Patio Doors Repairs

Patio doors give homeowners sunlight and fresh air and increase a home's value. In time, however, they may develop problems that require immediate attention.

Understanding the way patio doors operate will help homeowners communicate with contractors about the issues they face. Here are some common patio door repairs:.

Misaligned rollers

Sometimes, a sliding patio door gets stuck and it's not simple to get it open again. But in the absence of a underlying structural problem, most such uncooperative doors can be easily fixed with some cleaning and lubrication. The majority of the time dirt in the lower track can cause the bottom track and rollers to misalign. In this instance clean the track thoroughly before applying the lubricant in a thin layer to allow the rollers to glide smoothly.

Misalignment may 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 worn or damaged these components can cause problems with roller alignment, causing resistance as well as other issues such as the door being heavier or having higher energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional will ensure that these elements are in good working order to ensure that your patio doors are operating smoothly.

To verify the alignment between rollers and alignment, place an eagle's foot at one end of the track. use a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, observing the distance each travels. Repeat the process on the opposite end of the track, and divide by 2 to obtain a reading of the rollers' parallelism (Photo 1). This method isn't as accurate as using a pi tape to measure diameter directly. However, it's quicker and easier than using a carpenter's or level to measure each rail.

You can also verify the alignment of the rollers by taking off the head stop. This is an aluminum plate located in the bottom of the door jamb. It stops the rollers. This requires the removal of any grilles or shades that can be removed, and when the door is heavy, you should seek assistance with this step. After removing the head stop, remove the head track adjustments screws by backing them up with the screwdriver. Then, reinstalling the assembly by aligning each roller adjustment screw to the hole that it is accessible through, and tapping it with the hammer.

Dirty or damaged tracks

sliding glass patio doors repair patio door can act as magnet for dirt, debris, and other elements. They can also be susceptible to misalignment and other issues that require professional repair. To extend the life of your patio door, the identification and resolution of these issues early on is essential.

Dirty tracks are one of the most frequent causes of malfunctions in sliding patio doors. Over time,, food debris, pet hair, and yard debris can get trapped within the narrow spaces of your door's track which can cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to open. It is recn determining what kind of repairs are required. Generally, cracks in the glass are due to stress or impact. They can be a bit more difficult to repair than simple cracks in the surface. A professional will probably need to re-lead this panel. This will require removing the glass, cleaning it, and replacing the broken pieces. To make sure that the new glass to the old, a professional requires exact documentation of the way the piece looked at the time.

Sometimes, a crack in the glass can be filled with plastic epoxy. You can buy this in a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will employ the soldering tool to melt the plastic then apply it on the crack. Once the plastic has cooled down, the professional can remove any excess.

If the crack in the glass isn't too big, there might be a chance to repair it using clear sealant. This type of product is available at any hardware store. It is essential to thoroughly dry the damaged area prior to applying the sealant. This will prevent the repair from failing. A hair dryer or another fan can be used to speed up this procedure.

Weatherstripping that is damaged

A weather stripping that is worn out is not just ugly and poses a security threat, but also allows outside air and heat to escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping in your home.

Make sure you have the appropriate tools and materials. You'll require a new weather-stripping kit or adhesive/caulk sealing agents (depending on the repair method you decide to use) tools, pliers and a pair of scissors, a utility knife and gloves or goggles that are protective and a new weather-stripping kit. Then, remove the old weather stripping by cutting the end piece and then pulling it up along with any attaching screws when applicable. Remove any remaining pieces with pliers and a prybar.

If you decide to replace the weather stripping, begin by measuring the gap that is around the door frame. Use the measurements to determine the size of weather stripping you require. Be sure to leave a bit of extra length to adjust the fit later. Once you've found the perfect size, place the backing and press the material against the frame. If desired you want to, use a nail to tack the frame to the wall.

Apply wood filler to the frame to cover any divots or holes. Allow the filler to dry completely before applying paint. Ideally, it's best to apply oil-based paint over the filler, but latex paint will work too.

Last but not least, take care to clean your sliding door tracks and doors frequently. By taking the time to do this can prevent the doors from sticking and other problems later on. Repairing and maintaining your patio doors will ensure they remain functional, attractive and energy efficient. You can save money while enjoying the great outdoors while doing it. Happy fixing your home!