10 Patio Doors Repairs Related Projects To Expand Your Creativity
Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors give homeowners light and fresh air and enhance the value of a house. But over time, they can create issues that must be addressed quickly. Understanding how patio doors work can help homeowners communicate with a contractor regarding the issues they experience. Here are some of the most common repairs to patio doors:. Rollers that are not aligned It's not always easy to open a patio sliding door. Most of these non-cooperative sliding patio doors can be repaired easily with some cleaning and oiling, unless a structural problem is present. Most often, dirt in the lower track can cause the track's rollers and bottom track to misalign. In this situation, clean the track thoroughly and apply a thin layer of lubricant to allow the rollers to glide easily. The misalignment can be caused by wear or damage to the hinges connecting the door panels that house some of these rollers; springs (whether torsion or extensions); and cables which lift the door. When damaged or worn these components can cause problems with the alignment of the rollers, leading to resistance, as well as a heavier door or higher energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional will ensure that these components are working together to keep your patio doors functioning smoothly. To determine the alignment of rollers to determine alignment, set up a crow's foot at the one end of the track and use a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, noting the distance each travels. Repeat the process at the other end of the track, and then divide by 2 to get a measurement of the rollers' parallelism (Photo 1). This method isn't as exact as using a pi tape to measure diameter directly. However, it's quicker and easier than using a carpenter's level to measure the length of each rail. You can also verify the alignment of the rollers by removing the head stop. It is an aluminum plate located at the bottom of the door jamb. It stops the rollers. This will require removing any removable grilles or shades and, when the door is heavy, getting assistance in this process. After removing the head stop, remove the head track adjusters screws by backing them with the screwdriver. After reinstalling the assembly by aligning each roller adjustment screw to the hole that it is accessible through, and tapping it with the Hammer. Tracks that are damaged or dirty Sliding patio doors can act as magnets for dirt, debris and other outside elements. They also are susceptible to misalignment, as well as other issues that require professional assistance to fix. In order to extend the lifespan of your patio door, the identification and resolution of these issues in the early stages is crucial. Dirty tracks are one of the most common causes of sliding patio door malfunctions. Over time dirt and other debris such as pet hair, food crumbs and yard debris can be trapped in the small spaces between the tracks of your sliding doors, causing it to become stuck or difficult to open. It is recommended that you clean and vacuum the tracks of your patio doors at least once a month to avoid these problems. You can clean your patio door tracks using an anti-abrasive cleaning solution or warm soapy tap water once you've removed any loose debris. If you notice areas of the track are difficult to clean, try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean these tiny spaces. In addition to cleaning the tracks, it is recommended to lubricate them regularly to prevent your sliding door from becoming stuck or becoming difficult to open. If patio door repairs have Panda patio doors, we suggest adding silicone spray to your bottom track on a regular basis. You can also apply paraffin wax to enhance the glide. Another issue that could affect your sliding patio door is a draft or air leak. This could happen if the weather stripping of your sliding patio door has worn away or is damaged. This can cause gaps between your sliding patio door and the frame. This allows air in and reduces the energy efficiency. Check that your weather stripping is in good working order and replace it if necessary. With regular use, your patio door will show normal wear and tear over time. These problems are usually not an indication of a serious issue. Minor repairs can extend the lifespan of your patio door. Contact a professional as soon when you notice any issues to avoid future costly repairs. Glass that is cracked or warped A damaged or cracked patio door is an eye-sore and could pose a security risk. It could also allow in unwanted animals and cause your home temperature fluctuate wildly. Fortunately, these issues are usually easy to fix if you catch them early. First, a quick glance at the glass can help determine what kind of repair is needed. Glass cracks are typically caused by impact or stress. They are more difficult to repair than chips on the surface. A professional will likely require re-leading the panel. This will require removing the glass, cleaning it, and replacing broken pieces. For this reason, a professional will need accurate documentation of the piece as it looked originally to aid in comparing the new glass with the old. Plastic epoxy can be used to fill in a crack. You can buy this in a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will use the soldering tool to melt the plastic and then apply it to the crack. Once the plastic has cooled down it is then removed by the professional any excess. If the crack in the glass is not too large, there could be a chance to repair it with clear sealant. You can purchase this type of product from any hardware store. However, it is important to thoroughly dry the cracked area before applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. A hair dryer or another fan can be used to speed up this process. Weatherstripping that is damaged A worn out weather stripping is not just unsightly and a security risk, but it also allows outside air to get in and heat or cold escape. A simple fix using a new piece of weather stripping will save you money and make your home more comfortable. First, make sure 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 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 weather stripping that was used previously by cutting through an end piece and pulling it up with any screws attached, if appropriate. Then remove any pieces still left in the pliers or pry bar. Begin by measuring the gap around the door frame. You can use the measurements to determine the size of weather stripping that you require. Be sure to leave an extra length to allow for fine-tuning later. Once you've found the ideal size, apply the backing and press the material against the frame. If desired you want to, use a nail to secure the frame in place. Finally, apply wood filler to any divots or holes in the frame. Let the filler dry completely before applying paint. It is recommended to apply oil-based paint on the filler, however latex paint can also be used. The last thing to do is make sure you clean your sliding tracks and doors regularly. This will avoid future issues like sticking. Maintaining and repairing your patio doors will ensure that they remain functional, attractive and energy efficient. You can save money and enjoy the outdoors while doing it. Happy home-fixing!