A Complete Guide To Patio Doors Repairs Dos And Don'ts
Patio Doors Repairs
Patio doors provide homeowners with natural light and fresh clean air. They also increase the value of a house. In time, however they can develop issues that require immediate attention.
Understanding how patio doors function will help homeowners communicate better with contractors about issues they face. Here are some common repairs for patio doors:.
Rollers that are not aligned
It's not always simple to open a patio sliding door. But, unless there's an underlying structural issue, most uncooperative doors can be easily repaired with a little cleaning and lubrication. The most common culprit is dirt in the lower track, which can cause the rollers to rub against the track at the bottom and cause them to be misaligned. In this instance you'll need to wash the track and apply a thin coating of lubricant, allowing the rollers glide smoothly.
It can be caused by wear or damage to the hinges that connect the doors that house a portion of these rollers; springs (whether torsion or extensions) and cables that lift the door. If damaged or worn out 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 inspections by a professional will ensure that these components are in good working order to keep your patio doors operating 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 other end of the track, then divide by 2 to obtain a reading of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method isn't as accurate as using a pi tape to measure diameter directly. However, it's faster and more efficient than using a carpenter's or level to determine the rail's diameter.
You can also test the alignment of the rollers by removing the head stop. It is a flat plate that is situated at the bottom of your door jamb. It stops the rollers. If the door is heavy, you may require help in removing removable grilles and shades. Once the head stop has been removed, carefully remove the screws that adjust the head track by pushing them out using an screwdriver. Reinstall the assembly by aligning each roller adjustment screw with its access hole, and tapping it in with a Hammer.
Tracks that are dirty or damaged
A sliding patio door can serve as magnet for dirt, debris, and other elements. They also are susceptible to misalignment and other issues that require professional repairs. To prolong the life of your patio doors, it is essential to find and fix these issues as soon as possible.
One of the most common causes for sliding patio doors to fail is dirty tracks. Over time, dirt and other debris such as food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris, can be trapped in the small spaces between the tracks of your sliding doors, causing it to get stuck or difficult to open. To avoid problems like this, it's recommended to vacuum and clean your patio door tracks once every month. You can clean your patio door tracks using a non-abrasive cleaner or use warm soapy tap water after you've removed any loose debris. If you notice that some areas of the track are difficult to clean, you can use a butter knife or a toothbrush to clean these small spaces.
You should also lubricate the tracks on a regular basis to prevent 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 apply paraffin wax to enhance the glide.
Another common issue that can affect your sliding patio door is draft or air leak. This may occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has worn out or damaged. This could cause an opening between your patio door and the frame. This lets air in and reduces the energy efficiency. Make sure that your weather stripping is in good condition and replace it if required.
Over time your patio door will be subject to normal wear and tear. These problems are usually not indicative of a major problem. 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.
Glass that is damaged or warped
A patio door that is damaged or sagging could be a major eye-sore and could be security risks. This can also allow unwanted animals to enter your home and cause the temperature to fluctuate. Thankfully, these problems are usually simple to fix in the event that you spot them early.
A quick glance at the glass can determine the type of repair is needed. Cracks in glass are usually caused by impact or stress. These are more difficult to repair than chips on the surface. A professional will likely require re-leading the panel. This will require the removal of the glass and cleaning it, as well as replacing broken pieces. To help match the new glass with the old one, a professional requires accurate documentation of the way the piece looked at the time.
Sometimes, a crack in the glass can be filled with plastic epoxy. You can buy this at a hardware store, or in the home improvement section. A professional will usually use a soldering iron to melt the plastic, then apply it to the cracks in the glass. After it has been cool, the professional can remove any excess.
If the glass crack is small, there may be a chance of repairing it using clear sealant. You can purchase this type of sealant at any hardware store. It is crucial to thoroughly dry the crack prior to applying sealant. This will stop the repair from failing. A hair dryer or another fan can be used to expedite this procedure.
Weatherstripping damaged
A weather stripping that is worn out is not just ugly and a security risk, but it also allows air from outside to get in and heat or cold to escape. A quick fix with a new piece of weather stripping can save you money and make your home more comfortable.
First, make sure you have all the tools and materials. This includes a new weather stripping kit, or adhesive/caulk sealant (depending on your chosen repair method), pliers, scissors, a utility knife, and a pair of gloves or goggles that are protective. Then, remove the old weather stripping by cutting one end piece and lifting it up with any attaching screws if applicable. Remove any remaining pieces using pliers and a plier.
Begin by measuring the gap around the door frame. sliding patio door repair can be used to determine the amount of weather stripping that you need. Make sure you leave a little bit of extra length so you can fine-tune the fit later. Once you've found the ideal size, apply the backing and press it against the frame. If desired you want to, use a nail to tack the frame to the wall.
Apply wood filler to the frame to fill any holes or divots. Let the filler dry completely prior to applying any paint. In general, it is best to apply oil-based paint on the filler, however latex paint can also be used.
The last thing to do is take care to clean your sliding door tracks and doors frequently. This will prevent future problems such as sticking. Maintaining and repairing your patio doors will ensure they remain attractive, functional and energy efficient. You can save money and enjoy the outdoors while doing so. Happy home-fixing!