Patio Doors Repairs

Patio doors give homeowners light and fresh air and can boost the value of a home. However, over time, they may develop problems that require immediate attention.

Understanding the way patio doors operate can help homeowners communicate with a contractor regarding the problems they encounter. Here are some of the most frequent patio door problems:

Misaligned rollers

Sometimes the sliding patio door can become stuck and it's difficult to get it open once more. The majority of these non-cooperative sliding patio doors can be repaired easily with some cleaning and oiling, unless a structural issue is present. Most often dirt in the lower track can cause the bottom track and rollers 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.

Misalignment may also be caused by wear or damage to the hinges connecting the doors that house a portion of these rollers, springs (whether extensions or torsion); and cables which lift the door. When these components are damaged or worn, may affect roller alignment and lead to resistance and other issues, like doors that feel heavier or increased energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional will ensure that these components are in sync to keep your patio doors functioning smoothly.

To verify the alignment between rollers, set up a crow's foot at the one end of the track and employ 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 isn't as exact as using a pi tape to measure diameter directly. However, it's quicker and more efficient than using a carpenter's level to determine the rail's diameter.

Another option for checking the alignment of rollers is to take off the head stop, a flat plate that is located on the jamb of the door at the bottom of the frame that stops the rollers. If the door is heavy you may require help in removing removable grilles and shades. Once the head stop has been removed, remove the screws that adjust the head track by removing them with a screwdriver, then reinstall the assembly by aligning each adjustment screw with its access hole, and tapping it in with a hammer.

Tracks that are dirty or damaged

Sliding patio door can act as magnet for dirt, debris, and other elements. They are also prone to misalignment, and other issues which may require professional repairs. To extend the life of your patio door the identification and resolution of these issues early on is essential.

One of the most common reasons for sliding patio doors to malfunction is dirty tracks. Over time,, food particles, pet hair and yard debris can get stuck in the small spaces of your sliding door track, causing the door to snag or become difficult to open. To avoid problems like this, it's recommended to sweep and clean your patio sliding door repair door tracks at least once every month. You can clean your patio door tracks using an anti-abrasive cleaning solution or warm soapy tap water after you've removed any loose debris. If you find that certain areas of the track are difficult to clean, you can use the butter knife or toothbrush to clean these tiny spaces.

In addition to cleaning the tracks, you must keep them lubricated to prevent your sliding door from sticking or becoming difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we suggest adding silicone spray to your bottom track regularly. You can also use paraffin wax to improve the glide.

Another common issue that can impact your sliding patio door is a draft or air leak. This could happen if the weather stripping of your sliding patio door has worn out or has been damaged. This can result in a gap between the door and frame which allows air enter and reduce the efficiency of your energy. Make sure that your weatherstripping is in good shape and replace it if necessary.

Over time your patio door will be subject to normal wear and tear. However, these issues are typically not indicative 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 as they are apparent to save on costly repairs in the future.

Glass that is cracked or warped

A patio door that is damaged or cracked could be a major eye-sore, and it could pose security risks. It could also allow in unwanted animals and cause your home's temperature fluctuate dramatically. Thankfully, these problems are usually easy to fix when they are caught early.

A quick glance at the glass can aid in determining what kind of repairs are required. Generally, cracks in glass are caused by stress or impact. They are more difficult to repair than normal surface chips. A professional may have to replace the lead on this panel. This will require removing the glass, cleaning it, and replacing the broken pieces. This is why an expert will require precise documentation of the glass as it was originally viewed to help match up the new glass with the old.

Plastic epoxy can be used to fill a crack. It can be bought from hardware stores or the home improvement section of many stores. A professional will employ an soldering tool to melt the plastic and then apply it to the crack. After it has been cool, the professional can clean any excess.

If the glass crack is small, there may be a possibility of repairing it using clear sealant. You can purchase this type of sealant at any hardware retailer. It is important to thoroughly dry the crack prior to applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. You can speed up the process by using a hair dryer or a different fan.

Weatherstripping damaged

A worn out weather stripping is not just unsightly and a security hazard, but it also allows air from outside to get in and cold or heat escape. A simple fix using a new piece of weather stripping will save you money while keeping your home more comfortable.

First, ensure that you have all the tools and supplies. This includes a new weather stripping kit or caulk sealant adhesive (depending on the repair method) tools, scissors, pliers, utility knife, and some gloves or goggles that are protective. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting through one end piece, then pulling it up along with any screws for attachment when applicable. Remove any remaining pieces using pliers and a prybar.

Start by measuring the gap around the door frame. The measurements can be used to determine the length of weather stripping you will require. Be sure to leave a little bit of extra length so you can 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.

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

Also, ensure that you clean your sliding patio door lock repair doors and tracks regularly. This will avoid future issues such as sticking. Cleaning and maintaining your patio door repair service doors will ensure that they remain functional, attractive and energy efficient. By doing so you can enjoy the great outdoors with confidence and save some money at the same time! Happy fixing your home!