Patio Doors Repairs

Patio doors provide homeowners with natural fresh air and light, and they enhance the value of a house. However, over time, they could cause issues that must be addressed quickly.

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

Rollers that aren't aligned properly

Sometimes the sliding patio door gets stuck and it's not easy to get the thing to open again. However in the absence of a underlying structural issue, most uncooperative doors can be easily fixed with some cleaning and lubrication. The majority of the time, dirt in the lower track can cause the bottom track and rollers to be misaligned. In this situation, you'll need to clean the track and apply a thin 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, which house some of the rollers, springs either torsion or extension; and cables, which lift the door. These components, when damaged or worn, may alter the alignment of rollers and lead to resistance and other issues, like a heavier feeling door or increased energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections will ensure that these elements are in sync to ensure that your patio doors are operating smoothly.

To determine the alignment of rollers and alignment, place a crow's foot at the one end of the track. Then use a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, noting the distance they travel. Repeat the process on the other end of the track, and divide by 2 to obtain a reading of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method isn't as accurate as using a pi tape to measure diameter directly. However, it's faster and easier than using a carpenter's level to measure each rail.

Another method of checking the alignment of rollers is to take off the head stop, a flat plate that is located on the jamb of the door at the bottom of the frame that stops the rollers. This requires the removal of any grilles or shades that are removable and, if the door is heavy, obtaining help with this step. Once the head stop is removed, carefully remove the screws that adjust the head track by pushing them out using an screwdriver. Reinstall the assembly by aligning each roller adjustment screw with its access hole and tapping it in with a Hammer.

Tracks that are damaged or dirty

A sliding patio door can serve as magnet for dirt, debris, and other elements. They also are susceptible to misalignment and other issues that require professional assistance to fix. To extend the life of your patio door, identifying and addressing these problems promptly is crucial.

One of the main reasons for sliding patio doors to fail is dirty tracks. Over time dirt and other debris like food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris, can get caught in the tiny spaces between your sliding door tracks, causing it to become stuck or difficult to open. It is recommended that you clean and vacuum the tracks of your patio doors every month at a minimum to avoid problems like this. You can clean your Make sure you have the appropriate tools and materials. You'll require a replacement weather-stripping kit or adhesive or caulk sealing agent (depending on the repair method you select), 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 through an end piece and pulling it up using any screws that are attached, if appropriate. Remove any remaining pieces using pliers and a prybar.

If you decide to replace the weather stripping, begin by measuring the gap around your door frame. Utilize the measurements to determine the size of weather stripping you need. Be sure to leave an extra length to allow for fine-tuning later. Once you've found the perfect size you can apply the backing with adhesive and press it against the frame. If desired, tack it to the frame using small nails or hammers.

Apply wood patio door repair (visit website) filler to the frame to cover any holes or divots. Let the filler completely dry before painting. It is recommended to use oil-based paints however, latex can also be used.

Also, ensure that you clean your tracks and sliding doors regularly. By taking the time to do this prevents sticking and other issues down the road. Making sure you are keeping up with maintenance and repairs to your patio doors will ensure they stay functional, attractive and energy efficient. By doing so you can enjoy the outdoors with confidence and save money in the process! Happy home-fixing!