Patio Doors Repairs
Patio doors offer homeowners natural fresh air and light and increase a home's value. However, with time, they may create issues that must be addressed immediately.
Understanding how patio doors function will help homeowners communicate with contractors about the problems they encounter. Here are some of the most common patio door problems:
Rollers that aren't aligned properly
Sometimes an outdoor sliding door will get stuck and it's difficult to get it open once more. However it's not a sign of a structural problem, most such uncooperative doors can be easily repaired with a little cleaning and lubrication. The majority of the time, dirt in the lower track can cause the rollers and bottom track to become misaligned. In this instance, you'll need to clean the track and apply a light coating of lubricant, allowing the rollers glide smoothly.
Misalignment may be caused by wear or damage to the hinges connecting the door panels that house some of these rollers; springs (whether torsion or extensions); and cables which lift the door. When worn or damaged these components could affect the alignment of the rollers, causing resistance and other problems such as the door being heavier or having higher energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections can ensure that all these elements work in harmony to keep your patio door operating smoothly.
Create a crow's foot at one end, and use a trammingstick to sweep across the rollers. Note the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process at the other end of track and divide by two to get the rollers' alignment (Photo 1). This method isn't as accurate as using pi tape to measure the length directly. It is however, faster and less cumbersome than using a carpenter's or level to measure the length of each rail.
You can also verify the alignment of the rollers by taking off the head stop. This is a flat plate that is located in the bottom of your door jamb. It stops the rollers. If the door is very heavy, you may need help taking off the grilles and shades that are removable. After taking off the head stop, take out the head track adjustment screws by backing them up with the screwdriver. Then, reinstalling the assembly by aligning each roller adjustment screw to the hole that it is accessible through, and tapping it with the hammer.
Dirty tracks or damaged tracks
Sliding patio doors can serve as magnets for dirt, debris and other outside elements. They can also be prone to misalignment and other issues that could require professional repair. To extend the life of your patio doors, it's important to identify and address these issues as soon as you can.
Dirty tracks are among the most frequent causes of sliding patio door malfunctions. Over time dirt and other debris, such as food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris, can get trapped in the narrow spaces between your sliding door tracks which can cause it to become stuck or difficult to open. It is recommended that you clean and vacuum your tracks of your patio doors every month, at minimum, to avoid problems like this. After you've cleared all the debris that has accumulated then you can use a non-abrasive home cleaning solution or warm soapy water to clean down your patio door tracks. If you find that certain areas of the track are difficult to clean, you can use the butter knife or toothbrush to clean these tiny areas.
You should also lubricate the tracks frequently to prevent sliding doors from becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, it is recommended to apply silicone spray to the bottom track on a frequent basis. You can also rub paraffin wax on the track to enhance 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 is worn out or damaged. This could cause gaps between the frame and door that allows air to come in and reduces energy efficiency. Make sure that your weatherstripping is in good condition and replace it if needed.
With consistent use, your patio door will show normal wear and tear over time. These problems are usually not a sign of an urgent problem. Small repairs can prolong the life of your patio door. Get in touch with a professional as soon as you notice any problems to avoid future costly repairs.
Glass that is cracked or warped
A patio door that's damaged or cracked can be a real eyesore and can pose an security risk. This can also allow unwanted animals into your home and cause the temperature to fluctuate. Thankfully, these problems are usually fixable if you catch them early.
A quick glance at the glass will help you determine what type of repairs are needed. Usually, cracks in glass are the result of stress or impact. These are more difficult to repair than surface chips. A professional will probably need to replace the lead on this panel. This would require removing the glass and replacing any broken pieces. To make sure that the new glass with the old, a professional needs accurate documentation of how the piece looked at the time.
Sometimes cracks in glass can be filled with epoxy plastic. It is available at a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will usually use an iron soldering to melt the plastic, then apply it to the cracks in the glass. After patio door repair london has cooled, the professional can clean any excess.
If the crack in the glass is small, there may be a possibility of repairing it with clear sealant. This kind of product can be found at any hardware store. It is essential to thoroughly dry the cracked area prior to applying the sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. You can speed up the process by using a hair dryer or other fan.
Damaged weatherstripping
A weather stripping that's worn-out not only looks ugly and poses a security threat however it also allows the outside air and heat out. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping in your home.
First, ensure you have all the tools and materials. You'll require an additional weather-stripping kit, or adhesive/caulk sealing agents (depending on the repair method you decide to use) tools, pliers and a pair of scissors, a utility blade, 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 applicable. Then, gently remove any pieces still left over with pliers or a pry bar.
Start by measuring the gap around the door frame. Use the measurements to determine what size weather stripping you need. Be sure to leave an extra length to allow for fine-tuning later. Once you've found the ideal size, apply the backing and press the material against the frame. If you want you would like to use a small nail to tack the frame to the wall.
Finally, apply wood filler to any divots or holes in the frame. Let the filler completely dry before painting. It's best to use oil-based paints, however, latex can also be used.
Lastly, make sure to clean your sliding doors and tracks regularly. This will help prevent future issues like sticking. Keeping up with maintenance and repairs to your patio doors ensures they are functional, attractive and energy efficient. By doing so you will be able to enjoy the outdoors with confidence, and save money at the same time! Happy fixing your home!