Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors provide homeowners with natural fresh air and light and boost the value of a home. But over time, they could create issues that must be addressed quickly. Understanding how patio doors function will help homeowners communicate with a contractor about the issues they face. Here are some of the most common repairs to patio doors:. Misaligned rollers It's sometimes difficult to open a patio sliding door. The majority of these uncooperative sliding patio doors can be fixed with a bit of oiling and cleaning, unless a structural issue is present. The most common culprit is dirt on the lower track, which may cause the rollers to rub against the track at the bottom and cause them to misalign. In this instance clean the track thoroughly before applying an even layer of lubricant so that the rollers are able to glide smoothly. Misalignment can also occur because of wear or damage in the hinges that connect the doors, which house some of the rollers; springs either torsion or extension and cables, which lift the door. When these components are damaged or worn, can cause roller alignment issues and cause resistance, as well as other problems, such as a heavier feeling door or increased energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections will ensure that these components are working together to ensure that your patio doors are operating smoothly. Create a crow's foot at one end and use the tramming stick to sweep across the rollers. Take note of the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process at the opposite side of the track, then divide by 2 to get a measurement of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method is not as precise as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's faster and easier than measuring each rail with a level, or carpenter's level. Another option to check roller alignment is to remove the head stop, a flat plate on the door jamb at bottom of the frame that blocks the rollers. This requires removing any grilles or shades that are removable and, in the event that the door is heavy, you should seek help with this step. After removing the head stop take out the head track adjustment screws by securing them with the screwdriver. Then, reinstalling the assembly by aligning each screw for adjustment to the hole that it is accessible through, and tapping it with a Hammer. Tracks that are dirty or damaged A sliding patio door can serve as a magnet for dirt, debris and other elements. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-london/ can also be prone to misalignment and other issues that could require professional repair. To prolong the life of your patio doors, it's essential to find and fix these issues in the earliest time possible. One of the main reasons for sliding patio doors to fail is dirty tracks. Over time, dirt, food particles, pet hair and yard debris could get stuck in the small spaces of your door's track and cause the door to stick or become difficult to open. It is recommended that you clean and vacuum the tracks of your patio door at least once a month to avoid problems. You can clean your patio door tracks with a non-abrasive cleaning solution, or with warm soapy tap water after having removed any loose debris. If you notice that some areas of the track are difficult to clean, you can try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean out these small spaces. It is also recommended to lubricate the tracks regularly to avoid your sliding door from becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we suggest applying silicone spray to your bottom track regularly. You can also use paraffin wax to enhance the glide. A draft or a leak of air can also impact your sliding patio doors. This can happen when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has worn away or has been damaged. This could cause a gap between your patio door and the frame. This allows air to enter and reduces the energy efficiency. Make sure your weatherstripping is in good shape and replace it if needed. Over time your patio door could experience normal wear. These problems are usually not a sign of an urgent problem. In most cases, small repairs can extend the life of your patio door and ensure that it is functioning properly. Get a professional in touch to fix any problems as soon as they are apparent to avoid costly repairs in the future. Glass that has cracked or warped A damaged or cracked patio door can be a major eye-sore and could pose a security risk. This can also allow unwanted animals to get into your home and cause the temperature to fluctuate. These issues are simple to fix when discovered early. First, a quick glance at the glass can help determine what kind of repair is needed. Glass cracks are typically caused by stress or impact. They can be a bit more difficult to fix than normal surface chips. A professional may have to reconnect this panel. This will require removing the glass clean it, and replacing broken pieces. To make sure that the new glass to the original, professionals require exact documentation of how the piece looked at the time. Sometimes cracks in the glass can be filled with epoxy made of plastic. It is available in a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will use a soldering tool to melt the plastic then apply it on the crack. Once the plastic has cooled and the professional has removed any excess. If the crack is not too big it might be possible to repair the glass with clear sealant. This type of product is available at any hardware store. However, it is crucial to dry thoroughly the damaged area prior to applying sealant. This will stop the repair from failing. A hair dryer or any other fan can be used to expedite this procedure. Damaged weatherstripping A worn-out weather stripping not only looks ugly and can pose a security risk it also lets outside air in and heat out. A simple fix using a new piece of weather stripping can save you money and keep your home more comfortable. First, ensure that you have all the tools and materials. You will need a replacement weather-stripping kit or adhesive or caulk sealing agent (depending on the repair method you select), pliers and scissors, a utility blade as well as protective gloves or goggles and a replacement weather-stripping kit. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting through the end piece, and then pulling it back up using any screws that are attached, if necessary. Then take care to remove any pieces left over using pliers or a pry bar. If you decide to replace the weather stripping, begin by measuring the gap that is around your door frame. The measurements can be used to determine the amount of weather stripping that you need. Make sure you leave a little extra length so you can fine-tune the size later. Once you've found the perfect size, place the backing and press the material against the frame. If you wish, nail it in place using a small nail or hammer. Apply wood filler to the frame to cover any divots or holes. Allow the filler to dry completely before applying paint. It's 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 frequently. Making the effort to do this can prevent the doors from sticking and other problems down the road. Keeping up with maintenance and repairs to your patio doors will ensure they are practical, attractive and energy efficient. If you do this you can enjoy the great outdoors with confidence, and save money at the same time! Happy home-fixing!