Patio Doors Repairs
Patio doors offer homeowners natural light and fresh air and enhance the value of a house. In time, however they can develop issues that require immediate attention.
Understanding how patio doors operate can help homeowners communicate better with contractors regarding issues they face. Here are some of the most frequently encountered problems with patio doors:
Misaligned rollers
Sometimes, a sliding patio door will get stuck and it's not easy to get the thing to open once more. Most of these sluggish sliding patio doors can be fixed easily with a bit of oiling and cleaning in the event that a structural issue is present. The most frequent cause is dirt in the lower track, which can cause the rollers to rub against the bottom track and cause them to be misaligned. In this case, you'll need to clean the track and apply a thin coat of lubricant so that the rollers glide easily.
The misalignment can also be caused by wear or damage to the hinges connecting the door panels that house some of these rollers, springs (whether extensions or torsion); and cables which lift the door. When damaged or worn these components can cause problems with the alignment of the rollers, leading to resistance, as well as the door being heavier or having higher energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections will ensure that these elements are in sync to ensure that your patio doors are operating smoothly.
To determine the alignment of rollers to determine alignment, set up a crow's foot at the one end of the track and employ a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, observing the distance each travels. Repeat the process at the other end of the track, then divide by 2 to get a measurement of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method isn't as accurate as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's much more efficient and less time-consuming than measuring each individual rail with a level or carpenter's level.
Another option to check the alignment of rollers is to take off the head stop, a flat plate that is located on the door jamb at the bottom of the frame, which stops the rollers. This requires the removal of any grilles or shades that can be removed and, when the door is heavy, obtaining assistance in this process. After taking off the head stop, remove the head track adjusters screws by securing them with a screwdriver. Then, reinstalling the assembly by aligning each adjustment screw with its access hole, then tapping it with a Hammer.
Dirty or damaged tracks
Patio doors that slide open can act as magnets for debris, dirt and other elements outside. They also are susceptible to misalignment and other issues which may require professional repair. In order to extend the life of your patio door identifying and addressing these problems promptly is crucial.
One of the most frequent causes for sliding patio doors to fail is filthy tracks. Over time dirt and other particles like pet hair, food crumbs and yard debris, could get caught in the tiny spaces between the tracks of your sliding doors which can cause it to become stuck or difficult to open. To avoid these issues, it's recommended to sweep and clean your patio door tracks at least once each month. After you've cleared all the debris that has accumulated then you can use a non-abrasive household cleaning solution or warm soapy water to clean down your patio door tracks. If you notice that some parts of the track are more difficult to clean, try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean out these tiny spaces.
In addition to cleaning the tracks, you should lubricate them regularly to prevent your sliding door from becoming stuck or becoming difficult to open. If you own Panda patio doors it is recommended to add silicone spray to the bottom track on a frequent basis. You can also rub paraffin wax along the track to enhance glide.
Air leaks or drafts can also impact your sliding patio doors. This could occur when the weather stripping of your sliding patio door has worn away or has been damaged. This can cause a gap 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 as necessary.
Over time your patio door will experience normal wear. However, these issues are typically not indicative of a major problem. In most cases, minor repairs can extend the lifespan of your patio door and ensure that it is operating properly. Contact a professional to address any issues as soon they are apparent to prevent costly repairs in the future.
Glass that has cracked or warped
A cracked or warped patio door is a serious eye-sore and could pose a security risk. This could also allow unwanted animals into your home and cause the temperature to fluctuate. These issues are simple to fix if they are caught early.
A quick glance at the glass can assist you in determining what kind of repairs are needed. Glass cracks are typically caused by impact or stress. These are more difficult to repair than chips on the surface. A professional may require re-leading the panel. This will require the removal of the glass and cleaning it, as well as replacing broken pieces. For this reason, an expert will require precise documentation of the glass as it looked originally to ensure that the new glass to the old.
Plastic epoxy can be used to fill in a crack. It can be purchased at hardware stores or the home improvement section of many stores. A professional will typically employ an iron soldering to melt the plastic, then apply it to the cracks in the glass. After it has been cool, the professional can clean any excess.
If the crack is small it is possible to repair the glass using clear sealant. You can purchase this type of product from any hardware retailer. It is crucial to dry the crack completely before applying sealant. This will stop the repair from failing. You can speed up the process by using a hair dryer or a different fan.
Weatherstripping damaged
repairmywindowsanddoors worn-out weather stripping not only looks bad and is a security risk it also lets outside air in and 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 new weather stripping kit, or caulk sealant or adhesive (depending on the repair method) tools, pliers, scissors, a utility knife, and a pair of gloves or protective goggles. Remove the weather stripping that was used previously by cutting through an end piece, and then pulling it back up with any screws attached, if appropriate. Remove any remaining pieces using the pliers and a prybar.
If you decide to replace the weather stripping, begin by measuring the gap that is around your door frame. The measurements can be used to determine the length of weather stripping you require. Be sure to leave a little extra length so you can refine the size later. Once you've found the perfect size, apply the backing and press the material against the frame. If desired you want to, use a nail to secure the frame to the wall.
Apply wood filler to the frame to cover any holes or divots. Let the filler dry completely before painting. It is best to use oil-based paint, however, latex can also be used.
Finally, be sure to clean your sliding doors and tracks regularly. This will prevent future problems such as sticking. Keeping up with maintenance and repairs to your patio doors will ensure they stay functional, attractive and energy efficient. You can save money while enjoying the great outdoors while doing it. Enjoy your home renovation projects!