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Sliding Patio Door Repair and Replacement
Sliding patio doors are an excellent addition to any home. They are easy to operate and provide an expansive view. As with all doors in the house, they're prone to wear and tear that needs replacement or repair.
Keep your sliding patio doors in working order by cleaning and lubricating them regularly. Lubricating with graphite or silicone spray will let them slide smoothly and extend their use.
Roller Replacement
If your sliding patio door doesn't roll easily, you may need to grease it. However, if the rollers are worn out or damaged, they need to be replaced. Replacing the rollers on your patio door will enable your doors to run smoothly and reduce the amount of force required to open or close them.
If your patio door is an older model It may be necessary to cut off the bottom part of the frame to get access to the rollers. If this is the case, use a wood block and rubber mallet to tap the door free and then pull it out. Save the roller screws to reinstall your new rollers.
Sliding glass doors are major security features in many homes and must be secured in a secure manner. Old or damaged roller wheels can make the door difficult to push open or closed, and they can also create gaps around the door that intruders can exploit. Replacing your patio door's rollers will ensure that your home is secure from uninvited guests.
After removing the bottom and top rails It is a good idea to clean the entire area of the track with an alcohol-soaked cloth. This will eliminate any grime and make the task of removing the doors from the tracks much simpler. The drainage holes on the bottom of the track should be visible, but they are often clogged by dirt. If you notice that your track is susceptible to collecting dirt, consider installing a stainless steel u-shaped piece that snaps onto the track to create an additional channel to let water flow. You can purchase these from CR Laurence and other retailers who specialize in replacement sliding door parts.
Make sure to install the bottom panel first before installing the top panel. When the doors are back in place, you should be able to test that they slide freely and don't require a lot of force to open or close them. If the doors feel rough you can adjust the new rollers to give more clearance.
Weather Strip Replacement
The weather strip seals your sliding doors get worn out, allowing drafts and moisture to get in. This increases your energy costs. It is a quick and easy project that can save you money on heating bills.
There are a myriad of types of materials that can be used for sliding door weather stripping, each having their advantages and drawbacks. You'll want to choose a material that will stand up to friction and weather changes temperatures, extreme temperature fluctuations and foot traffic, without affecting the operation of the door. Foam and felt, for instance, are inexpensive but vulnerable to weather and visible in the frame; vinyl is more expensive but lasts for years and is durable, but may look out of place in a contemporary home; and plastic or rubber can erode over time and require regular replacement.
To install new weather strips, you must remove the door from the casing. Find the headstop on the top of the doors It's usually small pieces of plastic or metal that is secured by screws. Remove the screw caps and then use a screwdriver that is flat to pry the headstop loose from the bottom of the door. Remove the old weatherstripping as well as any remaining residue using scraper or a putty blade.
Do not attempt to pull the door from its track by yourself. You'll need to apply plenty of force. A friend should hold the door while you take it off.
Find the channels that are holding your weather stripping. They should be covered by plugs that match the colour of your doors. Take the plugs off, then pull the weather stripping to disconnect it from the channel.
There are a myriad of weather stripping, but the best for sliding patio doors is Fin Seal. This type of weather seal comes with a Mylar centered in the brush material, and is very robust. It is suitable for all climates and is able to endure foot traffic. The back of the weather stripping is made from a hard and flexible material to better withstand the pressures of a sliding patio door.
Door Alignment
Sliding patio doors are a great option for any home. However, like many other things, they might require adjustments from time to time to ensure that they function at their best. Over time, the parts of these doors may wear out or become out of alignment, which can result in problems such as hitting frames, sticking, or failing to lock properly. Regular maintenance and minor adjustments can avoid these issues, saving you money and hassle.
One of the most common causes for sliding door misalignment is the damage to tracks or rollers from sudden jolts or force. A quick repair using the right tools can solve this problem, keeping your patio door moving smoothly for years to come.
Other causes for misalignment include fluctuations in temperature or humidity, weatherstripping wear and tear and a inadequate installation. Parts can shift and loosen over time. This can cause the door to move, and not latch or close correctly. Over time, these movements could create air drafts, or even let water get into the house.
It is crucial to clean and lubricate your sliding patio door track regularly to avoid these problems. A small amount of spray-lubricant can easily be bought at any hardware retailer, and applying it regularly with a small brush will keep the track running smoothly.
Another reason that can cause misalignment of sliding patio doors is the latch hook that isn't aligned with the strike plate on jamb. To fix this start by opening the door to expose the latch mechanism, and give you full access to it. Then, locate the adjustment screw that controls this latch hook, and gently turn it in either direction to adjust the length of the hook. A properly adjusted latch hook will ensure that the latch strikes and is able to engage with the strike plate without obstruction or resistance.
After you've made the required adjustments, test the door to ensure it slides and locks properly. If there are any remaining issues, repeat the process until your sliding patio door is working properly. By following these easy steps you will save yourself a significant amount of money by not having to hire professionals to perform expensive repairs.
Frame Replacement
Over time, the screws in sliding door frames can loosen. This causes the frame to move a small amount. By checking and tightening these screws, you can prevent your doors from getting stuck or jammed. A sagging screen door can be fixed with a bit of clamping, whereas hinges that are loose could require an upgrade.
It is possible to replace the patio's sliding feature without having to replace the frame however, you must first evaluate the condition of the existing frame. This is a cost-effective option than replacing the entire frame and can meet specific requirements like improved insulation.
A complete frame replacement involves the complete removal of the existing hinged doors, windows and frame from the wall opening. sliding patio door repair allows a new sliding patio to be installed, and it can offer more flexibility in terms size, dimension and materials.
Sliding glass doors are made to provide you with a stunning view of your backyard, but over time they can begin to show signs of wear and tear. If your sliding glass doors are difficult to open or are stuck you may need to replace the track or wheels. If the frame is in good condition replacing the doors could be enough.
Be sure that your work area is clear of obstructions, and that you have laid down a dropcloth. Then, place the sliding door flat on the work surface and take off the grilles or shades that are removable. Then, use a screwdriver to remove the plugs that are covering the screws for adjustment of the roller at the bottom of the sliding door frame (they're often covered with caps). Once you've removed the plugs, you can loosen the bottom of the sliding door and pull it away from the track.
After the frame has been exposed it is possible to replace the track and sliding door wheels. If your sliding door track is damaged or worn out, it's best to replace it completely rather than repairing the existing track. You can either buy a DIY kit or hire a professional to do it. In either case, you must follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for proper installation.
