Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors give homeowners sunlight and fresh, clean air. They also enhance the value of a home. Over time, however they could develop issues that require immediate attention. Understanding how patio doors work will help homeowners communicate with a contractor regarding the issues they face. Here are some common repairs for patio doors:. Misaligned rollers It's sometimes difficult to open a patio sliding door. However it's not a sign of a structural issue, the majority of uncooperative doors can be easily fixed with some cleaning and lubrication. Most often dirt on the lower track can cause the bottom track and rollers to be misaligned. In this instance it is necessary to clean the track and apply a light coating of lubricant to let the rollers glide easily. It can be caused by damage or wear to the hinges connecting the doors that house a portion of these rollers; springs (whether extensions or torsion); and cables which lift the door. These components, when damaged or worn out, could affect roller alignment and lead to resistance and other issues, like a heavier feeling door or a rise in energy consumption. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional will ensure that these elements are in sync to keep your patio doors operating smoothly. To check roller-to-roller alignment, set up an eagle's foot at the one end of the track. employ a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, recording the distance they travel. Repeat the process at the opposite side of the track, and 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 quicker and simpler than measuring each individual rail with a level or carpenter's level. Another option for checking roller alignment is to remove the head stop, which is a flat plate that is located on the door jamb at bottom of the frame, which stops the rollers. This requires removing any grilles or shades that can be removed, and when the door is heavy, you should seek help with this step. After the head stop is removed, carefully remove the screws that adjust the head track by pushing them out using the help of a screwdriver. Then, reinstall the assembly by aligning each roller adjustment screw with its access hole and tapping it in with a hammer. Tracks that are damaged or dirty The sliding patio door acts as a magnet for dirt, debris and other elements. They are also susceptible to misalignment and other issues that require professional repair services. To extend the life of your patio doors, it's important to identify and address these problems in the earliest time possible. One of the most frequent reasons for sliding patio doors to fail is dirty tracks. Over time, dirt food debris, 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 these issues it is recommended to sweep and clean your patio door tracks at least once every month. After you've removed all of 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 that certain areas of the track are difficult to clean, try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean out these tiny spaces. In addition to cleaning the tracks, you must keep them lubricated to prevent your sliding door from becoming stuck or becoming difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we suggest adding silicone spray to your bottom track on a regular basis. You can also use paraffin wax to improve the glide. A draft or air leak can also impact your sliding patio doors. This could occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door is worn or is damaged. This could cause gaps between your patio door and the frame. This allows air to enter and decreases the efficiency of energy. Check that your weather stripping is in good working order and replace it as necessary. Over time, your patio door may be subject to normal wear and tear. These issues are not usually an indication of a serious problem. Minor repairs can extend the lifespan of your patio door. Call a professional as quickly when you notice any issues to avoid costly repairs. Warped or cracked glass A patio door that is cracked or warped is a real eye-sore and could be a security risk. It can also let in unwanted animals and cause your home's temperature fluctuate dramatically. Thankfully, these problems are usually fixable in the event that you spot them early. A quick glance at the glass can help you determine what type of repairs are required. Glass cracks are typically caused by impact or stress. They are more difficult to repair than chips that are on the surface. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/southampton-patio-door-repairs-near-me/ may need to re-lead the panel. This will mean taking the glass off, cleaning and replacing any broken pieces. To help match the new glass to the original, a professional needs accurate documentation of the way the piece looked at the time. Sometimes cracks in glass can be filled with epoxy made of plastic. You can buy this in a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will usually use an iron soldering to melt the plastic then apply it to the crack in the glass. After it has been cooled, the professional will remove any excess. If the crack isn't too large it is possible to repair the glass with clear sealant. This kind of product is available at any hardware store. It is crucial to dry the crack thoroughly prior to applying sealant. This will stop the repair from failing. A hair dryer or any other fan can be used to expedite this process. Weatherstripping damaged A damaged weather stripping is not just unsightly and a security hazard, but it also allows outside air to enter and cold or heat to escape. A simple fix with a new piece of weather stripping will save you money and keep your home more comfortable. First, make sure you have all the tools and materials. You'll need an additional weather-stripping kit, or adhesive/caulk sealing agents (depending on the repair method you choose) tools, pliers and a pair of scissors, a utility knife as well as protective gloves or goggles and a replacement weather-stripping kit. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting one end piece, then pulling it up along with any attaching screws if applicable. Then take care to take any remaining pieces over using pliers or a pry bar. If you decide to replace the weather stripping, begin by measuring the distance around the door frame. You can use these measurements to determine the amount of weather stripping you require. Make sure you leave extra length to allow for fine-tuning later. Once you've got the right size, apply the backing and press the material against the frame. If you wish you would like to use a small nail to secure the frame in place. Finally apply wood filler to any holes or divots in the frame. Let the filler dry completely prior to painting. Ideally, it's best to apply oil-based paint over the filler, but latex paint is also a good choice. The last thing to do is clean your sliding door tracks and doors regularly. This will prevent future problems like sticking. Keeping up with maintenance and repairs to your patio doors ensures they stay functional, attractive, and energy-efficient. You will save money while enjoying the outdoors while doing it. Enjoy your home improvement projects!