Patio Doors Repairs
Patio doors provide homeowners with natural sunlight and fresh air and can enhance the value of a house. However, over time they can develop issues that require immediate attention.
Understanding the way patio doors operate can help homeowners communicate with a contractor regarding the issues they experience. Here are a few of the most common problems with patio doors:
Rollers that are not aligned
It's not always easy to open a sliding patio door. The majority of these non-cooperative sliding patio doors can be fixed by a little oiling and cleaning in the event that a structural issue is present. The most common culprit is dirt in the lower track, which may cause the rollers to rub against the track at the bottom and cause them to become misaligned. In this instance it is necessary to clean the track and apply a thin coating of lubricant, allowing the rollers glide easily.
In addition, misalignment can be caused due to damage or wear in the hinges that join the doors which house a portion of the rollers; springs, whether torsion or extension and cables, which raise the door. If damaged or worn out these components can cause problems with the alignment of the rollers, leading to resistance as well as other issues such as a heavier door or higher energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections will ensure that these components are in sync to keep your patio doors operating smoothly.
To check mouse click the next site -to-roller alignment, set up a crow's foot at the one end of the track. use a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, observing the distance that each travels. Repeat the same process at the opposite end of track and divide by two to get the rollers' alignment (Photo 1). This method is not as precise as using pi tapes to measure the diameter directly, but it's much quicker and simpler than measuring each rail with a level or carpenter's level.
Another method of checking 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 that stops the rollers. If the door is heavy you may require help in removal of the removable grilles and shades. Once the head stop has been removed, carefully remove the head track adjustment screws by removing them with the help of a screwdriver. Then, reinstall the assembly by aligning each screw adjustment for the roller with its access hole and tapping it in with the hammer.
Tracks that are damaged or dirty
A sliding patio door can serve as magnet for dirt, debris, and other elements. They also are susceptible to misalignment, as well as other issues that require professional repair. To extend the life of your patio doors, it's important to identify and address these problems as soon as you can.
One of the most frequent causes for sliding patio doors to malfunction is filthy tracks. Over time, dirt, food debris, pet hair, and yard debris can get trapped in the tiny spaces of your sliding door track and cause the door to stick or become difficult to open. It is recommended that you clean and vacuum the tracks of your patio doors every month at a minimum to avoid problems like this. You can clean your patio door tracks using a non-abrasive cleaner or with warm soapy tap water after having removed any debris that is floating around. If you notice that certain parts of the track are difficult to clean, you can use a butter knife or toothbrush to clean these tiny spaces.
You should also lubricate the tracks frequently to prevent your sliding door 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 on the track to increase the glide.
Another issue that could affect your sliding patio door is draft or air leak. This can happen when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has worn out or is damaged. This can cause gaps between your sliding patio door and the frame. This allows air in and decreases the efficiency of energy. Check that your weather stripping is in good working order and replace it if needed.
If you use it regularly, your patio door will experience normal wear and wear and tear over time. However, these issues are typically not indicative of a significant issue. Small repairs can prolong the lifespan of your patio door. Contact a professional as soon when you spot any issues to avoid costly repairs in the future.
Glass that is damaged or warped
A warped or cracked patio door is a serious eye-sore and could pose a security risk. It can also permit unwanted animals to enter your home and cause the temperature to fluctuate. These problems are easy to fix when caught early.
A quick glance at the glass will assist you in determining what kind of repairs are required. Generally, cracks in glass are caused by stress or impact. They can be a bit more difficult to fix than simple surface chips. A professional will likely have to re-lead the panel. This will require removing the glass and replacing any broken pieces. For this reason, a professional will need accurate documentation of the glass as it looked originally to help match up the new glass with the old.
Sometimes, a crack in the glass can be filled with plastic epoxy. It can be purchased at hardware stores or the home improvement section of many stores. A professional will employ an soldering tool to melt the plastic then apply it to the crack. After it has cooled, the professional can wipe away any excess.
If the crack is small, it may be possible to repair the glass using clear sealant. You can purchase this kind of product from any hardware retailer. It is essential to thoroughly dry the cracked area before applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. You can accelerate the process by using a hair dryer or another fan.
Weatherstripping damaged
A weather stripping that is worn out is not just ugly and can pose a security risk it also lets the outside air and heat to escape. A simple fix using a new piece of weather stripping can save you money while keeping your home more comfortable.
Make sure you have the appropriate tools and materials. This includes a replacement weather stripping kit, or caulk sealant adhesive (depending on your chosen repair method), scissors, pliers, a utility knife, and a pair of gloves or protective goggles. Remove the weather stripping that was used previously by cutting through the end piece and pulling it up with any screws attached, if applicable. Remove any remaining pieces using pliers and a plier.
Start by measuring the gap around the door frame. You can use these measurements to determine the length of weather stripping that you require. Be sure to leave an extra length for later fine-tuning. Once you've found the ideal size, place the backing and press the material against the frame. If desired, tack it to the frame using a small nail or hammer.
Finally apply some wood filler to any holes or divots in the frame. Allow the filler to dry completely before applying any paint. It is best to use oil-based paints, however, latex can also be used.
The last thing to do is make sure you clean your sliding tracks and doors regularly. Taking the time to do this prevents sticking and other problems later on. Repairing and maintaining your patio doors will ensure they remain functional, attractive and energy efficient. When you do this you will be able to enjoy the great outdoors with confidence, and save money in the process! Happy home-fixing!