairs can extend the lifespan of your patio door and ensure that it is operating properly. Call a professional as quickly as you notice any problems to avoid costly repairs in the future. Glass that is damaged or warped A warped or cracked patio door is an eyesore and a potential security risk. This can also allow unwanted animals into your home and cause the temperature to fluctuate. Fortunately, these issues are usually simple to fix when they are caught early. A quick glance at the glass will help determine what kind of repair is needed. Glass cracks are typically caused by stress or impact. They are more difficult to repair than chips on the surface. A professional will probably have to re-lead the panel. This would require taking the glass off, cleaning and replacing any broken pieces. To do this, professionals will require accurate documentation of the piece in its original form to ensure that the new glass to the original. Sometimes, a crack in the glass can be filled with epoxy made of plastic. It can be purchased at hardware stores or the home improvement section of a lot of stores. A professional will use a soldering tool to melt the plastic then apply it on the crack. After patio door repairs london has cooled, the professional can remove any excess. If the crack in the glass is small, there may be a chance of repairing it using clear sealant. This kind of product is available at any hardware store. It is crucial to thoroughly dry the crack before applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. You can accelerate the process by using a hair dryer or other fan. Weatherstripping damaged A weather stripping that is worn out is not just ugly and poses a security threat however it also allows the outside air and heat out. A simple fix using a new piece of weather stripping will save you money while keeping your home more comfortable. Make sure you have the appropriate tools and materials. This includes a replacement weather stripping kit, or caulk sealant adhesive (depending on your chosen repair method) tools, scissors, pliers, utility knife, and some gloves or goggles that are protective. Remove the weather stripping that was used previously by cutting through an end piece and pulling up with any screws attached, if appropriate. Remove any remaining pieces with the pliers and a prybar. Start by measuring the gap around the door frame. Make use of the measurements to determine the size of weather stripping you need. Be sure to leave an extra length to allow for fine-tuning later. Once you've found the ideal size, apply the backing and press it against the frame. If you wish, nail it to the frame using a small nail or hammer. Finally, apply some wood filler to any divots or holes in the frame. Let the filler dry completely prior to painting. It's best to use oil-based paint, however, latex paint can also be used. The last thing to do is make sure you clean your sliding tracks and doors frequently. This will help prevent future issues such as sticking. Keeping up with maintenance and repairs to your patio doors ensures they are attractive, functional, and energy-efficient. You will save money while enjoying the great outdoors while doing so. Enjoy your home renovation projects!