7 Things You've Never Known About Patio Doors Repairs

Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors provide homeowners with sunlight and fresh, air. They also boost the value of a home. In time, however they can develop issues that require immediate attention. Understanding how patio doors operate can help homeowners communicate better with contractors about issues they face. Here are some of the most common repairs to patio doors:. Rollers that are not aligned It's sometimes difficult to open a patio sliding door. However it's not a sign of a structural issue, most uncooperative doors can be easily fixed with some cleaning and lubrication. Most often dirt on the lower track can cause the rollers and bottom track to be misaligned. In this instance, you'll need to clean the track and apply a thin coating of lubricant to let the rollers glide easily. Misalignment can also occur due to damage or wear in the hinges that connect the doors that house some of the rollers, springs either torsion or extension; and cables, which raise the door. If damaged or worn out these components could affect the alignment of the rollers, leading to resistance, as well as a heavier door or higher energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and regular professional inspections can ensure that all the components are in sync to ensure that your patio door is operating smoothly. To check roller-to-roller alignment and alignment, place a crow's foot at one end of the track. Then employ a tramming tool to sweep across both rollers, noting the distance each travels. Repeat the same process at the opposite end of the track, and then divide by two to find the rollers' alignment (Photo 1). This method isn't as precise as using a pi tape to measure diameter directly. However, it's faster and easier than using a carpenter's level to determine the rail's diameter. Another method of checking the alignment of the rollers is to remove the head stop, which is a flat plate in the door jamb at bottom of the frame that stops the rollers. This will require removing any grilles or shades that are removable and, in the event that the door is heavy, getting assistance in this process. After the head stop has been removed, remove the head track adjustment screws by pushing them out using the help of a screwdriver. Then, reinstall the assembly by aligning each roller adjustment screw with its access hole and tapping it in using a Hammer. Dirty or damaged tracks Patio doors that slide are magnets for debris, dirt and other elements from outside. They also are susceptible to misalignment and other issues that may require professional repair. To prolong the life of your patio doors, it is essential to find and fix these issues as soon as you can. One of the most common causes for sliding patio doors to fail is dirty tracks. Over time dirt and other debris like food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris can get trapped in the narrow spaces between the tracks of your sliding doors which can cause it to get stuck or difficult to open. To avoid this it is recommended to vacuum and clean your patio door tracks at least once every month. After you've cleared all the debris that has accumulated and dirt, you can use a non-abrasive household cleaning solution or warm soapy water to wipe down your patio door tracks. If you notice parts of the track are difficult to clean, you can try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean these tiny 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 that you add silicone spray to the bottom track on a regular basis. You can also use paraffin wax to increase the glide. A draft or air leak can also impact your sliding patio doors. patio door repair could happen when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door is worn out or damaged. This could cause gaps between your patio door and the frame. This lets air in and decreases the efficiency of energy. Ensure that your weather stripping is in good shape and replace it when required. With regular use your patio door will go through normal wear and wear and tear over time. However these issues are usually not indicative of a major problem. In most cases, minor repairs can help extend the life of your patio door and ensure that it is operating properly. Get in touch with a professional as soon when you notice any issues to avoid costly repairs. Glass that has cracked or warped A damaged or cracked patio door is a serious eye-sore and could pose a security risk. It could also allow in unwanted creatures and cause your home's temperature fluctuate dramatically. Fortunately, these issues are usually simple to fix in the event that you spot them early. A quick glance at the glass can assist you in determining what kind of repairs are required. Generally, cracks in glass are due to stress or impact. These are more difficult to repair than chips on the surface. A professional will probably need to replace the lead on this panel. This will require removal of the glass and cleaning, as well as replacing any broken pieces. To do this, professionals will require accurate documentation of the glass as it was originally viewed to ensure that the new glass with the old. Plastic epoxy can be used to fill a crack. This can be purchased from hardware stores or the home improvement section of a lot of stores. A professional will use an soldering tool to melt the plastic then apply it on the crack. After the plastic has cooled and the professional has removed any excess. If the glass crack is not too large, there could be a chance to repair it with clear sealant. You can purchase this type of product at any hardware store. However, it is important to thoroughly dry the cracked area prior to applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. A hair dryer or other fan can be used to speed up this procedure. Weatherstripping damaged A damaged weather stripping is not only unsightly and a security hazard, but it also allows outside air to seep in and cold or hot air to escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping inside your home. Make sure you have the appropriate tools and materials. 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 goggles that are protective. Remove the weather stripping that was used previously by cutting through the end piece and pulling it up using any screws that are attached, if applicable. Remove any remaining pieces with pliers and a plier. If you decide to replace the weather stripping, start by measuring the gap that is around the door frame. Use the measurements to determine the size of weather stripping you require. Make sure you leave extra length for later fine-tuning. Once you've found the perfect size, apply the backing of the adhesive and press it against the frame. If you want, secure it in place using a small nail or hammer. Finally, apply wood filler to any holes or divots in the frame. Let the filler completely dry before painting. Ideally, it's best to apply oil-based paint on the filler, however latex paint can also be used. Lastly, make sure to clean your tracks and sliding doors regularly. This will prevent future problems like sticking. Maintaining regular maintenance and repairs to your patio doors will ensure they remain practical, attractive and energy efficient. When you do this you can enjoy the great outdoors with confidence and save some money at the same time! Enjoy your home improvement projects!