Blog entry by Taren Coode
Patio doors provide
homeowners with natural sunlight and fresh air and can enhance
the value of a house. But over time, they could create issues
that must be addressed swiftly.
Understanding how patio glass door repair near me doors operate can help homeowners communicate better with contractors about issues they face. Here are some of the most common repairs to patio doors:.
Rollers that aren't aligned properly
Sometimes the sliding patio door gets stuck and it's difficult to get it open once more. Most of these sluggish sliding patio doors can be repaired easily with a bit of oiling and cleaning, unless a structural issue is present. Typically dirt in the lower track can cause the rollers and bottom track to misalign. In this instance you'll need to wash 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 connecting the door panels, which house some of the rollers; springs either torsion or extension and cables, which raise the door. These components, when damaged or worn out, could cause roller alignment issues and cause resistance, as well as other issues, such as doors that feel heavier or increased energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections will ensure that these elements are in sync to keep your patio doors repair doors functioning smoothly.
Create a crow's foot at one end. Use a trammingstick to sweep across the rollers. Note the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process at the other end of the track and divide by two to get the alignment of the rollers (Photo 1). This method is not as precise as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's much faster and easier than measuring each individual rail with a level or carpenter's level.
Another option for checking 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 that blocks the rollers. If the door is heavy, you may require help in taking off the grilles and shades that are removable. Once the head stop is removed, remove the head track adjustment screws by backing them out with a screwdriver, then reinstall the assembly by aligning each roller adjustment screw with the access hole for it and tapping it in with the Hammer.
Dirty or damaged tracks
Patio doors that slide can act as magnets for debris, dirt and other outside elements. They can also be susceptible to misalignment, as well as other issues that could require professional repair. To extend the life of your patio door, the identification and resolution of these issues early on is essential.
One of the main reasons for sliding patio doors to malfunction is dirty tracks. 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 and cause it to get stuck or difficult to open. It is recommended to clean and vacuum your tracks of your patio door every month, at minimum, to avoid problems. You can clean your patio door tracks with a non-abrasive cleaner or warm soapy tap water once you've removed any debris that is floating around. If you find that certain parts of the track are difficult to clean, you can use the butter knife or toothbrush to scrub these tiny areas.
In addition to cleaning the tracks, it is recommended to keep them lubricated to prevent sliding doors from squeezing or becoming 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 along the track to improve glide.
Another common issue that can impact your sliding patio door is air leak or draft. This may occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door lock repair near me door has worn out or damaged. This can cause a gap between the frame and door that allows air to come in and reduces the efficiency of your energy. Check that your weatherstripping is in good condition and replace it when needed.
With consistent use, your patio door will experience normal wear and wear and tear with time. However, these issues are typically not a sign of a major problem. In the majority of cases, minor repairs can help extend the life of your patio door and ensure it is functioning properly. Call a professional as quickly as you notice any problems to avoid costly repairs.
Glass that has cracked or warped
A patio door that's damaged or cracked could be a major eye-sore and could be an security risk. It can also let in unwanted creatures and cause your home's temperature change dramatically. These issues are easy to fix if caught early.
A quick glance at the glass can aid in determining what kind of repairs are needed. Generally, cracks in the glass are the result of stress or impact. They are more difficult to repair than chips that are on the surface. A professional will probably need to reconnect this panel. This would require removing the glass and cleaning, as well as replacing any broken pieces. To help match the new glass with the old one, professionals require accurate documentation of how the piece looked at the time.
Sometimes cracks in glass can be filled with epoxy made of plastic. This can be purchased from hardware stores or the home improvement section of a lot of stores. A professional will employ a soldering tool to melt the plastic then apply it to the crack. After it has cooled, the professional can wipe away any excess.
If the crack isn't too large it is possible to repair the glass by using clear sealant. You can purchase this kind of sealant 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. A hair dryer or another fan can be used to speed up this procedure.
Weatherstripping damaged
A worn-out weather stripping is not just ugly and poses a security threat, but also allows outside air in and heat to escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping inside your home.
Ensure you have the right tools and materials. This includes a replacement weather stripping kit, or adhesive/caulk sealant (depending on the repair method) and pliers, scissors, a utility knife, and some gloves or protective goggles. Remove the weather stripping that was used previously by cutting through an end piece and pulling it up using any screws that are attached, if applicable. Then, gently remove any pieces left over using pliers or a pry bar.
Begin by measuring the space around the door frame. The measurements can be used to determine the size of weather stripping that you require. Make sure you leave a little extra length so you can refine the size later. Once you have the correct size you can apply the backing of the adhesive and press it against the frame. If you wish you would like to use a small nail to tack the frame in place.
Finally apply wood filler to any divots or holes in the frame. Allow the filler to 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.
Last but not least, clean your sliding door tracks and doors frequently. This will prevent future problems like sticking. Cleaning and maintaining your patio doors will ensure that they remain functional, attractive and energy-efficient. If you do this you will be able to enjoy the outdoors with confidence and save some money in the process! Enjoy your home renovation projects!