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Patio Doors Repairs

Patio doors give homeowners natural light and fresh air. They also increase the value of a home. But with time, they may develop issues that need to be addressed immediately.

Understanding how patio doors function can help homeowners communicate more effectively with contractors about issues they encounter. Here are a few of the most common patio door problems:

Misaligned rollers

It's not always easy to open a patio sliding door. Most of these uncooperative sliding patio doors can be repaired easily by a little oiling and cleaning, unless a structural problem is present. The most common culprit is dirt on the lower track, which can cause the rollers to rub against the bottom track and cause them to be misaligned. In this case, you'll need to clean the track and apply a light coat of lubricant so that the rollers glide smoothly.

Misalignment may be caused by wear or damage to the hinges that connect the doors that house a portion of these rollers; springs (whether extensions or torsion) as well as cables that lift the door. When damaged or worn, these components can affect roller alignment, causing resistance and other problems such as an increased weight of the door or energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections will ensure that these components are in sync to keep your patio doors operating smoothly.

Set up a crow’s foot at one end and use the trammingstick to move across the rollers. Take note of the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process at the opposite end of the track, then divide by 2 to get a measurement of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method is not as precise as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's more efficient and less time-consuming than measuring each individual rail with a level or carpenter's level.

You can also test the alignment of the rollers by removing the head stop. It is an aluminum plate located at the bottom of the door jamb. It stops the rollers. This requires removing any removable grilles or shades and, in the event that the door is heavy, obtaining help with this step. After 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 roller adjustment screw with its access hole and tapping it in with the Hammer.

Dirty or damaged tracks





Patio doors that slide open can act as magnets for dirt, debris and other outside elements. They are also susceptible to misalignment, and other issues that may require professional assistance to fix. In order to extend the life of your patio door the identification and resolution of these issues promptly is crucial.

Dirty tracks are one of the most frequent causes of malfunctions in sliding patio doors. Over time dirt and other debris like food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris, could be trapped in the small spaces between the tracks of your sliding doors and cause it to get stuck or difficult to open. It is recommended to vacuum and clean the tracks of your patio doors every month, at minimum, to avoid these problems. After you've cleared all the loose debris and dirt, you can use a non-abrasive home cleaning solution or warm soapy water to wipe down your patio door tracks. If you find that certain areas of the track are difficult to clean, use a butter knife or toothbrush to clean these tiny spaces.

You should also lubricate the tracks on a regular basis to prevent sliding doors 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 along the track to improve the glide.

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

Over time, your patio door may see normal wear and tear. However these issues are usually not a sign of a major problem. Minor repairs can extend the life of your patio door. Call a professional as quickly when you notice any issues to avoid costly repairs in the future.

Warped or cracked glass

A cracked or warped patio door is a serious visual ailment and a potential security risk. This can also allow unwanted animals into your home and cause the temperature to fluctuate. Fortunately, these issues are usually fixable when they are caught early.

First, a quick look at the glass will determine the type of repair is needed. Glass cracks are typically caused by impact or stress. These are more difficult to repair than chips on the surface. A professional may need to re-lead this panel. This will require the removal of the glass, cleaning it, and replacing broken pieces. This is why professionals will require accurate documentation of the piece as it looked originally to help match up the new glass to the original.

Plastic epoxy can be used to fill a crack. It can be purchased at hardware stores or the home improvement section in many stores. A professional will use a soldering tool to melt the plastic and then apply it on the crack. After it has been cool, the professional can wipe away any excess.

If the crack in the glass is small, there may be a chance of repairing it using clear sealant. This kind of product can be found at any hardware store. However, it is crucial to thoroughly dry the damaged area before applying sealant. This will prevent the repair from failing. You can speed up the process by using a hair dryer or another fan.

Weatherstripping damaged

A weather stripping that's worn-out not only looks ugly and is a security risk, but also allows outside air in and heat out. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping in your home.

Ensure you have the right tools and materials. You'll need a new weather-stripping kit or adhesive/caulk sealing agents (depending on the repair method you choose) tools, pliers and a pair of scissors, a utility blade and gloves or goggles that are protective and a replacement weather-stripping kit. Remove the old weather stripping, by cutting through an end piece and pulling up with any screws attached if necessary. Remove any remaining pieces with the pliers and a prybar.

If you decide to replace the weather stripping, begin by measuring the gap around your door frame. Use the measurements to determine the right size weather stripping you require. Make sure you leave a little extra length so you can adjust the fit later. Once you have the correct size you can apply the backing with adhesive and press it against the frame. If browse around these guys wish, nail it to the frame with the nail or hammer.

Apply wood filler to the frame to cover any divots or holes. Allow the filler to dry completely prior to applying any paint. It's best to use oil-based paints but latex will also work.

Last but not least, take care to clean your sliding door tracks and doors frequently. By taking the time to do this will prevent sticking and other issues in the future. Making sure you are keeping up with maintenance and repairs to your patio doors ensures they remain attractive, functional, and energy-efficient. When you do this you will be able to enjoy the great outdoors with confidence, and save money at the same time! Enjoy your home renovation projects!