7 Tricks To Help Make The Most Out Of Your Patio Doors Repairs

sliding glass patio door replacement cost provide homeowners with sunlight and fresh, air. They also enhance the value of a home. In time, however they could develop issues that require immediate attention. Understanding how patio doors operate will help homeowners communicate better with contractors regarding issues they face. Here are some common patio door repairs:. Misaligned rollers It's not always simple to open a patio sliding door. But, unless there's an underlying structural problem, most such doors that aren't cooperating can be fixed with some cleaning and lubrication. The majority of the time, dirt in the lower track can cause the track's rollers and bottom track to become misaligned. In this case clean the track thoroughly and apply an even layer of lubricant so that the rollers are able to glide easily. The misalignment can also be caused by wear or damage to the hinges that connect the doors that house a portion of these rollers; springs (whether torsion or extensions) and cables that lift the door. When they are damaged or worn out, could affect roller alignment and cause resistance, as well as other problems, such as the door feeling heavier or increased energy consumption. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections will ensure that these components are working together to keep your patio doors operating smoothly. Install a crow's feet at one end, and use a trammingstick to sweep across the rollers. Take note of the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process at the other end of the track, and then divide by two to find the alignment of the rollers (Photo 1). This method isn't as precise as using pi tapes to measure the diameter directly, but it's much quicker and simpler than measuring each rail using a level or carpenter's level. Another option for checking roller alignment is to remove the head stop, a flat plate in the jamb of the door at the bottom of the frame, which stops the rollers. This requires removing any removable grilles or shades and, when the door is heavy, you should seek assistance with this step. Once the head stop has been removed, remove the head track adjustment screws by pushing them out using a screwdriver, then reinstall the assembly by aligning each screw adjustment for the roller with the access hole for it and tapping it in with a hammer. Dirty or damaged tracks A sliding patio door can serve as magnet for dirt, debris and other elements. They are also prone to misalignment, and other issues which may require professional assistance to fix. To extend the lifespan of your patio door finding and fixing these issues promptly is crucial. One of the main causes for sliding patio doors to malfunction is filthy tracks. Over time, dirt, food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris can get stuck in the small spaces of your sliding door track which can cause the door to snag or become difficult to open. To avoid problems like this, it's recommended to clean and vacuum your patio door tracks at least once every month. You can clean your patio door tracks with a non-abrasive cleaner or warm soapy tap water once you've removed any debris that is floating around. If you notice that certain areas of the track are harder to clean, try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean these small areas. In addition to cleaning the tracks, it is recommended to lubricate them regularly to prevent your sliding door from sticking or becoming difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we suggest adding silicone spray to your bottom track regularly. You can also apply 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 has damaged or worn out. This can result in gaps between the frame and door, which allows air to come in and reduces energy efficiency. Check that your weather stripping is in good condition and replace it if needed. Over time, your patio door may experience normal wear. However these issues are usually not indicative of a major problem. In most cases, minor repairs can extend the life of your patio door and keep it operating properly. Contact a professional to address any issues as soon as they appear to save on costly repairs in the future. Glass that has cracked or warped A patio door that's cracked or warped can be a real eyesore, and it could pose a security risk. It can also let in unwanted critters and make your home temperature fluctuate wildly. Fortunately, these issues are usually fixable if you catch them early. A quick glance at the glass will determine the type of repair is needed. Glass cracks are typically caused by impact or stress. These are a little more difficult to fix than normal cracks in the surface. A professional may have to re-lead the panel. This will require the removal of the glass, cleaning it, and replacing broken pieces. For this reason, professionals will require accurate documentation of the piece as it was originally viewed to ensure that the new glass with the old. Sometimes cracks in glass can be filled with epoxy plastic. It can be bought from hardware stores or in the home improvement section of many stores. A professional will typically employ a soldering iron to melt the plastic, then apply it to the crack in the glass. After it has been cooled, the professional will wipe away any excess. If the crack is not too big it is possible to repair the glass using clear sealant. This type of product is available at any hardware store. It is essential to dry the crack completely prior to applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. You can accelerate the process by using a hair dryer or another fan. Weatherstripping damaged A weather stripping that is worn out is not just unsightly and a security hazard, but it also allows air from outside to get in and heat or cold to escape. A simple fix with a new piece of weather stripping can save you money and make your home more comfortable. Make sure you have the proper tools and materials. This includes a replacement weather stripping kit or caulk sealant adhesive (depending on the repair method) tools, scissors, pliers, utility knife, and some gloves or goggles that are protective. Remove the old weather stripping, by cutting through an end piece and pulling it up with any screws attached, if appropriate. Then take care to remove any pieces left in the pliers or pry bar. If you decide to replace the weather stripping, start by measuring the distance around the door frame. Utilize the measurements to determine what size weather stripping you will need. Be sure to leave a little bit of extra length so you can refine the size later. Once you've found the perfect size, apply the backing with adhesive and press it against the frame. If you want you want to, use a nail to secure the frame to the wall. Finally apply wood filler to any divots or holes in the frame. Let the filler dry completely before applying paint. It's best to use oil-based paints, but latex will also work. Lastly, make sure to clean your tracks and sliding doors regularly. By taking the time to do this will prevent sticking and other issues in the future. Repairing and maintaining your patio doors will ensure that 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 renovation projects!