Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors provide homeowners with natural light and fresh, clean air. They also increase the value of homes. But over time, they could create issues that must be addressed swiftly. Understanding the way patio doors operate will help homeowners communicate with contractors about the problems they encounter. Here are some of the most common patio door problems: Misaligned rollers It's not always simple to open a sliding patio door. Most of these non-cooperative sliding patio doors can be fixed easily with a bit of oiling and cleaning, unless a structural issue is present. Typically dirt in the lower track can cause the rollers and bottom track to become misaligned. In this instance clean the track thoroughly and apply a thin layer of lubricant so that the rollers can glide easily. The misalignment could also be due to damage or wear in the hinges that connect the doors, which house some of the rollers, springs, whether torsion or extension; and cables, which lift the door. When these components are damaged or worn out, could cause roller alignment issues and cause resistance and other issues, like doors that feel heavier or increased energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and regular inspections by a professional can help ensure that these components work in harmony to keep your patio door operating smoothly. To check roller-to-roller alignment to determine alignment, set up an eagle's foot at one end of the track. Then use a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, observing the distance that each travels. Repeat the same process at the opposite end of the track and divide by two to find the alignment of the rollers (Photo 1). This method isn't as accurate 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 the alignment of the rollers is to remove 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 need help removing removable grilles and shades. After removing the head stop remove the head track adjusters screws by backing them with a screwdriver. After reinstalling your assembly by aligning each screw for adjustment to its access hole, then tapping it with the Hammer. Tracks that are damaged or dirty A sliding patio door can serve as a magnet for dirt, debris and other elements. They can also be prone to misalignment, as well as other issues that require professional repair. To extend the life of your patio doors, it is essential to find and fix these problems as soon as possible. Dirty tracks are one of the most common causes of malfunctions in sliding patio doors. Over time,, food particles, pet hair and yard debris can become stuck in the small 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 at least once a month to avoid problems. Once you've removed all the debris that is loose then you can use a non-abrasive household cleaning solution or warm soapy water to clean down your patio door tracks. If you notice areas of the track are harder to clean, you can try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean these tiny areas. It is also important to grease the tracks on a regular basis to prevent your sliding door from becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we suggest applying silicone spray to the bottom track on a regular basis. You can also apply paraffin wax to enhance the glide. Another common issue that can affect your sliding patio door is a draft or air leak. This can happen when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has worn out or is damaged. This could cause a gap between the door and frame, which allows air to enter and reduce the efficiency of your energy. Check that your weatherstripping is in good shape and replace it if needed. Over time, your patio door may see normal wear and tear. However, these issues are typically not indicators of a serious issue. In the majority of cases, minor repairs can prolong the lifespan of your patio door and ensure it is operating properly. Call a professional as quickly when you notice any issues to avoid costly repairs in the future. Glass that is cracked or warped A damaged or cracked patio door is a serious eyesore and a potential security risk. This could also allow unwanted animals into your home, causing the temperature to fluctuate. These problems are easy to fix when caught early. A quick glance at the glass will help determine what type of repair is needed. Cracks in glass are usually caused by stress or impact. These are a little more difficult to repair than simple surface chips. A professional will probably require re-leading the panel. This will require the removal of the glass and cleaning it, as well as replacing the broken pieces. To do this, an expert will require precise documentation of the piece as it was originally viewed to aid in comparing the new glass to the original. 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 employ the soldering tool to melt the plastic and then apply it to the crack. After the plastic has cooled, the professional can remove any excess. If the glass crack is not too large, there could be a chance of repairing it with clear sealant. You can purchase this kind of product at any hardware retailer. It is essential to thoroughly dry the crack prior to applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. A hair dryer or any other fan can be used to speed up this process. Weatherstripping damaged A weather stripping that's worn-out is not just ugly and can pose a security risk however it also allows outside air in and heat out. A quick fix with a new piece of weather stripping could save you money while keeping your home more comfortable. Ensure you have the right tools and materials. This includes a new weather stripping kit or adhesive/caulk sealant (depending on the repair method) and pliers, scissors, a utility knife, and some gloves or protective goggles. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting one end piece, then pulling it up, along with any screws for attachment if applicable. Remove any remaining pieces using the pliers and a prybar. If you decide to replace the weather stripping, start by measuring the gap around your door frame. Utilize the measurements to determine what size weather stripping you require. Make sure to leave some extra length for later fine-tuning. Once you have the correct size, apply the backing of the adhesive and press it against the frame. If you wish, use a small nail to secure the frame in place. Finally apply wood filler to any divots or holes in the frame. Let the filler dry completely prior to applying any paint. It is recommended to apply oil-based paint over the filler, but latex paint will work too. Last but not least, make sure you clean your sliding tracks and doors frequently. This will prevent future problems such as sticking. Keeping up with maintenance and repairs to your patio doors will ensure they are practical, attractive and energy efficient. You'll save money while enjoying the outdoors while doing it. Enjoy https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-bournemouth/ !