Patio Doors Repairs
Patio doors give homeowners light and fresh air and enhance the value of a house. Over time, however they could develop issues that require immediate attention.
Understanding how patio doors work can help homeowners communicate with a contractor about the problems they encounter. Here are some of the most common problems with patio doors:
Rollers that are not aligned
Sometimes an outdoor sliding door will get stuck and it's not simple to get it to open once more. But it's not a sign of a structural issue, most uncooperative doors can be easily fixed by a bit of cleaning and lubrication. Typically dirt in the lower track can cause the bottom track and rollers to misalign. In this case it is necessary to clean the track and apply a light coating of lubricant to let the rollers glide smoothly.
Misalignment can also occur because of wear or damage in the hinges that connect the doors which house a portion of the rollers; springs that are either extension or torsion and cables that lift the door. When worn or damaged these components could affect the alignment of the rollers, causing resistance and other problems such as a heavier door or higher energy costs. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk and periodic professional inspections can ensure that all these elements are in sync to keep your patio door operating smoothly.
To determine the alignment of rollers, set up the crow's feet at the one end of the track. Then use a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, recording the distance that each travels. Repeat the process at the other end of the track, and then divide by 2 to obtain a reading of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method isn't as accurate as using pi tape to measure the length directly. However, it's faster and easier than using a carpenter's or level to determine the rail's diameter.
You can also check the alignment of the rollers by taking off the head stop. It is an aluminum plate situated at the bottom of your door jamb. It stops the rollers. If the door is heavy you may require assistance in taking off the grilles and shades that are removable. Once the head stop is removed, carefully remove the screws that adjust the head track by pushing them out using the help of a screwdriver. Then, reinstall the assembly by aligning each adjustment screw with its access hole and tapping it in with a hammer.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty
Sliding patio doors can serve as magnets for debris, dirt and other elements from outside. They are also susceptible to misalignment and other issues that may require professional repair. To extend the life of your patio door, the identification and resolution of these issues promptly is crucial.
Dirty tracks are among the most common causes of malfunctions in sliding patio doors. Over time dirt and other debris, such as food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris, can get caught in the tiny spaces between your sliding door tracks which can cause it to become stuck or difficult to open. To avoid problems like this it is recommended to sweep and clean your patio door tracks once per month. You can clean your patio door tracks with a non-abrasive cleaner or use warm soapy tap water once you've removed any loose debris. If you notice that some areas of the track are more difficult to clean, you can try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean out these small spaces.
In addition to cleaning the tracks, it is recommended to keep them lubricated to prevent your sliding door from sticking or becoming difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we suggest adding silicone spray to your 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 could happen if the weather stripping of your sliding patio door has worn out or has been damaged. This could cause gaps between the frame and door which allows air be able to enter and decrease energy efficiency. Check that your weather stripping is in good shape and replace it as needed.
If you use it regularly your patio door will go through normal wear and tear over time. However, these issues are typically not indicative of a serious issue. In most cases, minor repairs can extend the life of your patio door and ensure it is operating properly. Call a professional as quickly as you notice any problems to avoid costly repairs in the future.
Warped or cracked glass
A patio door that's damaged or cracked is a real eye-sore and can pose security risks. It can also permit unwanted animals to get into your home and cause the temperature to fluctuate. Thankfully, these problems are usually simple to fix in the event that you spot them early.
A quick glance at the glass will help determine what kind of repair is needed. Cracks in glass are usually caused by impact or stress. They are more difficult to repair than chips that are on the surface. A professional will probably need to replace the lead on this panel. This will require removing the glass and replacing any broken pieces. This is why professionals will require accurate documentation of the piece as it looked originally to aid in comparing the new glass with the old one.
Sometimes, a crack in the glass can be filled with epoxy plastic. You can purchase this at a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will usually use an iron soldering to melt the plastic then apply it to the crack in the glass. After it has been cool, the professional can wipe away any excess.
If the crack is not too big it might be possible to repair the glass with clear sealant. This kind of product can be purchased at any hardware store. However, it is important to thoroughly dry the cracked area before applying sealant. This will prevent the repair from failing. A hair dryer or other fan can be used to expedite this process.
Weatherstripping damaged
A weather stripping that is worn out is not only unsightly and a security hazard, but it also allows air from outside to get in and cold or heat to escape. A quick fix with a new piece of weather stripping will save you money and make your home more comfortable.
Ensure you have the right tools and materials. You will need a replacement weather-stripping kit or adhesive or caulk sealing agent (depending on the repair method you choose) as well as pliers and scissors, a utility blade as well as protective gloves or goggles, and a replacement weather-stripping kit. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting the end piece and then lifting it up with any screws that attach it, in the event that they are needed. Remove any remaining pieces using pliers and a plier.
Begin by measuring the space around the door frame. Utilize the measurements to determine the size of weather stripping you require. Make sure you leave extra length for later fine-tuning. Once you have the correct size then apply the adhesive backing and press it against the frame. If desired, use a small nail to secure the frame to the wall.
Apply wood filler to the frame to fill any divots or holes. Let the filler dry completely before painting. In general, it is best to apply oil-based paint over the filler, however latex paint is also a good choice.
The last thing to do is clean your sliding door tracks and doors frequently. This will prevent future problems like sticking. Repairing and maintaining your patio doors will ensure they remain attractive, functional and energy-efficient. You'll save money while enjoying the outdoors while doing it. Happy home-fixing!
