How To Recognize The Patio Doors Repairs That's Right For You
Author : Bunn Lundgreen | Published On : 12 May 2024
Patio Doors RepairsPatio doors offer homeowners natural light and fresh air and enhance the value of a house. However, over time they could develop issues that require immediate attention.
Understanding how patio doors work will help homeowners communicate better with contractors about problems they encounter. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered patio door problems:
Rollers that are not aligned
Sometimes an outdoor sliding door can become stuck and it's not easy to get it to open again. The majority of these sluggish sliding patio doors can be fixed with a bit of oiling and cleaning, unless a structural problem is present. Typically dirt in the lower track can cause the bottom track and rollers to become misaligned. In this situation, you'll need to clean the track and apply a thin coating of lubricant to let the rollers glide smoothly.
The misalignment can be caused by damage or wear to the hinges that connect the door panels that house some of these rollers; springs (whether torsion or extensions); and cables which lift the door. When these components 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 costs. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections will ensure that these components are working together to keep your patio doors operating smoothly.
To check roller-to-roller alignment to determine alignment, set up an eagle's foot at one end of the track and employ a tramming tool to sweep across both rollers, observing the distance each travels. Repeat the process at the opposite side of the track, and divide by 2 to get a measurement of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method isn't as accurate as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's much more efficient and less time-consuming than measuring each individual rail with a level, or carpenter's level.
Another method of checking the alignment of the rollers is to remove the head stop, a flat plate on the door jamb at the bottom of the frame that blocks the rollers. This will require removing any grilles or shades that can be removed and, if the door is heavy, obtaining help with this step. After the head stop has been removed, remove the head track adjustment screws by pushing them out using a screwdriver, then reinstall the assembly by aligning each adjustment screw with its access hole and tapping it in using a hammer.
Dirty or damaged tracks
Sliding patio doors can act as magnets for debris, dirt and other elements from outside. They are also prone to misalignment, as well as other issues that require professional repairs. To extend the lifespan of your patio door, finding and fixing these issues in the early stages is crucial.
One of the main reasons for sliding patio doors to fail is filthy tracks. Over time, dirt and other debris like pet hair, food crumbs and yard debris can be trapped in the small spaces between the tracks of your sliding doors which can cause it to get stuck or difficult to open. It is recommended that you vacuum and clean the patio door tracks at least once a month to avoid problems. You can clean your patio door tracks with a non-abrasive cleaner or warm soapy tap water once you've removed any debris that is floating around. If you notice that some parts of the track are difficult to clean, you can use the butter knife or toothbrush to clean these small areas.
In addition to cleaning the tracks, you must be sure to lubricate them frequently to avoid your sliding door from becoming stuck or becoming difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we recommend adding silicone spray to the bottom track regularly. You can also apply paraffin wax along the track to improve glide.
Another common issue that can affect your sliding patio door is a draft or air leak. This may occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door is damaged or worn out. This could cause gaps between your patio door and the frame. This allows air to enter and decreases the efficiency of energy. Make sure your weatherstripping is in good condition and replace it if needed.
Over time your patio door will be subject to normal wear and tear. These problems are usually not an indication of a serious issue. Minor repairs can extend the life of your patio door. Get in touch with a professional as soon when you notice any issues to avoid future costly repairs.
Warped or cracked glass
A patio door that is damaged or sagging can be a real eyesore and could be security risks. This could also allow unwanted animals to get into your home and cause the temperature to fluctuate. Fortunately, these issues are usually fixable if you catch them early.
First, a quick glance at the glass can determine the type of repair is needed. Cracks in glass are usually caused by stress or impact. They are more difficult to fix than normal cracks in the surface. A professional may need to reconnect this panel. This will require the removal of the glass and cleaning it, as well as replacing broken pieces. For this reason, a professional will need accurate documentation of the glass as it was originally viewed to help match up the new glass to the old.
Sometimes cracks in the glass can be filled with epoxy made of plastic. It is available in a hardware store or in the home improvement section. 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 it is then removed by the professional any excess.
If the crack in the glass is not too large, there could be a possibility of repairing it using clear sealant. This kind of product can be found at any hardware store. However, it is crucial to thoroughly dry the damaged area before applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. A hair dryer or another fan can be used to speed up this process.
Weatherstripping damaged
A weather stripping that is worn out is not just ugly and a security risk, but it also allows outside air to seep in and cold or hot air escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping in your home.
First, ensure that you have all the necessary tools and supplies. This includes a new weather stripping kit, or caulk sealant or adhesive (depending on your chosen repair method) and pliers, scissors, a utility knife, and a pair of gloves or protective goggles. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting through the end piece and pulling it up with any screws attached, if appropriate. Then, gently remove patio door repair left in the pliers or pry bar.
If you decide to replace the weather stripping, begin by measuring the gap that is around your door frame. Utilize the measurements to determine the right size weather stripping you need. Be sure to leave a little bit of extra length so that you can adjust the fit later. Once you have the correct size you can apply the adhesive backing and press it against the frame. If you want, use a small nail to tack the frame to the wall.
Apply wood filler to the frame to fill any holes or divots. Allow the filler to dry completely before applying any paint. It is best to use oil-based paint, however, latex paint can also be used.
The last thing to do is make sure you clean your sliding tracks and doors frequently. This will avoid future issues like sticking. Keeping up with maintenance and repairs to your patio doors will ensure they are practical, attractive, and energy-efficient. You will save money while enjoying the great outdoors while doing it. Happy home-fixing!
