How to Repair Patio Doors Sliding patio door enhances the appearance of a house and offers comfort and energy efficiency. However they require regular maintenance to function in the way they were designed to. These simple tasks can help you extend the life of your doors, and reduce costly repairs. In certain situations, the skills of a professional may be required to repair more severe damage. Clear the Tracks If a sliding patio door gets stuck in its tracks, it could be difficult to open and close. Fortunately, this is usually a simple problem to solve. In most instances, the door requires lubrication to get it moving again. Regularly cleaning the tracks and sliding patio doors can help stop the buildup of dirt that can cause problems with the operation of the tracks. It's important to clean or scrub the tracks and sill every week to remove larger pieces of dirt. Then employ a soft sponge or cloth with mild soap and warm water to clean them clean and wash them thoroughly. You can also scrub the stubborn stains on the tracks with a small brush, but be careful not to scratch or harm the tracks. Be sure to clean all the nooks, crevices and corners of the tracks and sill. After the tracks and sill have been cleaned, they should be wiped with a cloth that is free of lint and dried with paper towel. If you have white wine vinegar in your house, it can be used to remove stubborn stains. Apply a small amount of vinegar to a clean, soft cloth and rub the area that has the stain. If the stains persist you can try rubbing them using a small brush or an old toothbrush and then rinse with water. Keep your sliding doors and tracks clean to prolong their lifespan and improve their efficiency. Clean them every time you clean your windows. Be sure to check the weather strip around doors to the patio regularly and replace it if it is damaged or worn. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-london/ is a vital step to reduce energy costs while ensuring the comfort of your home. If you notice drafts or an increase in your heating and cooling bills, it might be time to consider investing in new patio doors that have improved insulation. Lubricate the Locks The lock mechanism needs to be kept lubricated to ensure smooth operation of the patio door. This can also prolong the longevity of the lock since it won't be prone to tears and wear. You can apply graphite lock grease or light machine oil. Using the correct lubricant will help to avoid gunk buildup, which can cause the delicate pins inside the lock to become damaged. Graphite is a great lubricant for the lock's cylinder, since it doesn't remove dirt or wash away. The dry lubricant is readily available at most hardware stores. It is available in a squeeze-bottle that allows you blow the powder directly into the lock. Then, simply insert your key and move it back and forth to spread the graphite around the internal parts of the lock. Spray WD-40 directly onto the lock cylinder. This will provide an instant burst of lubrication, but it may be too strong for some locks. If the cylinder is stuck you can try putting the key in and out several times to distribute the WD-40 across all internal components. Teflon-based lubricants are another option. These lubricants can withstand extreme temperatures and are extremely durable, which makes them an excellent option for locking. They also resist water and can help prevent rust, which can sometimes affect other types of lubricants. If you find that your sliding patio door is difficult to close or open, the problem may be due to the locking mechanism not aligned properly with the frame. It's recommended to call locksmiths if you're unable to fix the problem yourself. They'll inspect your lock and determine what is causing it to be difficult and stiff to operate. They can also install new springs and rollers to improve the function of your patio door. If necessary, they'll help you select the right locks to replace the ones that are damaged. You'll never have to worry again about losing your keys or getting damaged locks on your door. Adjust the Rollers Difficulty opening and closing a patio door can be caused by misaligned or faulty rollers or tracks, or latches. If your door is squeaking due to one or more of these issues, the fix can be simple. If the problem continues to persist, and you feel drafts or you notice an increase in heating and cooling bills, it may be time to replace your doors. The next thing to do is to check the rollers. The rollers are an essential element of a sliding track, and in the event that they're damaged or worn they could cause the doors to become stuck. To remove the rollers with a Phillips screwdriver, pry them gently up by removing screw that holds them into place. You can easily take off the screws and replace the rollers if needed. Most patio door systems use steel wheels that can get rusty over time. Plastic wheels are used on the majority of newer doors and they last longer than metal ones. If your wheels have rusted and worn out, you'll have to replace the entire track and rollers. If your rollers function, you can usually adjust the alignment by using the adjustment screws at the bottom of the track. (The screwdriver that you used to remove the rollers will also work). By turning these screws, you can either tighten or loosen the track to place it properly. If you've got the adjustment right, your door should be in full contact with the track, and there shouldn’t be any gaps. After the adjustment is completed then lubricate the rollers and track with a silicone-based spray lubricant. Apply a large amount of oil to the rollers and track. Then, move the door forward and backwards a few times in order to spread the lubricant. Once the lubricant is dry and you are able to open and shut your patio door with no issues. If you are still experiencing issues, contact your Milgard dealer for assistance. They will show you how to replace the parts and assist you in finding the problem. Replace the Glass Patio doors are ideal for bringing natural light into your home and provide stunning views of the natural world. However, they can also be security-related as a broken window pane could easily allow intruders to gain entry into your home. Replacing the glass on these doors is important to keep them safe and operating properly. It might seem difficult to replace a patio door pane if the glass has broken. With the right guidance, replacing a window on a patio door is actually quite easy. You can complete this task without removing the door from its frame. To get started, first take off the trim around the glass, which is referred to as the mull. Place a putty knife between the trim and door and then apply a small pry-bar and hammer. Be careful not to break or bend the trim, and ensure you wear gloves and long-sleeved clothes. After removing the old glass, vacuum and sweep the area to remove any broken glass. Wipe the frame. Duct tape any cracks on the frame to reinforce it. Then, you are able to begin building the door. Be sure to take measurements of (and note the thickness) the original glass prior to starting. This will allow you to ensure that the replacement glass is of the proper size and thickness. After reassembling your frame apply a clear silicone caulk around the opening. This will stop air or water from leaking into the gap, which could damage the glass. After the caulk has dried then slide the new window into place. Then, use the glazing points as a way to secure it. Once the glass is secured, replace the stops using brad nails. Then use the nail punch to push them in. Patio doors do not only offer an amazing view, but they can also increase the energy efficiency of your home by reducing transfer of cold and heat from the inside to the outside. They can also provide an additional layer of protection against storms and other elements which could damage your windows or create leaks.