Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors provide homeowners with sunlight and fresh, clean air. They also increase the value of a house. However, with time, they may cause issues that must be addressed immediately. Understanding how patio doors work will help homeowners communicate better with contractors about issues they encounter. Here are some of the most common problems with patio doors: Rollers that aren't aligned properly It's sometimes difficult to open a patio sliding door. The majority of these non-cooperative sliding patio doors can be fixed easily with a bit of oiling and cleaning in the event that a structural issue is present. The majority of the time dirt in the lower track can cause the bottom track and rollers to be misaligned. In this instance, clean the track thoroughly and apply an even layer of lubricant so that the rollers are able to glide easily. The misalignment can 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 which lift the door. When worn or damaged, these components can affect the alignment of the rollers, causing resistance as well as other issues such as an increased weight of the door or energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections can help ensure that these components work in harmony to keep your patio door functioning smoothly. To check roller-to-roller alignment, set up the crow's feet at the one end of the track and use a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, observing the distance that each travels. Repeat the process at the other end of the track and divide by two to find the rollers' alignment (Photo 1). This method isn't as accurate as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's much quicker and simpler than measuring each rail with a level or carpenter's level. You can also test the alignment of the rollers by removing the head stop. This is an aluminum plate situated at the bottom of the door jamb. It stops the rollers. This will require removing any grilles or shades that are removable and, in the event that the door is heavy, obtaining assistance in this process. After the head stop has been removed, remove the head track adjustment screws by backing them out with 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 the hammer. Dirty tracks or damaged tracks Patio doors that slide are magnets for debris, dirt and other elements outside. They are also susceptible to misalignment, as well as other issues that require professional assistance to fix. To prolong the lifespan of your patio doors, it's important to identify and address these issues in the earliest time possible. One of the most common causes for sliding patio doors to fail is filthy tracks. Over time, food debris, pet hair, and yard debris could get stuck in the small spaces of the track of your sliding door, causing the door to stick or become difficult to open. To avoid this it is recommended to clean and vacuum your patio door tracks once every month. After you've cleared all the loose debris and dirt, you can use a non-abrasive home cleaning solution or warm soapy water to wipe down your patio door tracks. If you notice parts of the track are harder to clean, try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean these small spaces. In addition to cleaning the tracks, you should keep them lubricated to prevent sliding doors from squeezing or becoming difficult to open. If you own Panda patio doors It is recommended that you add silicone spray to the bottom track on a regular basis. You can also rub paraffin wax along the track to enhance the glide. Air leaks or drafts can also impact your sliding patio doors. This can occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door is damaged or worn out. This can cause an opening between your sliding patio door and the frame. This allows air to enter and decreases the efficiency of energy. Make sure your weatherstripping is in good shape and replace it if needed. Over time, your patio door may experience normal wear. These problems are usually not a sign of an urgent problem. In most cases, small repairs can prolong the life of your patio door and keep it operating properly. Get in touch with a professional as soon as you notice any problems to avoid costly repairs. Warped or cracked glass A warped or cracked patio door is an eyesore and a potential security risk. It can also let in unwanted critters and make your home temperature fluctuate wildly. These issues are simple to fix if they are detected early. First, a quick look at the glass will determine the type of repair is needed. Usually, cracks in glass are the result of stress or impact. They can be a bit more difficult to fix than normal chipping on the surface. A professional will probably need to re-lead this panel. This will mean removing the glass, cleaning and replacing any broken pieces. To make sure that the new glass to the old one, professionals require accurate documentation of how the piece looked at the time. Plastic epoxy can be used to fill a crack. You can purchase this at a hardware store, or in the home improvement section. A professional will typically use a soldering iron to melt the plastic, then apply it to the cracks in the glass. Once the plastic has cooled down and the professional has removed any excess. If the crack is not too big it might be possible to repair the glass by using clear sealant. You can purchase this type of sealant at any hardware retailer. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-london/ is important to thoroughly dry the crack before applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. You can speed up the process by using a hair dryer or another fan. Weatherstripping damaged A weather stripping that's worn-out not only looks bad and can pose a security risk it also lets the outside air and heat out. A simple fix with a new piece of weather stripping will save you money and make your home more comfortable. First, ensure you have all the necessary tools and supplies. You'll need an additional weather-stripping kit, or adhesive or caulk sealing agent (depending on the repair method you select) tools, pliers and a pair of scissors, a utility blade as well as protective gloves or goggles, and a replacement weather-stripping kit. Remove the weather stripping that was used previously by cutting through the end piece and pulling it up using any screws that are attached, if appropriate. Then remove any pieces left in the pliers or pry bar. Begin by measuring the space around the door frame. Make use of the measurements to determine the size of weather stripping you need. Be sure to leave a little bit of extra length to adjust the fit later. Once you've found the perfect size, place the backing and press it against the frame. If you want you want to, use a nail to secure the frame in place. Finally apply some wood filler to any holes or divots in the frame. Let the filler dry completely before applying paint. It is best to use oil-based paints, however, latex paint can also be used. The last thing to do is clean your sliding door tracks and doors regularly. This will avoid future issues like sticking. Cleaning and maintaining your patio doors will ensure that they remain attractive, functional and energy-efficient. When you do this, you can enjoy the great outdoors with confidence, and save money at the same time! Happy home-fixing!