patio doors repairs (Continue Reading)

Patio doors provide homeowners with natural light and fresh air and boost the value of a home. However, over time, they can create issues that must be addressed immediately.

Understanding how patio doors operate can help homeowners communicate more effectively with contractors about issues they face. Here are some common patio door repairs:.

Rollers that are not aligned

Sometimes an outdoor sliding door gets stuck and it's difficult to get the thing to open once more. But in the absence of a underlying structural issue, most uncooperative doors can be easily repaired with a little cleaning and lubrication. The most common culprit is dirt in the lower track, which can cause the rollers to be pushed against the track below and cause them to be misaligned. In this instance clean the track thoroughly and apply an even layer of lubricant so that the rollers can glide smoothly.

The misalignment can also be caused by wear or damage to the hinges connecting the doors that house a portion of these rollers, springs (whether torsion or extensions); and cables which lift the door. If damaged or worn out, these components can affect the alignment of the rollers, causing resistance as well as other issues such as an increased weight of the door or energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional will ensure that these elements are in good working order to keep your patio doors operating smoothly.

Install a crow's feet at one end and use the tramming stick to sweep across the rollers. Note the distance each roller travels. Repeat the same process at the opposite end of track and divide by two to find the alignment of the rollers (Photo 1). This method isn't as exact as using a pi tape to measure diameter directly. It is however, faster and more efficient than using a carpenter's or level to measure each rail.

Another option for checking the alignment of rollers is to take off the head stop, which is a flat plate in the door jamb at bottom of the frame, which stops the rollers. If the door is heavy you may require help in taking off the grilles and shades that are removable. Once the head stop is removed, carefully remove the head track adjustment screws by pushing them out using an screwdriver. Reinstall the assembly by aligning each adjustment screw with its access hole, and tapping it in with a hammer.

Tracks that are damaged or dirty

Sliding patio doors are magnets for dirt, debris and other elements from outside. They can also be susceptible to misalignment, as well as other issues that may require professional repair services. To extend the lifespan of your patio doors, it is essential to find and fix these issues as soon as you can.

One of the main causes for sliding patio doors to malfunction is filthy tracks. Over time dirt and other debris like food crumbs, pet hair 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 sweep and clean your patio doors repair near me door tracks at least once every month. Once you've removed all the loose debris and dirt, you can use a non-abrasive household cleaning solution or warm soapy water to wipe down your patio door tracks. If you notice parts of the track are difficult to clean, try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean out these small areas.

In addition to cleaning the tracks, you must lubricate them regularly to prevent your sliding door from becoming stuck 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 frequent basis. You can also apply paraffin wax to enhance the glide.

Another issue that could affect your sliding patio door lock repair patio door is a air leak or draft. This can happen when the weather stripping of your sliding patio door is worn or has been damaged. This could cause gaps between the frame and door that allows air to be able to enter and decrease the efficiency of energy. Ensure that your weather stripping is in good working order and replace it when required.

If you use it regularly, your patio door will experience normal wear and tear over time. However these issues are usually not a sign of a major problem. 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 is cracked or warped

A damaged or cracked patio screen door repair door is an eyesore and a potential security risk. It can also let in unwanted critters and make your home's temperature change dramatically. These problems are easy to fix if they are caught early.

A quick glance at the glass can aid in determining what kind of repairs are needed. Generally, cracks in glass are due to stress or impact. They are more difficult to repair than surface chips. A professional will probably need to re-lead this panel. This would require taking the glass off and replacing any broken pieces. For this reason, a professional will need accurate documentation of the piece as it was originally viewed to help match up the new glass with the old.

Sometimes cracks 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 typically use a soldering iron to melt the plastic then apply it to the crack in the glass. After it has cooled, the professional can clean any excess.

If the crack isn't too large it might be possible to repair the glass with clear sealant. This kind of product can be purchased at any hardware store. It is important to dry the crack thoroughly before applying sealant. This will stop the repair from failing. You can accelerate the process by using a hair dryer or a different fan.

Weatherstripping damaged

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

Make sure you have the proper tools and materials. This includes a replacement weather stripping kit, or caulk sealant or adhesive (depending on your chosen repair method) tools, scissors, pliers, utility knife, and some gloves or protective goggles. Remove the weather stripping that was used previously by cutting through an end piece, and then pulling it back up using any screws that are attached, if appropriate. Remove any remaining pieces with the pliers and a prybar.

Begin by measuring the gap around the door frame. Utilize the measurements to determine the right size weather stripping you need. Make sure you leave extra length to allow for fine-tuning later. Once you've found the perfect size, place the backing and press it against the frame. If you wish, nail it to the frame using a small nail or hammer.

Finally apply some wood filler to any holes or divots in the frame. Let the filler 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. This will prevent future problems like sticking. Keeping up with maintenance and repairs to your patio doors will ensure they are functional, attractive and energy efficient. If you do this you will be able to enjoy the outdoors with confidence and save some money at the same time! Enjoy your home renovation projects!