What Is Patio Doors Repairs And How To Make Use Of It
Author : Denton Benton | Published On : 17 May 2024
Patio Doors RepairsPatio doors provide homeowners with sunlight and fresh, clean air. They also increase the value of a home. However, over time, they may develop problems that require immediate attention.
Understanding the way patio doors operate can help homeowners communicate with a contractor regarding the issues they experience. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered problems with patio doors:
Rollers that aren't aligned properly
Sometimes, a sliding patio door will get stuck and it's not simple to get the thing to open once more. However it's not a sign of a structural issue, most doors that aren't cooperating could be fixed by a bit of cleaning and lubrication. The majority of the time dirt on the lower track can cause the track's rollers and bottom track to become misaligned. In this case, clean the track thoroughly before applying the lubricant in a thin layer so that the rollers are able to glide easily.
Misalignment can also occur due to wear or damage in the hinges connecting the door panels, which house some of the rollers, springs either torsion or extension and cables that lift the door. When worn or damaged, these components can 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 parts are working together to ensure that your patio doors are operating smoothly.
Set up a crow’s foot at one end, and use the trammingstick to move across the rollers. Take note of the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process at the other end of the track, and 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 faster and easier than measuring each 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 bottom of the frame that blocks the rollers. If the door is very heavy, you may require help in removal of the removable grilles and shades. After the head stop is removed, remove the screws that adjust the head track by removing them with a screwdriver, then reinstall the assembly by aligning each roller adjustment screw with its access hole, and tapping it in with a Hammer.
Tracks that are dirty or damaged
Patio doors that slide open can serve as magnets for dirt, debris and other outside elements. They are also prone to misalignment and other issues that require professional assistance to fix. To prolong the lifespan of your patio door, finding and fixing these issues in the early stages is crucial.
One of the most frequent reasons for sliding patio doors to fail is filthy tracks. Over time dirt and other debris, such as pet hair, food crumbs and yard debris, can get caught in the tiny spaces between the tracks of your sliding doors which can cause it to get stuck or difficult to open. It is recommended that you clean and vacuum the patio door tracks every month at a minimum to avoid problems like this. After you've cleared all the loose debris and dirt, you can use a non-abrasive household cleaning solution or warm soapy water to clean down your patio door tracks. If you notice that certain parts of the track are more difficult to clean, try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean these tiny areas.
It is also recommended to lubricate the tracks regularly to avoid 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 apply paraffin wax to increase the glide.
A draft or air leak can also affect your sliding patio doors. This can happen when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has worn away or is damaged. This can lead to a gap between your patio door and the frame. This lets air in and decreases the efficiency of energy. Make sure that your weatherstripping is in good condition and replace it when needed.
Over time, your patio door may see normal wear and tear. However these issues are usually not indicative of a significant issue. In most cases, small repairs can extend the lifespan of your patio door and ensure that it is functioning properly. Get a professional in touch to fix any issues as soon they appear to prevent costly repairs in the future.
Glass that is cracked or warped
A patio door that is damaged or cracked could be a major eye-sore and can pose an security risk. It can also permit unwanted animals into your home, causing the temperature to fluctuate. Fortunately, these issues are usually simple to fix if you catch them early.
A quick glance at the glass will aid in determining what kind of repairs are required. Cracks in glass are usually caused by impact or stress. These are a little more difficult to repair than simple surface chips. A professional will likely need to re-lead the panel. This will require the removal of the glass and cleaning it, as well as replacing the broken pieces. To ensure that the new glass to the old, a professional needs exact documentation of the appearance of the piece 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 typically use the soldering iron to melt the plastic, then apply it to the crack in the glass. After it has cooled, the professional can wipe away any excess.
If the glass crack is small, there may be a possibility of repairing it using clear sealant. You can buy this type of product from any hardware retailer. It is essential to dry thoroughly the damaged area prior to applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. You can speed up the process by using a hair dryer or a different fan.
Weatherstripping damaged
A worn out weather stripping is not just ugly and a security risk, but it also allows air from outside to enter and heat or cold escape. A simple fix using a new piece of weather stripping could save you money while keeping your home more comfortable.
Make sure you have the appropriate tools and materials. You'll need a new weather-stripping kit or adhesive/caulk sealing agents (depending on the repair method you decide to use) as well as pliers and scissors, a utility knife and gloves or goggles that are protective and a new weather-stripping kit. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting through the end piece and pulling up with any screws attached if appropriate. Then, gently take any remaining pieces over with pliers or a pry bar.
If you decide to replace the weather stripping, start by measuring the gap that is around your door frame. The measurements can be used to determine the length of weather stripping that you need. Be sure to leave a little extra length so you can refine the fit later. Once you have the correct size, apply the adhesive backing and press it against the frame. If you wish, nail it to the frame using the nail or hammer.
Finally, apply wood filler to any divots or holes in the frame. Let sliding patio door repair dry completely before applying any paint. In general, it is best to apply oil-based paint on the filler, however latex paint is also a good choice.
Also, ensure that you clean your tracks and sliding doors regularly. Making the effort to do this prevents sticking and other problems in the future. Making sure you are keeping up with maintenance and repairs to your patio doors will ensure they are attractive, functional and energy efficient. By doing so you will be able to enjoy the great outdoors with confidence and save money at the same time! Enjoy your home renovation projects!
