Patio Doors Repairs

Patio doors give homeowners light and fresh air and boost the value of a home. But over time, they can create issues that must be addressed quickly.

Understanding how patio doors work can help homeowners communicate more effectively with contractors about issues they encounter. Here are a few of the most common problems with patio doors:

Misaligned rollers

It's not always easy to open a patio sliding door. Most of these non-cooperative sliding patio doors repair doors can be fixed easily with a bit of oiling and cleaning in the event that a structural issue is present. The most common culprit is dirt in the lower track, which could cause the rollers to rub against the track at the bottom and cause them to misalign. In this instance, clean the track thoroughly before applying the lubricant in a thin layer so that the rollers are able to glide smoothly.

Misalignment can also occur due to damage or wear in the hinges that join the doors that house some of the rollers, springs, whether torsion or extension and cables that raise the door. When they are damaged or worn, can alter the alignment of rollers and lead to resistance and other problems, such as doors that feel heavier or increased energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional will ensure that these parts are in good working order to keep your patio doors operating smoothly.

To check roller-to-roller alignment and alignment, place the crow's feet at one end of the track. Then employ a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, recording the distance they travel. Repeat the process on the opposite side of the track, and then divide by 2 to get a reading of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method is not as accurate as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's more efficient and less time-consuming than measuring each individual rail using a level or carpenter's level.

You can also verify the alignment of the rollers by removing the head stop. It is a flat plate that is located in the bottom of your door jamb. It stops the rollers. If the door is heavy, you may need help removing removable grilles and shades. Once the head stop has been removed, carefully remove the head track adjustment screws by backing them out with an screwdriver. Reinstall the assembly by aligning each screw adjustment for the roller with its access hole, and tapping it in with a hammer.

Dirty or damaged tracks

Patio doors that slide are magnets for dirt, debris and other elements from outside. They are also susceptible to misalignment, as well as other issues that require professional repairs. To extend the life of your patio doors, it is crucial to recognize and fix these problems in the earliest time possible.

One of the most frequent reasons for sliding patio doors to fail is dirty tracks. Over time, dirt, food debris, pet hair, and yard debris can become trapped in the tiny spaces of your sliding door track and cause 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 every month. You can clean your patio door tracks with a non-abrasive cleaning solution, or with warm soapy tap water after you've removed any loose debris. If you notice that some areas of the track are harder to clean, try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean out these small areas.

In addition to cleaning the tracks, you should keep them lubricated to prevent your sliding door from becoming stuck or becoming difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we suggest applying silicone spray to the bottom track on a regular basis. You can also use paraffin wax to improve the glide.

Another common issue that can impact your sliding patio door is a draft or air leak. This could happen when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door repair near me patio door is damaged or worn out. This can cause gaps between the door and frame which allows air be able to enter and decrease energy efficiency. Make sure that your weatherstripping is in good shape and replace it if necessary.

Over time your patio door could experience normal wear. However these issues are usually not a sign of a major problem. In most cases, small repairs can help extend the lifespan of your patio door and ensure that it is running smoothly. Consult a professional for any issues as soon as they appear to save on costly repairs in the future.

Glass that is damaged or warped

A warped or cracked patio door repair near me door is a serious eyesore and a potential security risk. This can also allow unwanted animals into your home and cause the temperature to fluctuate. Thankfully, these problems are usually fixable when they are caught early.

A quick glance at the glass will aid in determining what kind of repairs are required. Generally, cracks in the glass are the result of stress or impact. They can be a bit more difficult to fix than normal surface chips. A professional may have to replace the lead on this panel. This would require taking the glass off and cleaning, as well as replacing any broken pieces. To ensure that the new glass with the original, a professional requires accurate documentation of how the piece looked at the time.

Plastic epoxy can be used to fill a crack. This can be purchased from hardware stores or the home improvement section of many stores. A professional will use a soldering tool to melt the plastic then apply it on the crack. After the plastic has cooled, the professional can remove any excess.

If the crack isn't too large it might be possible to repair the glass by using clear sealant. This kind of product is available at any hardware store. It is essential to dry thoroughly the damaged area prior to applying the sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. You can accelerate the process by using a hair dryer or other fan.

Weatherstripping damaged

A weather stripping that is worn out not only looks ugly and poses a security threat however it also allows outside air and heat to escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping on your home.

First, ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials. You'll require a new weather-stripping kit or adhesive/caulk sealing agents (depending on the repair patio doors method you choose) as well as pliers and scissors, a utility knife, protective goggles or gloves, and a replacement weather-stripping kit. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting through the end piece, and then pulling it back up using any screws that are attached, if appropriate. Remove any remaining pieces using pliers and a prybar.

Begin by measuring the gap around the door frame. You can use these measurements to determine the size of weather stripping that you require. Make sure to leave some extra length for later fine-tuning. Once you have the correct size then apply the backing with adhesive and press it against the frame. If you wish, nail it to the frame using small nails or hammers.

Finally, apply wood filler to any divots or holes in the frame. Let the filler completely dry before painting. It is recommended to use oil-based paints however, latex can also be used.

Also, ensure that you clean your tracks and sliding doors regularly. This will avoid future issues such as sticking. Keeping up with maintenance and repairs to your patio doors ensures they are practical, attractive, and energy-efficient. By doing so, you can enjoy the outdoors with confidence and save money in the process! Happy home-fixing!