7 Things You've Never Learned About Patio Doors Repairs
Patio Doors Repairs
Patio doors provide homeowners with natural sunlight and fresh air and can increase a home's value. But over time, they can develop issues that need to be addressed immediately.
Understanding the way patio doors operate will help homeowners communicate with a contractor about the issues they face. Here are some common patio door repairs:.
Misaligned rollers
It's not always simple to open a sliding patio door. Most of these sluggish sliding patio doors can be repaired easily by a little oiling and cleaning, unless a structural issue is present. 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 misalign. In this instance, you'll need to clean the track and apply a light coat of lubricant so that the rollers glide easily.
In addition, misalignment can be caused due to damage or wear in the hinges that join the door panels, which house some of the rollers; springs either torsion or extension and cables that lift the door. These components, when damaged or worn out, could affect roller alignment and lead to resistance and other issues, such as doors that feel heavier or increased energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional will ensure that these parts are working together to keep your patio doors 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 other end of the track, and divide by 2 to obtain a reading of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method isn't as precise as using pi tapes to measure the diameter directly, but it's much faster and easier than measuring each individual rail with a level or carpenter's level.
Another method of checking the alignment of rollers is to take off the head stop, a flat plate that is located on the jamb of the door at the bottom of the frame that blocks the rollers. If the door is heavy you may need help removing removable grilles and shades. After removing the head stop remove the head track adjusters screws by securing them with the screwdriver. After reinstalling the assembly, align each screw for adjustment to the hole that it is accessible through, and tapping it with the Hammer.
Dirty or damaged tracks
The sliding patio door acts as a magnet for dirt, debris and other elements. patio door repairs near me can also be prone to misalignment, as well as other issues that require professional repair. To extend the lifespan of your patio door, finding and fixing these issues promptly is crucial.
Dirty tracks are among the most common causes of malfunctions in sliding patio doors. Over time, dirt, food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris can get trapped within the narrow spaces of your sliding door track, causing the door to become stuck or become difficult to open. To avoid this it is recommended to vacuum and clean your patio door tracks at least once each month. You can clean your patio door tracks using a non-abrasive cleaning solution, or use warm soapy tap water after having removed any debris that is floating around. If you notice that some areas of the track are difficult to clean, you can use a butter knife or toothbrush to clean these tiny spaces.
It is also important to grease the tracks regularly to avoid your sliding door becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you own Panda patio doors it is recommended that you add silicone spray to the bottom track on a regular basis. 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 can result in gaps between the frame and the door which allows air come in and reduces the efficiency of energy. Check that your weatherstripping is in good order and replace it if needed.
Over time your patio door will see normal wear and tear. These issues aren't usually a sign of an urgent issue. Minor repairs can extend the life of your patio door. Consult a professional for any issues as soon they appear to prevent costly repairs in the future.
Warped or cracked glass
A cracked or warped patio door is an visual ailment and a potential security risk. It also allows in unwanted animals and cause your home's temperature change dramatically. These issues are easy to fix when caught early.
A quick glance at the glass can assist you in determining what kind of repairs are required. Generally, cracks in glass are caused by stress or impact. They are more difficult to fix than normal surface chips. A professional will likely need to re-lead the panel. This will require the removal of the glass, cleaning it, and replacing broken pieces. To do this, professionals will require accurate documentation of the glass as it looked originally to ensure that the new glass to the old.
Plastic epoxy can be used to fill a crack. It can be bought from a hardware store or the home improvement section of a lot of stores. A professional will usually use an iron soldering to melt the plastic, then apply it to the crack in the glass. After the plastic has cooled it is then removed by the professional any excess.
If the crack isn't too large, it may be possible to repair the glass by using clear sealant. This type of product can be found at any hardware store. However, it is crucial to dry thoroughly the damaged area before applying sealant. This will stop the repair from failing. You can speed up the process by using a hair dryer or another fan.
Weatherstripping damaged
A weather stripping that's worn-out not only looks bad and can pose a security risk, but also allows outside air and heat to escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping in your home.
Make sure you have the appropriate tools and materials. You will need a new weather-stripping kit or adhesive or caulk sealing agent (depending on the repair method you choose), pliers and scissors, a utility knife, protective goggles or gloves and a new weather-stripping kit. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting the end piece and then pulling it up, along with any screws for attachment if applicable. Remove any remaining pieces with pliers and a plier.
Start by measuring the gap around the door frame. You can use the measurements to determine the length of weather stripping you will require. Make sure to leave some extra length to allow for fine-tuning later. Once you have the right size you can apply the backing with adhesive and press it against the frame. If desired, use a small nail to secure the frame in place.
Apply wood filler onto the frame to cover any divots or holes. Let the filler dry completely before applying paint. It's best to use oil-based paints however, latex can also be used.
Lastly, make sure to clean your tracks and sliding doors regularly. Making the effort to do this prevents sticking and other problems later on. Making sure you are keeping up with maintenance and repairs to your patio doors ensures they remain functional, attractive and energy efficient. You can save money and enjoy the great outdoors while doing it. Happy fixing your home!