Patio Doors Repairs
Patio doors give homeowners natural light and fresh air. They also boost the value of a house. Over time, however, they may develop problems that require immediate attention.
Understanding the way patio doors operate can help homeowners communicate with contractors about the issues they experience. Here are some of the most common repairs to patio doors:.
Rollers that aren't aligned properly
It's not always simple to open a sliding patio door. The majority of these uncooperative sliding patio doors can be fixed with some cleaning and oiling, unless a structural problem is present. Typically dirt on the lower track can cause the bottom track and rollers to be misaligned. In this case, clean the track thoroughly before applying an even layer of lubricant so that the rollers can glide smoothly.
Misalignment can also occur due to wear or damage in the hinges that connect the doors which house a portion of the rollers; springs, whether torsion or extension and cables that lift the door. When damaged or worn these components could affect roller alignment, causing resistance, as well as a heavier door or higher energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and periodic inspections by a professional can help ensure that all these elements work harmoniously to keep your patio door functioning smoothly.
To verify the alignment between rollers to determine alignment, set up an eagle's foot at one end of the track. employ a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, noting the distance that each travels. Repeat the process on the other end of the track, and then divide by 2 to get a measurement of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method isn't as exact as using pi tape to measure the diameter directly. However, it's quicker and easier than using a carpenter's or level to measure each rail.
Another method of checking the alignment of rollers is to take off the head stop, which is a flat plate that is located on the jamb of the door at the bottom of the frame, which stops the rollers. If the door is very heavy, you may require assistance in removing removable grilles and shades. After removing the head stop, take out the head track adjustment screws by backing them up with a screwdriver. After reinstalling the assembly, align each roller adjustment screw to its access hole, and tapping it with a Hammer.
Dirty or damaged tracks
The sliding patio door acts as magnet for dirt, debris and other elements. They are also susceptible to misalignment and other issues that may require professional repair services. To prolong the lifespan of your patio doors, it's essential to find and fix these problems as soon as you can.
One of the most frequent reasons for sliding patio doors to fail is dirty tracks. Over time, food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris can become trapped within the narrow spaces of your sliding door track, causing the door to snag or become difficult to open. To avoid these issues, it's recommended to clean and vacuum your patio door tracks once every month. After you've cleared all the loose debris then you can use a non-abrasive household cleaning solution or warm soapy water to wipe down your patio door tracks. If you notice that certain areas of the track are more difficult to clean, you can try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean out these small areas.
It is also important to grease the tracks on a regular basis to prevent your sliding door from becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, it is recommended to add silicone spray to the bottom track on a frequent basis. You can also apply paraffin wax to enhance the glide.
A draft or air leak can also affect your sliding patio doors. This could occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has worn out or has been damaged. This can cause gaps between the frame and the door that allows air to come in and reduces the efficiency of energy. Make sure that your weather stripping is in good shape and replace it if necessary.
Over time your patio door will experience normal wear. However, these issues are typically not a sign of a major problem. Minor repairs can extend the life of your patio door. Contact a professional to address any issues as soon as they are apparent to avoid costly repairs in the future.
Glass that is damaged or warped
A cracked or warped patio door is a serious eye-sore and could pose a security risk. It also allows in unwanted animals and cause your home temperature fluctuate wildly. patio door adjustment are simple to fix if caught early.
A quick glance at the glass can assist you in determining what kind of repairs are needed. Cracks in glass are usually caused by impact or stress. They can be a bit more difficult to fix than normal cracks in the surface. A professional may require re-leading the panel. This will require the removal of the glass, cleaning it, and replacing the broken pieces. This is why an expert will require precise documentation of the piece as it looked originally to ensure that the new glass with the old.
Sometimes, a crack in the glass can be filled with epoxy plastic. You can purchase this at a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will employ a soldering tool to melt the plastic and then apply it to the crack. After the plastic has cooled, the professional can remove any excess.
If the crack isn't too large, it may be possible to repair the glass with clear sealant. This type of product can be found at any hardware store. It is important to thoroughly dry the crack prior to applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. You can speed up the process by using a hair dryer or another fan.
Weatherstripping that is 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 to escape. A quick fix with a new piece of weather stripping can save you money and make your home more comfortable.
First, ensure that you have all the necessary tools and materials. You'll need a replacement weather-stripping kit or adhesive/caulk sealing agent (depending on the repair method you decide to use) as well as pliers and scissors, a utility blade as well as protective gloves or goggles and a new weather-stripping kit. Remove the weather stripping that was used previously by cutting through an end piece and pulling it up with any screws attached if appropriate. Remove any remaining pieces using pliers and a prybar.
If you decide to replace the weather stripping, start by measuring the gap that is around the door frame. Use the measurements to determine what size weather stripping you will need. Be sure to leave a little bit of extra length to fine-tune the size later. Once you have the correct size, apply the backing with adhesive and press it against the frame. If you wish you would like to use a small nail to secure the frame to the wall.
Finally apply some wood filler to any divots or holes in the frame. Let the filler dry completely before applying paint. It is recommended to apply oil-based paint on the filler, however latex paint is also a good choice.
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. Repairing and maintaining your patio doors will ensure they remain attractive, functional and energy efficient. You'll save money and enjoy the great outdoors while doing so. Enjoy your home renovation projects!