Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors provide homeowners with natural light and fresh air, and they increase a home's value. However, over time, they could develop issues that need to be addressed immediately. Understanding how patio doors function can help homeowners communicate with a contractor about the issues they experience. Here are some of the most common repairs to patio doors:. Misaligned rollers It's not always simple to open a sliding patio door. The majority of these uncooperative sliding patio doors can be fixed with some cleaning and oiling in the event that a structural issue is present. Typically, dirt in the lower track can cause the track's rollers and bottom track to be misaligned. In this situation, clean the track thoroughly and apply the lubricant in a thin layer so that the rollers can glide smoothly. The misalignment could also be because of wear or damage in the hinges connecting the doors, which house some of the rollers; springs that are either extension or torsion; and cables, which raise the door. When worn or damaged these components could affect roller alignment, causing resistance and other problems such as the door being heavier or having higher energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections can help ensure that these components work harmoniously to ensure that your patio door is operating smoothly. Install a crow's feet at one end. Use the trammingstick to move across the rollers. Note the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process at the opposite end of the track, and then divide by 2 to get a reading of the rollers' parallelism (Photo 1). This method isn't as accurate as using pi tapes to measure the diameter directly, but it's quicker and simpler than measuring each individual rail with a level or carpenter's level. You can also test the alignment of the rollers by taking off the head stop. This is an elongated plate that is situated at the bottom of your door jamb. It stops the rollers. This requires the removal of any grilles or shades that are removable and, when the door is heavy, obtaining assistance with this step. After taking off the head stop, take out the head track adjustment screws by backing them with the screwdriver. After reinstalling your assembly and aligning each adjustment screw with its access hole, then tapping it with the Hammer. Tracks that are damaged or dirty A sliding patio door can serve as magnet for dirt, debris and other elements. They can also be prone to misalignment and other issues that require professional repair services. To extend the lifespan of your patio door, identifying and addressing these problems in the early stages is crucial. One of the most common causes for sliding patio doors to fail is dirty tracks. Over time dirt and other particles such as pet hair, food crumbs and yard debris, could be trapped in the small spaces between the tracks of your sliding doors which can cause it to become stuck or difficult to open. To avoid this it is recommended to vacuum and clean your patio door tracks at least once per month. You can clean your patio door tracks using an anti-abrasive cleaning solution or warm soapy tap water after you've removed any debris that is floating around. If you notice that some parts of the track are harder to clean, you can try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean out these tiny spaces. 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 recommend adding silicone spray to your bottom track regularly. You can also apply paraffin wax to improve the glide. A draft or a leak of air can also impact your sliding patio doors. This could happen when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door is damaged or worn out. This can lead to gaps between your patio door and the frame. This lets air in and reduces the energy efficiency. Make sure that your weather stripping is in good working order and replace it as needed. With regular use your patio door will experience normal wear and wear and tear with time. These problems are usually not indicative of a major issue. In most cases, small repairs can prolong the life of your patio door and ensure it is operating properly. Contact a professional as soon when you notice any issues to avoid costly repairs. Glass that is damaged or warped A patio door that's damaged or cracked could be a major eye-sore and could be security risks. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/colchester-patio-door-repairs-near-me/ can also permit unwanted animals to enter your home, causing the temperature to fluctuate. Fortunately, these issues are usually easy to fix if you catch them early. A quick glance at the glass can help determine what type of repair is required. Cracks in glass are usually caused by impact or stress. These are more difficult to repair than chips on the surface. A professional will probably need to reconnect this panel. This will require the removal of the glass and cleaning it, as well as replacing the broken pieces. This is why a professional will need accurate documentation of the piece as it looked originally to ensure that the new glass to 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 typically employ the soldering iron to melt the plastic then apply it to the crack in the glass. After the plastic has cooled down it is then removed by the professional any excess. If the glass crack isn't too big, there might be a possibility of repairing it using clear sealant. You can purchase this type of sealant at any hardware retailer. It is important to dry the crack completely prior to applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. You can accelerate the process by using a hair dryer or other fan. Weatherstripping damaged A damaged weather stripping is not just ugly and a security hazard, but it also allows air from outside to seep in and heat or cold to escape. A quick fix with a new piece of weather stripping will save you money and make your home more comfortable. Make sure you have the proper tools and materials. This includes a new weather stripping kit or caulk sealant adhesive (depending on your chosen repair method) tools, scissors, pliers, a utility knife, and a pair of gloves or protective goggles. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting one end piece, then lifting it up with any screws that attach it, when applicable. Remove any remaining pieces using the pliers and a prybar. If you decide to replace the weather stripping, begin by measuring the distance around your door frame. Make use of the measurements to determine what size weather stripping you will need. Make sure you leave a little extra length so you can fine-tune the size later. Once you have the right size, apply the backing with adhesive and press it against the frame. If you wish, nail it in place using the nail or hammer. Apply wood filler to the frame to cover any holes or divots. Let the filler dry completely prior to painting. It is recommended to apply oil-based paint over the filler, but latex paint can also be used. Last but not least, make sure you clean your sliding tracks and doors regularly. Taking the time to do this will prevent sticking and other issues down the road. Repairing and maintaining your patio doors will ensure that they remain attractive, functional and energy efficient. When you do this you will be able to enjoy the great outdoors with confidence, and save money at the same time! Happy home-fixing!