Patio Doors Repairs

Patio doors provide homeowners with natural light and fresh air, and they increase a home's value. In time, however they could develop issues that require immediate attention.

Understanding how patio doors work will help homeowners communicate better with contractors about problems they face. Here are some of the most common repairs to patio doors:.

Rollers that are not aligned

Sometimes an outdoor sliding door gets stuck and it's difficult to get it to open once more. Most of these non-cooperative sliding patio doors can be fixed with some cleaning and oiling, unless a structural issue is present. The most frequent cause is dirt on the lower track, which may cause the rollers to rub against the track at the bottom and cause them to misalign. In this situation clean the track thoroughly and apply an even layer of lubricant to allow the rollers to glide smoothly.

The misalignment could also be due to wear or damage in the hinges that join the door panels that house some of the rollers, springs either torsion or extension and cables that raise the door. When worn or damaged these components could 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 components are in good working order to keep your patio doors functioning smoothly.

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

Another option for checking the alignment of the rollers is to remove the head stop, a flat plate that is located on the door jamb at the bottom of the frame, which stops the rollers. This will require removing any grilles or shades that are removable, and when the door is heavy, obtaining assistance with this step. After the head stop is removed, remove the head track adjustment screws by backing them out 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 damaged or dirty

Patio doors that slide open are magnets for dirt, debris and other elements outside. They are also susceptible to misalignment and other issues that may require professional assistance to fix. To extend the life of your patio door, identifying and addressing these problems in the early stages is crucial.

Dirty tracks are among the most frequent causes of sliding patio door malfunctions. Over time, dirt and other debris, such as pet hair, food crumbs and yard debris can be trapped in the small spaces between your sliding door tracks, causing it to become stuck or difficult to open. To avoid this it is recommended to clean and vacuum your patio door tracks at least once per 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 clean down your patio door tracks. If you notice that some areas of the track are harder to clean, you can try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean out these small spaces.

It is also important to grease the tracks regularly to avoid your sliding door from becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we recommend adding silicone spray to the bottom track regularly. You can also apply 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 when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has damaged or worn out. This can cause a gap between the frame and door, which allows air to be able to enter and decrease the efficiency of your energy. Make sure that your weather stripping is in good condition and replace it when necessary.

Over time your patio door could experience normal wear. However these issues are usually not indicative of a significant issue. Small repairs can prolong the life of your patio door. Consult a professional for any problems as soon as they are apparent to save on costly repairs in the future.

Glass that is damaged or warped

A patio door that's cracked or warped is a real eye-sore and can pose security risks. This can also allow unwanted animals into your home, causing the temperature to fluctuate. Fortunately, these issues are usually simple to fix when they are caught early.

First, a quick look at the glass will determine the type of repair is needed. Usually, cracks in glass are due to stress or impact. They are more difficult to repair than simple chipping on the surface. A professional may need to replace the lead on this panel. This will require the removal of the glass clean it, and replacing the broken pieces. For this reason, a professional will need accurate documentation of the glass as it was originally viewed to help match up the new glass to the old.

Plastic epoxy can be used to fill a crack. You can buy this at a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will employ a soldering tool to melt the plastic then apply it on the crack. After the plastic has cooled down, the professional can remove any excess.

If the crack is not too big it is possible to repair the glass by using clear sealant. You can buy this type of product at any hardware retailer. It is essential to dry the crack completely prior to applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. A hair dryer or other fan can be used to speed up this procedure.

Weatherstripping damaged

A weather stripping that is worn out is not just unsightly and a security risk but it also allows outside air to enter and cold or hot air to escape. A quick fix with 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. You'll require a replacement weather-stripping kit or adhesive/caulk sealing agents (depending on the repair method you select) as well as pliers and scissors, a utility blade and gloves or goggles that are protective, and a replacement weather-stripping kit. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting the end piece and then pulling it up, along with any screws that attach it, when applicable. Then take care to remove any pieces still left over using pliers or a pry bar.

If you decide to replace the weather stripping, start by measuring the gap around your door frame. You can use these measurements to determine the amount of weather stripping you will require. Make sure you leave a little extra length so you can adjust the fit later. Once you've found the perfect size you can apply the backing of the adhesive and press it against the frame. If you want, secure it in place using the nail or hammer.

Apply wood filler to the frame to fill any divots or holes. Let the filler dry completely prior to painting. It is recommended to use oil-based paints however, latex paint can also be used.

Last but not least, make sure you clean your sliding tracks and doors frequently. Making the effort to do this will prevent sticking and other issues down the road. Cleaning and maintaining your patio door repair company near me doors will ensure they remain attractive, functional and energy-efficient. By doing so, you can enjoy the outdoors with confidence and save money at the same time! Happy fixing your home!