Patio Doors Repairs

Patio doors offer homeowners natural light and fresh, clean air. They also enhance the value of a house. However, over time, they can develop issues that need to be addressed immediately.

Understanding the way patio doors operate can help homeowners better communicate with a contractor regarding the issues they experience. Here are some of the most common problems with patio doors:

Misaligned rollers

It's not always easy to open a sliding patio door. Most of these sluggish sliding patio doors repairs patio doors can be fixed with some cleaning and oiling, unless a structural issue is present. Most often dirt on the lower track can cause the track's rollers and bottom track to be misaligned. In this case, clean the track thoroughly before applying the lubricant in a thin layer to allow the rollers to glide easily.

Misalignment may be caused by damage or wear to the hinges connecting the doors that house a portion of these rollers; springs (whether extensions or torsion) as well as cables that lift the door. When damaged or worn these components can cause problems with the alignment of the rollers, causing resistance, as well as an increased weight of the door or energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections can help ensure that these components work in harmony to keep your patio door operating smoothly.

Set up a crow’s foot at one end. Use the trammingstick to move across the rollers. Take note of 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 is not as accurate as using pi tapes to measure the diameter directly, but it's much more efficient and less time-consuming 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 a flat plate that is located in the bottom of your door jamb. It stops the rollers. This requires removing any grilles or shades that are removable, and if the door is heavy, obtaining help with this step. After removing the head stop take out the head track adjustment screws by backing them with a screwdriver. After reinstalling your assembly by aligning each adjustment screw with the hole that it is accessible through, and tapping it with a Hammer.

Tracks that are damaged or dirty

Patio doors that slide open are magnets for dirt, debris and other outside elements. They are also susceptible to misalignment, as well as other issues which may require professional repair. To extend the life of your patio doors, it is crucial to recognize and fix these issues as soon as you can.

One of the most common reasons for sliding patio doors to fail is filthy tracks. Over time, food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris could get trapped in the tiny spaces of your door's track which can cause the door to stick or become difficult to open. It is recommended to clean and vacuum the patio door tracks at least once a month to avoid problems. After you've removed all of the debris that is loose, you can use a non-abrasive home cleaning solution or warm soapy water to clean down your patio door tracks. If you notice that some parts of the track are harder to clean, try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean these tiny areas.

In addition to cleaning the tracks, you should lubricate them regularly to prevent your sliding door from becoming stuck or becoming difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we suggest adding silicone spray to the bottom track regularly. You can also rub paraffin wax along the track to increase glide.

Another common issue that can affect your sliding patio door is air leak or draft. This can occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has damaged or worn out. This could cause a gap between your sliding patio door lock repairs door and the frame. This allows air in and decreases the efficiency of energy. Make sure your weatherstripping is in good condition and replace it if needed.

Over time, your emergency patio door repair door may experience normal wear. These issues are not usually indicative of a major problem. In most cases, small repairs can prolong the lifespan of your patio door and ensure it is functioning properly. Consult a professional for any problems as soon as they occur to save on costly repairs in the future.

Glass that is cracked or warped

A damaged or cracked patio door can be a major visual ailment and a potential security risk. This can also allow unwanted animals into your home and cause the temperature to fluctuate. These issues are simple to fix if they are caught early.

First, a quick glance at the glass can help determine what kind of repair is required. Glass cracks are typically caused by stress or impact. They are more difficult to fix than simple chipping on the surface. A professional will likely need to re-lead the panel. This will require removing the glass and cleaning it, as well as replacing broken pieces. To help match the new glass with the old one, a professional requires exact documentation of how the piece looked at the time.

Plastic epoxy can be used to fill in a crack. It can be bought from hardware stores or in the home improvement section in many stores. A professional will use an soldering tool to melt the plastic then apply it to the crack. Once the plastic has cooled and the professional has removed any excess.

If the crack is not too big it might be possible to repair the glass by using clear sealant. This type of product is available at any hardware store. However, it is important to dry thoroughly the damaged area prior to applying sealant. This will prevent the repair from failing. A hair dryer or another fan can be used to expedite this procedure.

Weatherstripping damaged

A worn-out weather stripping not only looks ugly and poses a security threat, but also allows outside air and heat to 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. This includes a new weather stripping kit, or caulk sealant or adhesive (depending on the repair method) tools, scissors, pliers, a utility knife, as well as gloves or protective goggles. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting through the end piece and pulling it up with any screws attached if applicable. Remove any remaining pieces using the pliers and a prybar.

Start by measuring the gap around the door frame. You can use the measurements to determine the amount of weather stripping that you need. Make sure to leave some extra length to allow for fine-tuning later. Once you've found the ideal size, apply the backing and press it against the frame. If you want you want to, use a nail to tack the frame to the wall.

Apply wood filler onto the frame to cover any divots or holes. Let the filler dry completely before painting. It is best to use oil-based paint, however, latex can also be used.

The last thing to do is take care to clean your sliding door tracks and doors frequently. This will help prevent future issues such as sticking. Maintaining regular maintenance and repairs to your patio doors will ensure they stay attractive, functional and energy efficient. By doing so you will be able to enjoy the great outdoors with confidence and save money in the process! Enjoy your home renovation projects!