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Patio Doors Repairs

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

Understanding how patio doors operate can help homeowners communicate more effectively with contractors regarding issues they face. Here are some of the most frequently encountered patio door problems:

Rollers that aren't aligned properly

It's not always easy to open a sliding patio door. Most of these uncooperative sliding patio doors can be fixed by a little oiling and cleaning in the event that a structural issue is present. The most frequent cause is dirt in the lower track, which may cause the rollers to rub against the track at the bottom and cause them to be misaligned. In this case, clean the track thoroughly before applying an even layer of lubricant so that the rollers can glide easily.

Misalignment can also occur because of wear or damage in the hinges that connect the doors, which house some of the rollers; springs either torsion or extension and cables that raise the door. When damaged or worn, these components can affect the alignment of the rollers, causing resistance, as well as an increased weight of the door or energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and regular professional inspections can ensure that these components work harmoniously to keep your patio door operating smoothly.

To check roller-to-roller alignment, set up an eagle's foot at the one end of the track. use a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, recording the distance that each travels. Repeat the process on the other end of the track, then divide by 2 to obtain a reading of the rollers' parallelism (Photo 1). This method isn't as accurate as using a pi tape to measure diameter directly. It is however, faster and easier than using a carpenter's or level to measure the length of each rail.

Another method of checking the alignment of rollers is to take off the head stop, a flat plate on the door jamb at bottom of the frame that blocks the rollers. This requires removing any removable grilles or shades, and in the event that the door is heavy, you should seek assistance in this process. After removing the head stop, remove the head track adjusters screws by backing them up with the screwdriver. After reinstalling the assembly and aligning each adjustment screw with its access hole, then tapping it with the hammer.

Dirty or damaged tracks

The sliding patio door acts as magnet for dirt, debris and other elements. They also are susceptible to misalignment, and other issues that may require professional repairs. To extend the life of your patio doors, it's essential to find and fix these issues as soon as possible.

Dirty tracks are among the most common causes of problems with sliding patio doors. Over time, food particles, pet hair and yard debris could get trapped within the narrow spaces of the track of your sliding door and cause the door to snag or become difficult to open. To avoid problems like this it is recommended to vacuum and clean your patio door tracks once per month. After you've cleared all the debris that has accumulated then you can use a non-abrasive household cleaning solution or warm soapy water to clean down your patio door tracks. If you notice that certain areas of the track are difficult to clean, you can use the butter knife or toothbrush to clean these tiny spaces.

It is also recommended to 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 suggest applying silicone spray to your bottom track on a regular basis. You can also rub paraffin wax along the track to improve glide.

Air leaks or drafts can also impact your sliding patio doors. This can occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has damaged or worn out. This can cause a gap between the frame and the door that allows air to enter and reduce energy efficiency. Check that your weatherstripping is in good condition and replace it if necessary.

Over time, your patio door may experience normal wear. However, these issues are typically not indicative of a major problem. Small repairs can prolong the life of your patio door. Call a professional as quickly when you notice any issues to avoid costly repairs.

Warped or cracked glass

A cracked or warped patio door can be a major eye-sore and could pose a security risk. It can also let in unwanted critters and make your home's temperature fluctuate dramatically. Thankfully, these problems are usually easy to fix in the event that you spot them early.

First, a quick look at the glass can determine the type of repair is needed. Glass cracks are typically caused by impact or stress. These are more difficult to repair than chips that are on the surface. A professional may need to reconnect this panel. This will require the removal of the glass, cleaning it, and replacing broken pieces. To do this, professionals will require accurate documentation of the glass in its original form to help match up the new glass to the old one.

Sometimes cracks in glass can be filled with epoxy plastic. It is available in a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will employ a soldering tool to melt the plastic then apply it to the crack. After the plastic has cooled down and the professional has removed any excess.

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If the crack isn't too large it is possible to repair the glass using clear sealant. http://kuri6005.sakura.ne.jp/aspnet/wiki/index.php?fuentesgould453749 of product is available at any hardware store. However, it is important to dry thoroughly the damaged area prior to applying the sealant. This will prevent the repair from failing. You can accelerate the process by using a hair dryer or another fan.

Weatherstripping damaged

A weather stripping that's worn-out is not just ugly and can pose a security risk it also lets the outside air and heat to escape. A quick fix with a new piece of weather stripping could save you money while keeping your home more comfortable.

First, make sure you have all the tools and supplies. You'll require a replacement weather-stripping kit or adhesive/caulk sealing agent (depending on the repair method you select) as well as pliers and scissors, a utility knife and gloves or goggles that are protective and a replacement weather-stripping kit. Remove the old weather stripping, by cutting through the end piece, and then pulling it back up with any screws attached if applicable. Remove any remaining pieces using pliers and a prybar.

If you decide to replace the weather stripping, start by measuring the gap that is around the door frame. You can use these measurements to determine the size of weather stripping that you will require. Be sure to leave an extra length to allow for fine-tuning later. Once you have the correct size then apply the backing of the adhesive and press it against the frame. If you wish, nail it in place using a small nail or hammer.

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

Also, ensure that you clean your sliding doors and tracks regularly. Taking the time to do this can prevent the doors from sticking and other issues down the road. Keeping up with maintenance and repairs to your patio doors ensures they are practical, attractive, and energy-efficient. When you do this you can enjoy the outdoors with confidence and save some money in the process! Happy home-fixing!