Patio Doors Repairs

Patio doors give homeowners sunlight and fresh, clean air. They also increase the value of a house. Over time, however they can develop issues that require immediate attention.

Understanding how patio doors function will help homeowners communicate better with contractors about issues they encounter. Here are some of the most common patio door problems:

Rollers that are not aligned

It's not always simple to open a sliding patio door. But, unless there's an underlying structural issue, most doors that aren't cooperating could be repaired with a little cleaning and lubrication. The most frequent cause is dirt in the lower track, which could cause the rollers to rub against the bottom track and cause them to misalign. In this case clean the track thoroughly and apply an even layer of lubricant so that the rollers can glide smoothly.

Misalignment can also occur due to wear or damage in the hinges that join the door panels that house some of the rollers; springs that are either extension or torsion and cables that lift the door. When they are damaged or worn, can affect roller alignment and cause resistance, as well as other issues, such as the door feeling heavier or a rise in energy consumption. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections will ensure that these parts are in good working order to keep your patio doors functioning smoothly.

To verify the alignment between rollers and alignment, place an eagle'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 divide by two to get the rollers' alignment (Photo 1). This method isn't as exact as using a pi tape to measure the diameter directly. However, it's quicker and less cumbersome than using a carpenter's or level to measure the length of each rail.

Another option to check the alignment of the rollers is to remove the head stop, which is a flat plate that is located on the door jamb at bottom of the frame, which stops the rollers. If the door is heavy you may require assistance in removing removable grilles and shades. After taking off the head stop, take out the head track adjustment screws by backing them up with the screwdriver. After reinstalling your assembly by aligning each adjustment screw with its access hole, and tapping it with a hammer.

Dirty tracks or damaged tracks

The sliding patio door acts as a magnet for dirt, debris and other elements. They can also be susceptible to misalignment and other issues that could require professional repair services. To prolong the life of your patio doors, it is important to identify and address these problems in the earliest time possible.

Dirty tracks are one of the most common causes of sliding patio door malfunctions. Over time, dirt and other debris such as pet hair, food crumbs and yard debris, can get caught in the tiny spaces between the tracks of your sliding doors, causing it to become stuck or difficult to open. To avoid problems like this it is recommended to vacuum and clean your patio door tracks at least once each month. You can clean your patio door tracks with a non-abrasive cleaning solution, or with warm soapy tap water after you've removed any debris that is floating around. If you notice that some parts of the track are harder to clean, try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean out these small areas.

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

Another issue that could affect your sliding patio door is a air leak or draft. This could occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has worn out or is damaged. This could cause an opening between the door and frame that allows air to enter and reduce the efficiency of energy. Check that your weather stripping is in good working order and replace it if needed.

Over time, your patio door may be subject to normal wear and tear. These issues are not usually indicative of a major issue. Small repairs can prolong the lifespan of your patio door. Consult a professional for any issues as soon as they are apparent to prevent costly repairs in the future.

Glass that has cracked or warped

A damaged or cracked patio door can be a major eyesore and a potential security risk. This can also allow unwanted animals to enter your home, causing the temperature to fluctuate. Thankfully, these problems are usually simple to fix if you catch them early.

A quick glance at the glass can aid in determining what kind of repairs are required. Cracks in glass are usually caused by stress or impact. They can be a bit more difficult to repair than simple cracks in the surface. A professional may need to replace the lead on this panel. This will require the removal of the glass, cleaning it, and replacing broken pieces. To do this, an expert will require precise documentation of the glass in its original form to help match up the new glass to the old one.

Sometimes cracks in glass can be filled with epoxy made of plastic. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/sliding-patio-doors-birmingham/ can purchase this at a hardware store, or in the home improvement section. A professional will typically use a soldering iron to melt the plastic then apply it to the cracks in the glass. After it has cooled, the professional can clean any excess.

If the glass crack is small, there may be a chance of repairing it using clear sealant. You can buy this type of product from any hardware retailer. It is essential to thoroughly dry the crack before applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. A hair dryer or other fan can be used to speed up this process.

Weatherstripping damaged

A weather stripping that's worn-out is not just ugly and is a security risk however it also allows the outside air and heat out. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping inside your home.

First, ensure that you have all the necessary tools and materials. You'll require an additional weather-stripping kit, or adhesive/caulk sealing agents (depending on the repair method you select) tools, pliers and a pair of scissors, a utility knife and gloves or goggles that are protective, and a replacement weather-stripping kit. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting one end piece, then pulling it up, along with any screws for attachment when applicable. Remove any remaining pieces using 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 will require. Make sure you leave a bit of extra length to refine the size later. Once you have the right size, apply the adhesive backing and press it against the frame. If you want, secure it to the frame using a small nail or hammer.

Finally, apply wood filler to any divots or holes in the frame. Allow the filler to dry completely before applying paint. It's best to use oil-based paints however, latex can also be used.

The last thing to do is clean your sliding door tracks and doors regularly. By taking the time to do this will prevent sticking and other issues in the future. Maintaining regular maintenance and repairs to your patio doors will ensure they stay attractive, functional and energy efficient. If you do this, you can enjoy the outdoors with confidence and save some money in the process! Happy home-fixing!