5. Patio Doors Repairs Projects For Any Budget
Patio Doors Repairs
Patio doors offer homeowners natural light and fresh air. They also increase the value of homes. In time, however they can develop issues that require immediate attention.
Understanding how patio doors work can help homeowners communicate with a contractor about the issues they face. Here are some of the most common repairs to patio doors:.
Rollers that aren't aligned properly
Sometimes, a sliding patio door will get stuck and it's not simple to get it to open once more. The majority of these non-cooperative sliding patio doors can be fixed easily with a bit of oiling and cleaning in the event that a structural issue is present. The most common culprit is dirt in the lower track, which could cause the rollers to be pushed against the track below and cause them to be misaligned. In this case it is necessary to clean the track and apply a thin coating of lubricant, allowing the rollers glide smoothly.
The misalignment could also be due to wear or damage in the hinges that join the doors, which house some of the rollers; springs either torsion or extension; and cables, which lift the door. When damaged or worn repair patio door lock can cause problems with the alignment of the rollers, leading to resistance, as well as an increased weight of the door or energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and periodic professional inspections can help ensure that these components work in harmony to keep your patio door functioning smoothly.
Create a crow's foot at one end, and use a trammingstick to sweep across the rollers. Note the distance each roller travels. Repeat the same process at the opposite end of the track and divide by two to determine the alignment of the rollers (Photo 1). This method is not as precise as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's much quicker and simpler than measuring each individual rail with a level or carpenter's level.
Another option for checking roller alignment is to remove the head stop, which is a flat plate in the door jamb at the bottom of the frame that blocks the rollers. This requires removing any grilles or shades that can be removed and, in the event that the door is heavy, you should seek help with this step. Once the head stop has been removed, carefully remove the head track adjustment screws by backing them out with a screwdriver, then reinstall the assembly by aligning each screw adjustment for the roller with its access hole, and tapping it in with a Hammer.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty
Patio doors that slide can serve as magnets for dirt, debris and other elements outside. They are also susceptible to misalignment and other issues that may require professional repair. To prolong the life of your patio doors, it is essential to find and fix these problems as soon as possible.
Dirty tracks are among the most frequent causes of problems with sliding patio doors. Over time dirt and other particles such as pet hair, food crumbs and yard debris, can get trapped in the narrow spaces between the tracks of your sliding doors and cause it to get stuck or difficult to open. To avoid this it is recommended to vacuum and clean your patio door tracks once each month. You can clean your patio door tracks with an anti-abrasive cleaning solution or with warm soapy tap water once you've removed any debris that is floating around. If you find that certain parts of the track are difficult to clean, use the butter knife or toothbrush to scrub these tiny spaces.
It is also important to grease the tracks frequently to prevent sliding doors from becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we suggest adding silicone spray to the bottom track regularly. You can also rub paraffin wax along the track to enhance the glide.
A draft or a leak of air can also impact your sliding patio doors. This can occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has damaged or worn out. This can cause a gap between the door and frame that allows air to enter and reduce the efficiency of your energy. Check that your weatherstripping is in good shape and replace it if necessary.
With regular use your patio door will show normal wear and wear and tear over time. However these issues are usually not a sign of a major problem. Minor repairs can extend the life of your patio door. Get a professional in touch to fix any issues as soon they are apparent to save on costly repairs in the future.
Glass that is warped or cracked
A patio door that's damaged or sagging can be a real eyesore, and it could pose security risks. It can also permit unwanted animals to enter your home, causing the temperature to fluctuate. Fortunately, these issues are usually fixable if you catch them early.
A quick glance at the glass can assist you in determining what kind of repairs are needed. Cracks in glass are usually caused by stress or impact. They are more difficult to repair than surface chips. A professional will likely have to re-lead the panel. This would require removal of the glass and replacing any broken pieces. This is why an expert will require precise documentation of the piece as it looked originally to aid in comparing the new glass with the original.
Plastic epoxy can be used to fill in a crack. You can buy this at a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will use a soldering tool to melt the plastic and then apply it on the crack. After it has cooled, the professional can wipe away any excess.
If the crack isn't too large it is possible to repair the glass using clear sealant. You can buy this type of product at any hardware store. However, it is important to dry thoroughly the damaged area prior to applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. A hair dryer or any other fan can be used to expedite this process.
Weatherstripping damaged
A damaged weather stripping is not just ugly and a security hazard, but it also allows air from outside to enter and heat or cold to escape. A simple fix with a new piece of weather stripping will save you money and make your home more comfortable.
Make sure you have the proper tools and materials. You'll require a new weather-stripping kit or adhesive/caulk sealing agent (depending on the repair method you decide to use) as well as pliers and scissors, a utility blade as well as protective gloves or goggles, and a replacement weather-stripping kit. Remove the weather stripping that was used previously by cutting through the end piece and pulling it up with any screws attached, if appropriate. Then remove any pieces left in the pliers or pry bar.
If you decide to replace the weather stripping, begin by measuring the gap around your door frame. The measurements can be used to determine the length of weather stripping that you will require. Be sure to leave a little 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 you want, secure it to the frame with a small nail or hammer.
Finally apply wood filler to any holes or divots in the frame. Let the filler dry completely before painting. It is best to use oil-based paint, however, latex paint can also be used.
The last thing to do is make sure you clean your sliding tracks and doors regularly. This will avoid future issues like sticking. Keeping up with maintenance and repairs to your patio doors ensures they stay practical, attractive and energy efficient. You can save money while enjoying the outdoors while doing so. Happy home-fixing!