Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors provide homeowners with sunlight and fresh, clean air. They also boost the value of homes. However, over time, they could cause issues that must be addressed swiftly. Understanding how patio doors function can help homeowners better communicate with contractors about the issues they experience. Here are some common patio door repairs:. Rollers that aren't aligned properly Sometimes, a sliding patio door will get stuck and it's difficult to get the thing to open once more. But in the absence of a underlying structural issue, most doors that aren't cooperating can be repaired with a little cleaning and lubrication. Typically dirt in the lower track can cause the bottom track and rollers to be misaligned. In this case, you'll need to clean the track and apply a light coat of lubricant so that the rollers move easily. The misalignment could also be because of wear or damage in the hinges connecting the doors which house a portion of the rollers, springs, whether torsion or extension and cables that raise the door. These components, when damaged or worn out, could alter the alignment of rollers and lead to resistance and other problems, such as the door feeling heavier or increased energy consumption. Regular maintenance checks and periodic inspections by a professional can help ensure that all the components work in harmony to ensure that your patio door is operating smoothly. To verify the alignment between rollers, set up the crow's feet at the one end of the track and use a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, noting the distance that each travels. Repeat the process on the other end of the track, then divide by 2 to get a measurement of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method isn't as precise as using pi tape to measure the diameter directly. It is however, faster and easier than using a carpenter's level to measure each rail. Another option for checking the alignment of rollers is to take off the head stop, which is a flat plate in the door jamb at the bottom of the frame that blocks the rollers. If the door is heavy you may require help in removing removable grilles and shades. After the head stop has been removed, remove the head track adjustment screws 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. Tracks that are damaged or dirty A sliding patio door can serve as magnet for dirt, debris and other elements. They are also prone to misalignment, and other issues that may require professional assistance to fix. To prolong the life of your patio door, the identification and resolution of these issues early on is essential. Dirty tracks are one of the most frequent causes of malfunctions in sliding patio doors. Over time, dirt, food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris could get trapped in the tiny spaces of the track of your sliding door and cause the door to stick or become difficult to open. It is recommended to clean and vacuum your patio door tracks every month at a minimum to avoid problems like this. You can clean your patio door tracks using a non-abrasive cleaner or use warm soapy tap water after you've removed any loose debris. If you notice that some areas of the track are difficult to clean, you can use the butter knife or toothbrush to clean these small areas. It is also recommended to lubricate the tracks frequently to prevent your sliding door becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we suggest adding silicone spray to the bottom track on a regular basis. You can also use paraffin wax to increase the glide. Another common issue that can impact your sliding patio door is a draft or air leak. This can occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has damaged or worn out. This can cause an opening between the frame and door, which allows air to be able to enter and decrease the efficiency of your energy. Make sure that your weatherstripping is in good shape and replace it if needed. Over https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-epsom/ , your patio door may see normal wear and tear. These issues are not usually an indication of a serious issue. In most cases, minor repairs can extend the lifespan of your patio door and ensure that it is functioning properly. Call a professional as quickly when you notice any issues to avoid costly repairs in the future. Warped or cracked glass A damaged or cracked patio door can be a major eyesore and a potential security risk. This can also allow unwanted animals to get into your home and cause the temperature to fluctuate. Thankfully, these problems are usually fixable in the event that you spot them early. A quick glance at the glass can determine the type of repair is required. Cracks in glass are usually caused by impact or stress. These are more difficult to repair than surface chips. A professional may have to re-lead the panel. This will require removing the glass and replacing any broken pieces. To ensure that the new glass with the old one, professionals require precise documentation of the way the piece looked at the time. Sometimes cracks in the glass can be filled with plastic epoxy. You can buy this at a hardware store, or in the home improvement section. A professional will employ a soldering tool to melt the plastic then apply it on the crack. After it has cooled, the professional can remove any excess. If the crack is small, it may be possible to repair the glass using clear sealant. This type of product can be purchased at any hardware store. It is essential 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 other fan. Weatherstripping that is damaged A worn out weather stripping is not just unsightly and a security risk but it also allows outside air to seep in and heat or cold to escape. A quick fix with a new piece of weather stripping can save you money while keeping your home more comfortable. Make sure you have the proper tools and materials. This includes a new weather stripping kit or caulk sealant or adhesive (depending on your chosen repair method) tools, scissors, pliers, a utility knife, and some gloves or goggles that are protective. Remove the old weather stripping, by cutting through the end piece and pulling it up using any screws that are attached, if necessary. Remove any remaining pieces using the pliers and a prybar. If you decide to replace the weather stripping, start by measuring the gap that is around the door frame. Make use of the measurements to determine the size of weather stripping you will need. Make sure to leave some extra length for later fine-tuning. Once you have the right size you can apply the backing of the adhesive and press it against the frame. If you want, secure it to the frame with small nails or hammers. Finally apply some wood filler to any holes or divots in the frame. Let the filler dry completely before applying any paint. In general, it is best to apply oil-based paint over the filler, however latex paint is also a good choice. Finally, be sure to clean your sliding doors and tracks regularly. This will avoid future issues like sticking. Making sure you are keeping up with maintenance and repairs to your patio doors will ensure they remain attractive, functional, and energy-efficient. If you do this you will be able to enjoy the outdoors with confidence and save money at the same time! Enjoy your home improvements!