Patio Doors Repairs

Patio doors offer homeowners natural light and fresh air and can increase a home’s value. Over time, however they can develop issues that require immediate attention.

Understanding the way patio sliding door repair doors operate can help homeowners better communicate with a contractor regarding the problems they encounter. Here are some common patio door repairs:.

Misaligned rollers

It’s sometimes difficult to open a sliding patio sliding door repair near me door. The majority of these non-cooperative sliding patio doors can be fixed by a little oiling and cleaning, unless a structural problem is present. The most common culprit is dirt in the lower track, which may cause the rollers to be pushed against the track below and cause them to be misaligned. In this case you’ll need to wash the track and apply a light coating of lubricant, allowing the rollers glide easily.

It can also be caused by damage or wear to the hinges that connect the door panels that house some of these rollers; springs (whether extensions or torsion) and 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 other issues such as an increased weight of the door or energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections will ensure that these elements are in good working order to keep your patio doors operating smoothly.

To verify the alignment between rollers and alignment, place the crow’s feet at one end of the track and employ a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, noting the distance that each travels. Repeat the process at the other end of track and divide by two to determine the rollers’ alignment (Photo 1). This method isn’t as precise as using pi tapes to measure the diameter directly, but it’s much faster and easier than measuring each individual rail using a level or carpenter’s level.

You can also check the alignment of the rollers by taking off the head stop. This is an elongated plate that is situated at the bottom of your door jamb. It stops the rollers. This requires the removal of any removable grilles or shades, and in the event that the door is heavy, getting assistance in this process. After taking off the head stop, remove the head track adjusters screws by backing them up with a screwdriver. Then, reinstalling the assembly, align each screw for adjustment to its access hole, and tapping it with a Hammer.

Dirty or damaged tracks

Patio doors that slide can serve as magnets for debris, dirt and other elements from outside. They are also prone to misalignment, as well as other issues which may require professional repairs. In order to extend the life of your patio door, finding and fixing these issues early on is essential.

Dirty tracks are among the most common causes of problems with sliding patio doors. Over time, dirt and other debris such as pet hair, food crumbs and yard debris, could 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 to clean and vacuum your tracks of your patio doors every month, at minimum, to avoid problems like this. Once you’ve removed all 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 certain areas of the track are more difficult to clean, try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean these small spaces.

In addition to cleaning the tracks, it is recommended to be sure to lubricate them frequently to avoid your sliding door from sticking or becoming difficult to open. If you have Panda patio sliding door repair doors, we suggest applying silicone spray to the bottom track regularly. You can also use paraffin wax to enhance the glide.

Another common issue that can affect your sliding patio door is air leak or draft. This can happen when the weather stripping of your sliding patio door glass repair near me door is worn or is damaged. This could cause an opening between your patio door and the frame. This lets air in and reduces the energy efficiency. Make sure that your weatherstripping is in good shape and replace it if needed.

With regular use, your patio door will show normal wear and tear over time. However, these issues are typically not indicative of a major problem. In the majority of cases, minor repairs can help extend the life of your patio door and keep it functioning properly. Contact a professional to address any issues as soon as they occur to avoid costly repairs in the future.

Glass that is damaged or warped

A patio door that is damaged or cracked is a real eye-sore and could be security risks. It also allows in unwanted creatures and cause your home’s temperature change dramatically. Fortunately, these issues are usually simple to fix if you catch them early.

A quick glance at the glass will help you determine what type of repairs are needed. Glass cracks are typically caused by stress or impact. They are more difficult to repair than chips that are on the surface. A professional will probably require re-leading the panel. This will require the removal of the glass and cleaning it, as well as replacing broken pieces. To make sure that the new glass with the old one, a professional needs exact documentation of how the piece looked at the time.

Sometimes cracks in the glass can be filled with epoxy made of plastic. You can purchase this in a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will typically employ an iron soldering to melt the plastic then apply it to the crack in the glass. Once the plastic has cooled down, the professional can remove any excess.

If the crack is not too big it is possible to repair the glass by using clear sealant. This type of product can be found at any hardware store. It is crucial to thoroughly dry the crack prior to applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. You can accelerate the process by using a hair dryer or another fan.

Weatherstripping damaged

A weather stripping that is worn out is not just unsightly and a security risk, but it also allows air from outside to seep in and cold or heat escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping in your home.

First, ensure you have all the necessary tools and supplies. You will need an additional weather-stripping kit, or adhesive/caulk sealing agents (depending on the repair method you choose) as well as pliers and scissors, a utility blade and gloves or goggles that are protective and a replacement weather-stripping kit. Remove the old weather stripping, by cutting through an end piece, and then pulling it back up using any screws that are attached, if appropriate. Remove any remaining pieces with the pliers and a prybar.

Begin by measuring the space around the door frame. The measurements can be used to determine the amount of weather stripping you need. Be sure to leave an extra length for later fine-tuning. Once you have the correct size you can apply the backing with adhesive and press it against the frame. If desired you want to, use a nail to secure the frame to the wall.

Finally apply wood patio door repair filler to any divots or holes in the frame. Let the filler completely dry before painting. In general, it is best to apply oil-based paint over the filler, but latex paint is also a good choice.

Lastly, make sure to clean your sliding doors and tracks regularly. Making the effort to do this will prevent sticking and other issues down the road. Keeping up with maintenance and repairs to your patio doors will ensure they remain attractive, functional and energy efficient. If you do this, you can enjoy the great outdoors with confidence and save some money at the same time! Happy home-fixing!