Patio Doors Repairs

Patio doors give homeowners sunlight and fresh air and increase a home's value. But over time, they can develop issues that need to be addressed quickly.

Understanding how patio doors work can help homeowners better communicate with a contractor about the issues they experience. Here are a few of the most common problems with patio doors:

Rollers that are not aligned

Sometimes the sliding patio door gets stuck and it's difficult to get it open again. Most of these sluggish sliding patio doors can be repaired easily with a bit of oiling and cleaning in the event that a structural issue is present. The most frequent cause is dirt in the lower track, which could cause the rollers to rub against the track at the bottom and cause them to become misaligned. In this situation, you'll need to clean the track and apply a thin coating of lubricant, allowing the rollers move easily.

Misalignment can also occur due to damage or wear in the hinges connecting the doors, which house some of the rollers; springs that are either extension or torsion and cables, which raise the door. These components, when damaged or worn out, could affect roller alignment and cause resistance and other issues, such as the door feeling heavier or a rise in energy consumption. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections will ensure that these components are in sync to ensure that your patio glass repair near me doors are operating smoothly.

To check roller-to-roller alignment to determine alignment, set up a crow's foot at one end of the track and employ a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, observing the distance they travel. Repeat the process at the opposite side of the track, and divide by 2 to get a measurement of the rollers' parallelism (Photo 1). This method isn't as accurate as using a pi tape to measure diameter directly. However, it's faster and less cumbersome than using a carpenter's level to measure the length of each rail.

You can also verify the alignment of the rollers by taking off the head stop. This is an elongated plate that is located in the bottom of your door jamb. It stops the rollers. If the door is very heavy, you may need help removal of the removable grilles and shades. After removing the head stop take out the head track adjustment screws by backing them up with the screwdriver. After reinstalling the assembly by aligning each roller adjustment screw to the hole that it is accessible through, and tapping it with a hammer.

Dirty tracks or damaged tracks

Sliding patio sliding door repair near me doors can serve as magnets for debris, dirt and other elements outside. They also are susceptible to misalignment, and other issues that require professional assistance to fix. To extend the lifespan of your patio door, finding and fixing these issues promptly is crucial.

Dirty tracks are among the most common causes of malfunctions in sliding glass patio doors repair patio doors. Over time dirt and other particles, such as pet hair, food crumbs and yard debris, could get caught in the tiny spaces between your sliding door tracks, causing it to get stuck or difficult to open. It is recommended that you vacuum and clean the tracks of your patio doors every month, at minimum, to avoid problems. You can clean your patio door tracks with a non-abrasive cleaner or warm soapy tap water once you've removed any loose debris. If you notice that certain areas of the track are harder 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 be sure to lubricate them frequently to avoid your sliding door from sticking or becoming difficult to open. If you have 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 enhance the glide.

Another issue that could impact your sliding patio door is draft or air leak. This could happen if the weather stripping of your sliding patio door has worn out or is damaged. This could cause an opening between the frame and door which allows air be able to enter and decrease energy efficiency. Make sure that your weatherstripping is in good shape and replace it if needed.

Over time, your patio door may experience normal wear. These issues are not usually a sign of an urgent problem. Minor repairs can extend the life of your patio door. Call a professional as quickly when you spot any issues to avoid costly repairs.

Warped or cracked glass

A cracked or warped patio door can be a major eye-sore and could pose a security risk. It also allows in unwanted critters and make your home temperature fluctuate wildly. These issues are simple to fix when discovered early.

A quick glance at the glass can help you determine what type of repairs are required. Generally, cracks in the glass are the result of stress or impact. They can be a bit more difficult to fix than simple surface chips. A professional may need to re-lead the panel. This would require removal of the glass and replacing any broken pieces. To do this, professionals will require accurate documentation of the piece as it was originally viewed to ensure that the new glass to the original.

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

If the crack isn't too large it might be possible to repair the glass with clear sealant. This type of product can be purchased at any hardware store. However, it is crucial to thoroughly dry the damaged area prior to applying the sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. A hair dryer or another fan can be used to expedite this process.

Weatherstripping damaged

A weather stripping that is worn out not only looks ugly and poses a security threat it also lets the outside air and heat to escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping on your home.

Ensure you have the right tools and materials. This includes a new weather stripping kit, or adhesive/caulk sealant (depending on your chosen repair method), pliers, scissors, a utility knife, and a pair of gloves or goggles that are protective. Remove the old weather stripping, by cutting through the end piece, and then pulling it back up with any screws attached if necessary. Then, gently take any remaining pieces over with pliers or a pry bar.

Start by measuring the gap around the door frame. The measurements can be used to determine the amount of weather stripping you need. Be sure to leave a little bit of extra length so you can refine the fit later. Once you've found the perfect size you can apply the backing with adhesive 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 cover any holes or divots. Let the filler dry completely before applying paint. It is recommended to apply oil-based paint on the filler, but latex paint can also be used.

Lastly, make sure to clean your sliding doors and tracks regularly. This will avoid future issues such as sticking. Repairing and maintaining your patio door track repair doors will ensure they remain functional, attractive and energy-efficient. You can save money while enjoying the outdoors while doing it. Happy fixing your home!