Patio Doors Repairs
Patio doors offer homeowners natural fresh air and light and enhance the value of a house. However, with time, they may cause issues that must be addressed quickly.
Understanding the way patio doors operate can help homeowners better communicate with a contractor regarding the issues they face. Here are some of the most common repairs to patio doors:.
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It's sometimes difficult to open a sliding patio door. The majority of these uncooperative sliding patio doors can be repaired easily with a bit of oiling and cleaning in the event that a structural issue is present. The majority of the time, dirt in the lower track can cause the rollers and bottom track to become misaligned. In this instance it is necessary to clean the track and apply a thin coating of lubricant to let the rollers glide smoothly.
In addition, misalignment can be caused due to wear or damage in the hinges that connect the doors, which 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, can cause roller alignment issues and lead to resistance and other problems, such as the door feeling heavier or increased energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional will ensure that these parts are working together to keep your patio doors functioning smoothly.
To check roller-to-roller alignment to determine alignment, set up a crow's foot at the one end of the track. Then use a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, observing the distance they travel. Repeat the process at the other end of the track, and then divide by two to find the rollers' alignment (Photo 1). This method isn't as precise as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's much more efficient and less time-consuming than measuring each rail using a level or carpenter's level.
You can also check the alignment of the rollers by taking off the head stop. It is an aluminum plate located in the bottom of the door jamb. It stops the rollers. This requires the removal of any removable grilles or shades and, if the door is heavy, you should seek assistance in this process. After the head stop is removed, carefully remove the head track adjustment screws by pushing them out using a screwdriver, then reinstall the assembly by aligning each adjustment screw with its access hole and tapping it in with a hammer.
Dirty tracks or damaged tracks
The sliding patio door acts as a magnet for dirt, debris and other elements. They can also be susceptible to misalignment and other issues that could require professional repair services. To prolong the lifespan of your patio doors, it is important to identify and address these issues as soon as possible.
Dirty tracks are one of the most frequent causes of malfunctions in sliding patio doors. Over time, dirt and other debris such as pet hair, food crumbs and yard debris can be trapped in the small spaces between the tracks of your sliding doors which can cause it to get 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 like this. After you've removed all of the debris that is loose, you can use a non-abrasive home cleaning solution or warm soapy water to wipe down your patio door tracks. If you notice that some areas of the track are difficult to clean, you can use a butter knife or toothbrush to clean these tiny spaces.
In addition to cleaning the tracks, you must be sure to lubricate them frequently to avoid sliding doors from squeezing or becoming difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we suggest applying silicone spray to the bottom track regularly. You can also rub paraffin wax on the track to enhance the glide.
Air leaks or drafts can also impact your sliding patio doors. This could happen when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door is worn out or damaged. This can lead to an opening between your patio door and the frame. This lets air in and reduces the energy efficiency. Ensure that your weather stripping is in good working order and replace it as necessary.
With regular use your patio door will go through normal wear and wear and tear over time. These problems are usually not a sign of an urgent issue. Small repairs can prolong the lifespan of your patio door. Consult a professional for any problems as soon as they are apparent to save on costly repairs in the future.
Warped or cracked glass
A patio door that's damaged or cracked is a real eye-sore, and it could pose a security risk. It can also permit unwanted animals to get 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 can assist you in determining what kind of repairs are required. Generally, cracks in the glass are the result of stress or impact. They are more difficult to repair than normal chipping on the surface. A professional will probably need to re-lead the panel. This will require the removal of the glass clean it, and replacing the broken pieces. For this reason, a professional will need accurate documentation of the glass in its original form to aid in comparing the new glass to the original.
Plastic epoxy can be used to fill a crack. It is available at a hardware store, or in the home improvement section. A professional will usually use an iron soldering 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 is small it might be possible to repair the glass with clear sealant. This kind of product can be found at any hardware store. However, it is important to dry thoroughly the damaged area prior to applying the sealant. This will stop the repair from failing. You can accelerate the process by using a hair dryer or a different fan.
Weatherstripping damaged
A worn out weather stripping is not just unsightly and a security hazard, but it also allows air from outside to get in and cold or heat to escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping in your home.
Make sure you have the proper tools and materials. This includes a replacement weather stripping kit or caulk sealant or adhesive (depending on the repair method) tools, pliers, scissors, a utility knife, and some gloves or protective goggles. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting through one end piece and pulling it up along with any screws for attachment when applicable. Remove any remaining pieces using pliers and a plier.
Begin by measuring the gap around the door frame. The measurements can be used to determine the size of weather stripping you will require. Make sure you leave a bit of extra length so that you can adjust the fit later. Once you have the right size, apply the adhesive backing and press it against the frame. If you wish you would like to use a small nail to secure the frame in place.
Finally apply some wood filler to any divots or holes in the frame. Let the filler dry completely before applying paint. In general, it is best to apply oil-based paint over the filler, but latex paint will work too.
Also, ensure that you clean your sliding doors and tracks regularly. This will help prevent future issues such as sticking. Cleaning and maintaining your patio doors will ensure they remain functional, attractive and energy-efficient. By doing so you can enjoy the outdoors with confidence, and save money at the same time! Enjoy your home renovation projects!