Patio Doors Repairs
Patio doors give homeowners sunlight and fresh air, and they increase a home's value. However, over time, they can create issues that must be addressed immediately.
Understanding how patio doors work will help homeowners communicate better with contractors about issues they face. Here are a few of the most frequent patio door problems:
Rollers that are not aligned
Sometimes the sliding patio door will get stuck and it's not easy to get it open once more. The majority of these sluggish sliding patio doors can be repaired easily by a little oiling and cleaning, unless a structural issue is present. Most often dirt in the lower track can cause the rollers and bottom track to be misaligned. In this situation, clean the track thoroughly and apply an even layer of lubricant so that the rollers are able to glide smoothly.
Misalignment may be caused by damage or wear to the hinges connecting the door panels that house some of these rollers; springs (whether torsion or extensions) and cables that lift the door. When worn or damaged www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk could affect the alignment of the rollers, leading to resistance, as well as the door being heavier or having higher energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections will ensure that these elements are working together to keep your patio doors operating smoothly.
Install a crow's feet at one end, and use the trammingstick to move across the rollers. Note the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process at the opposite end of the track, and then divide by 2 to obtain a reading of the rollers' parallelism (Photo 1). This method isn't as accurate as using a pi tape to measure the diameter directly. However, it's quicker and easier than using a carpenter's or level to measure the length of each rail.
Another option to check roller alignment is to remove the head stop, a flat plate on the jamb of the door at the bottom of the frame that stops the rollers. This requires the removal of any grilles or shades that can be removed, and in the event that the door is heavy, you should seek assistance with this step. After taking off the head stop, remove the head track adjusters screws by backing them up with the screwdriver. After reinstalling your assembly by aligning each roller adjustment screw to its access hole, and tapping it with the hammer.
Dirty or damaged tracks
Patio doors that slide open can act as magnets for dirt, debris and other elements outside. They also are susceptible to misalignment, as well as other issues that may require professional repairs. In order to extend the lifespan of your patio door, the identification and resolution of these issues promptly is crucial.
Dirty tracks are one of the most common causes of problems with sliding patio doors. Over time, dirt, food debris, pet hair, and yard debris can become trapped within the narrow spaces of the track of your sliding door and cause the door to snag or become difficult to open. To avoid this, it's recommended to vacuum and clean your patio door tracks once per month. After you've removed all of the debris that has accumulated, you can use a non-abrasive household cleaning solution or warm soapy water to clean down your patio door tracks. If you notice parts of the track are difficult to clean, try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean these tiny areas.
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 suggest adding silicone spray to the bottom track regularly. You can also use paraffin wax to increase the glide.
A draft or air leak can also affect your sliding patio doors. This may occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has damaged or worn out. This could cause gaps between your patio door and the frame. This allows air in and decreases the efficiency of energy. Check that your weatherstripping is in good shape and replace it if necessary.
Over time your patio door will experience normal wear. These issues are not usually indicative of a major problem. In most cases, small repairs can help extend the life of your patio door and ensure it is operating properly. Get in touch with a professional as soon when you notice any issues to avoid costly repairs.
Glass that is warped or cracked
A damaged or cracked patio door is an eyesore and a potential security risk. This can also allow unwanted animals into your home and cause the temperature to fluctuate. Fortunately, these issues are usually easy to fix when they are caught early.
First, a quick glance at the glass will help determine what kind of repair is needed. Cracks in glass are usually caused by impact or stress. These are more difficult to repair than surface chips. A professional may need to re-lead this panel. This will require removing the glass and cleaning it, as well as replacing the broken pieces. To help match the new glass to the old, professionals require exact documentation of the way the piece looked at the time.
Sometimes cracks in the glass can be filled with epoxy made of plastic. It can be purchased at a hardware store or the home improvement section of a lot of stores. A professional will typically use a soldering iron to melt the plastic then apply it to the cracks in the glass. Once the plastic has cooled, the professional can remove any excess.
If the crack is not too big it is possible to repair the glass with clear sealant. You can buy this type of product from any hardware retailer. It is essential to dry thoroughly the damaged area before applying sealant. This will prevent the repair from failing. A hair dryer or another fan can be used to expedite this procedure.
Weatherstripping that is damaged
A weather stripping that's worn-out not only looks ugly and is a security risk it also lets outside air and heat to escape. A quick fix with a new piece of weather stripping will save you money while keeping your home more comfortable.
Make sure you have the proper tools and materials. This includes a replacement weather stripping kit or adhesive/caulk sealant (depending on the repair method) tools, pliers, scissors, a utility knife, and some gloves or protective goggles. Remove the old weather stripping, by cutting through the end piece and pulling it up with any screws attached, if necessary. Remove any remaining pieces using the pliers and a prybar.
Start by measuring the gap around the door frame. You can use the measurements to determine the length of weather stripping that you will require. Make sure you leave a bit of extra length so that you can adjust 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 want, secure it to the frame using a small nail or hammer.
Apply wood filler onto the frame to cover any divots or holes. Let the filler dry completely before painting. It is best to use oil-based paints, however, latex paint can also be used.
Finally, be sure to clean your tracks and sliding doors regularly. By taking the time to do this will prevent sticking and other issues later on. Keeping up with maintenance and repairs to your patio doors will ensure they remain practical, attractive, and energy-efficient. When you do this you can enjoy the great outdoors with confidence and save some money in the process! Happy fixing your home!