Patio Doors Repairs
Patio doors give homeowners fresh air and light and increase a home's value. However, over time, they can develop issues that need to be addressed quickly.
Understanding how patio doors work can help homeowners communicate with a contractor about the issues they face. Here are patio door repairs near me of the most frequent problems with patio doors:
Rollers that aren't aligned properly
Sometimes the sliding patio door gets stuck and it's difficult to get the thing to open again. However in the absence of a underlying structural problem, most such doors that aren't cooperating could be fixed by a bit of cleaning and lubrication. The most frequent cause is dirt in the lower track, which could cause the rollers to rub against the bottom track and cause them to be misaligned. In this case clean the track thoroughly and apply an even layer of lubricant so that the rollers are able to glide smoothly.
Misalignment can also occur because of wear or damage in the hinges that join the door panels that house some of the rollers; springs, whether torsion or extension; and cables, which lift the door. When they are damaged or worn out, could affect roller alignment and cause resistance and other problems, such as the door feeling heavier or increased energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and periodic professional inspections can help ensure that all these elements work in harmony to ensure that your patio door is operating smoothly.
Create a crow's foot at one end, and use the trammingstick to move across the rollers. Note the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process at the other end of the track, and then divide by two to get the rollers' alignment (Photo 1). This method isn't as precise as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's faster and easier than measuring each individual rail with a level or carpenter's level.
You can also test the alignment of the rollers by removing the head stop. It is an elongated plate that is situated at the bottom of your door jamb. It 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, obtaining assistance with this step. After taking off the head stop, remove the head track adjusters screws by securing them with the screwdriver. Then, reinstalling the assembly, align each screw for adjustment to the hole that it is accessible through, and tapping it with a hammer.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty
Sliding patio door can act as magnet for dirt, debris and other elements. They can also be prone to misalignment and other issues that require professional repair services. To prolong the lifespan of your patio doors, it's important to identify and address these issues as soon as you can.
Dirty tracks are one of the most frequent causes of sliding patio door malfunctions. Over time, dirt food debris, pet hair, and yard debris could get stuck in the small spaces of the track of your sliding door which can cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to open. It is recommended that you clean and vacuum the tracks of your patio doors every month at a minimum to avoid these problems. You can clean your patio door tracks using an anti-abrasive cleaning solution or with warm soapy tap water once you've removed any debris that is floating around. If you notice that certain parts of the track are harder to clean, try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean out these small spaces.
In addition to cleaning the tracks, it is recommended to 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 apply paraffin wax along the track to increase glide.
Another issue that could impact your sliding patio door is a draft or air leak. This could occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has worn away or is damaged. This can cause an opening between your patio door and the frame. This allows air in and reduces the energy efficiency. Make sure that your weatherstripping is in good shape and replace it when needed.
Over time your patio door could experience normal wear. However these issues are usually not indicators of a major problem. In the majority of cases, minor repairs can prolong the lifespan of your patio door and ensure that it is functioning properly. Contact a professional to address any problems as soon as they occur to save on costly repairs in the future.
Glass that is damaged or warped
A patio door that is damaged or cracked can be a real eyesore and could be security risks. It could also allow in unwanted critters and make your home's temperature change dramatically. These issues are easy to fix if they are detected early.
First, a quick look at the glass will determine the type of repair is required. Glass cracks are typically caused by stress or impact. These are a little more difficult to fix than simple chipping on the surface. A professional may have to replace the lead on this panel. This will require the removal of the glass and cleaning it, as well as replacing the broken pieces. To do this, professionals will require accurate documentation of the glass as it was originally viewed to ensure that the new glass to the original.
Plastic epoxy can be used to fill a crack. You can buy this at a hardware store, or in the home improvement section. A professional will typically employ an iron soldering to melt the plastic, then apply it to the crack in the glass. Once the plastic has cooled down it is then removed by the professional any excess.
If the glass crack is not too large, there could be a chance to repair it with clear sealant. You can buy this type of product from any hardware retailer. It is crucial to thoroughly dry the crack before applying sealant. This will stop the repair from failing. You can speed up the process by using a hair dryer or other fan.
Weatherstripping damaged
A worn out weather stripping is not just unsightly and a security risk, but it also allows outside air to get in and heat or cold to escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping in your home.
Ensure you have the right tools and materials. You'll need a new weather-stripping kit or adhesive/caulk sealing agents (depending on the repair method you choose) as well as pliers and scissors, a utility knife as well as protective gloves or goggles, and a replacement weather-stripping kit. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting through one end piece, then pulling it up, along with any screws that attach it, if applicable. Remove any remaining pieces using pliers and a plier.
Begin by measuring the space around the door frame. You can use these measurements to determine the size of weather stripping you require. Be sure to leave an extra length for later fine-tuning. Once you have the correct size then apply the backing of the adhesive and press it against the frame. If you want, secure it to the frame with small nails or hammers.
Finally apply some wood filler to any holes or divots in the frame. Let the filler dry completely prior to painting. In general, it is best to apply oil-based paint over the filler, but latex paint can also be used.
Finally, be sure to clean your tracks and sliding doors regularly. Making the effort to do this prevents sticking and other problems down the road. Maintaining regular maintenance and repairs to your patio doors ensures they are attractive, functional and energy efficient. If you do this you will be able to enjoy the outdoors with confidence, and save money in the process! Happy fixing your home!