Patio Doors Repairs <img width="370" src="https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Glass-Replacement-150x150.jpg"> Patio doors offer homeowners natural light and fresh, clean air. They also enhance the value of a home. However, with time, they may cause issues that must be addressed quickly. Understanding how patio doors function can help homeowners communicate better with contractors about issues they encounter. Here are some of the most frequent problems with patio doors: Rollers that are not aligned It's not always easy to open a patio sliding door. But, unless there's an underlying structural issue, the majority of doors that aren't cooperating could be fixed with some cleaning and lubrication. Typically dirt in the lower track can cause the track's rollers and bottom track 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. The misalignment could also be because of wear or damage in the hinges connecting the door panels that house some of the rollers, springs either torsion or extension and cables that raise the door. When they are damaged or worn, can alter the alignment of rollers and cause resistance and other issues, such as doors that feel heavier or higher energy consumption. Regular maintenance checks and periodic inspections by a professional can help ensure that all these elements are in sync to ensure that your patio door is operating smoothly. To check roller-to-roller alignment, set up an eagle's foot at one end of the track and use a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, recording the distance they travel. Repeat the process at the other end of the track, then divide by 2 to obtain a reading of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method isn't as precise as using pi tapes to measure the diameter directly, but it's much more efficient and less time-consuming than measuring each individual rail with a level, or carpenter's level. You can also verify the alignment of the rollers by removing the head stop. It is an elongated plate that is situated at the bottom of your door jamb. It stops the rollers. If the door is heavy, you may require help in removal of the removable grilles and shades. After removing the head stop, remove the head track adjustments screws by backing them up with the screwdriver. After reinstalling the assembly by aligning each roller adjustment screw to the hole that it is accessible through, and tapping it with a Hammer. Dirty or damaged tracks A sliding patio door can serve as a magnet for dirt, debris, and other elements. They are also prone to misalignment, and other issues that require professional assistance to fix. To prolong the life of your patio doors, it is important to identify and address these problems in the earliest time possible. Dirty tracks are one of the most frequent causes of problems with sliding patio doors. Over time, dirt and other debris, such as food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris, can get trapped in the narrow spaces between your sliding door tracks, causing it to get stuck or difficult to open. To avoid problems like this it is recommended to sweep and clean your patio door tracks once each month. You can clean your patio door tracks using a non-abrasive cleaner or with warm soapy tap water once you've removed any debris that is floating around. If you notice that certain parts of the track are difficult to clean, use a butter knife or a toothbrush to scrub these tiny areas. It is also recommended to lubricate the tracks frequently to prevent sliding doors from becoming stuck or 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 increase the glide. Another common issue that can impact your sliding patio door is air leak or draft. This could happen when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door is damaged or worn out. This could cause gaps between the frame and door that allows air to be able to enter and decrease energy efficiency. Make sure that your weather stripping is in good condition and replace it if needed. With regular use, your patio door will show normal wear and tear over time. These problems are usually not indicative of a major issue. Minor repairs can extend the life of your patio door. Get a professional in touch to fix any issues as soon as they occur 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 could be a security risk. This could also allow unwanted animals to enter your home and cause the temperature to fluctuate. Thankfully, these problems are usually easy to fix if you catch them early. A quick glance at the glass will help determine what kind of repair is required. Generally, cracks in glass are due to stress or impact. They can be a bit more difficult to fix than normal chipping on the surface. A professional may require re-leading the panel. This will require removing the glass, cleaning it, and replacing broken pieces. To make sure that the new glass with the original, professionals require exact documentation of how the piece looked at the time. Plastic epoxy can be used to fill a crack. It can be purchased at hardware stores or the home improvement section of many stores. A professional will use an soldering tool to melt the plastic and then apply it on the crack. After it has been cooled, the professional will clean any excess. If http://racingfactions.com/members-area/flowersailor6/activity/160603/ is not too big it might be possible to repair the glass with clear sealant. You can buy this type of product at any hardware store. It is crucial to thoroughly dry the crack 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's worn-out not only looks bad and can pose a security risk, but also allows outside air in and heat out. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping inside your home. First, ensure you have all the tools and materials. This includes a new weather stripping kit, or adhesive/caulk sealant (depending on your chosen repair method) and scissors, pliers, utility knife, as well as gloves or goggles that are protective. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting one end piece and lifting it up with any screws for attachment when applicable. Then remove any pieces still left in the pliers or pry bar. Start by measuring the gap around the door frame. You can use these measurements to determine the length of weather stripping that you require. Be sure to leave a little extra length so that you can fine-tune the fit later. Once you have the correct size you can apply the adhesive backing and press it against the frame. If you wish you want to, use a nail to tack the frame to the wall. Apply wood filler to the frame to fill any holes or divots. Let the filler dry completely prior to painting. It is best to use oil-based paint, however, latex can also be used. The last thing to do is clean your sliding door tracks and doors frequently. Making the effort to do this will prevent sticking and other issues in the future. Repairing and maintaining your patio doors will ensure they remain functional, attractive and energy efficient. If you do this you can enjoy the great outdoors with confidence and save money at the same time! Enjoy your home improvements!