Patio Doors Repairs
Patio doors offer homeowners natural sunlight and fresh air and can enhance the value of a house. However, with time, they may cause issues that must be addressed immediately.
Understanding how patio doors work can help homeowners communicate more effectively with contractors about problems they encounter. Here are a few of the most frequent problems with patio doors:
Rollers that aren't aligned properly
It's not always simple to open a sliding patio door. However, unless there's an underlying structural issue, the majority of doors that aren't cooperating could be fixed with some cleaning and lubrication. The majority of the time, dirt in the lower track can cause the track's rollers and bottom track to become misaligned. In this situation it is necessary to clean the track and apply a thin coat of lubricant so that the rollers glide smoothly.
The misalignment could also be due to damage or wear 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 they are damaged or worn, can alter the alignment of rollers and cause resistance and other issues, like doors that feel heavier or higher energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional can help ensure that all these elements are in sync to keep your patio door functioning smoothly.
Create a crow's foot at one end, and use the trammingstick to move across the rollers. Take note of the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process at the opposite end of the track, and then divide by 2 to get a measurement of the rollers' parallelism (Photo 1). This method isn't as exact as using pi tape to measure the length directly. However, it's quicker and easier than using a carpenter's or level to measure the length of each rail.
You can also test the alignment of the rollers by removing the head stop. It is an elongated plate that is situated at the bottom of your door jamb. It stops the rollers. If the door is heavy you may require assistance in removal of the removable grilles and shades. After taking off the head stop, remove the head track adjusters screws by securing them with a screwdriver. After reinstalling your assembly, align each screw for adjustment to its access hole, then tapping it with a hammer.
Dirty tracks or damaged tracks
Patio doors that slide open can serve as magnets for debris, dirt and other elements outside. They are also susceptible to misalignment, and other issues that require professional repairs. In order to extend the lifespan of your patio door identifying and addressing these problems early on is essential.
One of the most common reasons for sliding patio doors to fail is dirty tracks. Over time, dirt and other debris like food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris, can get caught in the tiny spaces between your sliding door tracks which can cause it to get stuck or difficult to open. It is recommended that you vacuum and clean the tracks of your patio door every month, at minimum, to avoid these problems. You can clean your patio door tracks with a non-abrasive cleaner or warm soapy tap water after having removed any debris that is floating around. If you find that certain parts of the track are difficult to clean, you can use a butter knife or toothbrush to clean these small spaces.
You should also lubricate the tracks regularly to avoid sliding doors from becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you own Panda patio doors, it is recommended to apply silicone spray to the bottom track on a frequent basis. You can also rub paraffin wax along the track to improve glide.
Air leaks or drafts 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 cause an opening between your sliding patio door and the frame. This allows air in and reduces the energy efficiency. Make sure your weatherstripping is in good shape and replace it when needed.
With consistent use, your patio door will go through normal wear and wear and tear over time. These problems are usually not indicative of a major issue. Small repairs can prolong the life of your patio door. Get a professional in touch to fix any issues as soon as they occur to prevent costly repairs in the future.
Glass that is cracked or warped
A patio door that's damaged or cracked is a real eye-sore and can pose a security risk. It can also let in unwanted animals and cause your home's temperature fluctuate dramatically. Thankfully, these problems are usually easy to fix if you catch them early.
A quick glance at the glass will help determine what kind of repair is needed. Generally, cracks in the glass are caused by stress or impact. These are a little more difficult to repair than simple chipping on the surface. A professional may have to replace the lead on this panel. This will require the removal of the glass, cleaning it, and replacing the broken pieces. For this reason, professionals will require accurate documentation of the piece in its original form to help match up the new glass with 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 typically employ an iron soldering to melt the plastic then apply it to the crack in the glass. After the plastic has cooled down and the professional has removed any excess.
If the glass crack is not too large, there could be a chance of repairing it using clear sealant. This type of product is available at any hardware store. 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 another fan.
Weatherstripping damaged
A worn out weather stripping is not only unsightly and a security hazard, but it also allows outside air to enter and cold or hot air to escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping in your home.
First, make sure you have all the necessary tools and supplies. This includes a replacement weather stripping kit, or caulk sealant adhesive (depending on the repair method) and scissors, pliers, a utility knife, and a pair of gloves or protective goggles. Remove the old weather stripping, by cutting through an end piece and pulling up with any screws attached, if appropriate. Then take care to remove any pieces left in the pliers or pry bar.
Begin by measuring the gap around the door frame. You can use the measurements to determine the size of weather stripping that you will require. Make sure to leave some extra length to allow for fine-tuning later. Once you've found the perfect size you can apply the backing of the adhesive and press it against the frame. If desired, use a small nail to tack the frame to the wall.
Finally, apply some wood filler to any holes or divots in the frame. Let click the up coming post dry completely prior to applying any paint. It is recommended to apply oil-based paint on the filler, however latex paint can also be used.
The last thing to do is clean your sliding door tracks and doors regularly. Making the effort to do this prevents sticking and other issues in the future. Maintaining regular maintenance and repairs to your patio doors will ensure they stay functional, attractive, and energy-efficient. When you do this you can enjoy the outdoors with confidence, and save money in the process! Enjoy your home improvements!