How to Repair Patio Doors Patio doors that slide open enhance the look of your home and provide convenience and energy efficiency. However they require regular maintenance in order to function as intended. Performing these simple tasks can extend the life of your doors and minimize expensive repairs. In some instances, the skills of a professional may be required for more severe damage. Clear the Tracks If a sliding patio door gets stuck in its tracks, it could be difficult to open and close. This is usually an easy problem to fix. In most cases, lubricating the door is all required to move it. Cleaning the tracks regularly and sliding patio doors can help prevent dirt buildup that can interfere with the operation of the tracks. It is important to clean or scrub the sill and tracks every week to get rid of larger pieces of dirt. Then you can use an absorbent sponge or a soft cloth with mild soap and warm water to clean them down and wash them thoroughly. You can scrub the stains with a small brush, but be sure to not scratch or damage the tracks. Be sure to reach all the crevices and nooks of the sill and tracks including the tight spaces and corners. After the sill and tracks have been cleaned, they need to be cleaned with a lint free cloth and dried with a paper towel. If you have white vinegar on hand it can be used to quickly remove stubborn stains on the tracks and sill. To do so apply a small amount of vinegar to an absorbent cloth and then rub the area where the stain is located. If the stain persists you can try rubbing them with a small toothbrush or an old toothbrush, and then rinse with water. Keep your sliding doors and tracks clean to prolong their life and increase their efficiency. It's recommended to clean them with the same frequency that you would your windows. Be sure to inspect the weather strip around doors to the patio regularly and replace it if damaged or worn. This is a vital measure to cut down on the cost of energy while maintaining indoor comfort. If you are experiencing drafts, or a rise in your heating and cooling bills, then it may be time to invest new patio doors that have improved insulation. Lubricate the Locks To ensure smooth operation the lock mechanism needs to be maintained by lubrication. This will also prolong the lifespan of the lock since it won't be subjected to excessive wear and tear. Light machine oil is ideal however, you could also use a graphite lock lubricant. The right lubricant can help to avoid gunk buildup that can cause the delicate pins within the lock to become damaged. Graphite powder is an excellent option to lubricate your lock cylinder since it doesn't sludge away or attract dirt. You can find this dry lubricant at most hardware stores in squeeze bottles that allow you to blow the powder into the lock without having to touch it. After that, just insert your key and work it back and forth to spread the graphite around the internal parts of the lock. Spray WD-40 directly onto the lock's cylinder. This will give you a quick blast of lubrication, however it might be too powerful for certain locks. If the cylinder is really stuck, try moving your key into and out of the lock numerous times to spread the WD-40 over all the internal parts that need it. Teflon-based lubricants are a different alternative. These lubricants can withstand high temperatures and are extremely durable, making them a fantastic choice for a lock. They're also water resistant, so they can help to prevent the rust that can sometimes affect other types of lubricants. If your sliding patio doors seem somewhat difficult to open or close, it's likely that the locking mechanism isn't aligned correctly with the frame of the door. It is recommended to contact locksmiths if you're unable to fix the problem yourself. They can look at your lock to discover what's making it stiff or difficult to use, and they can also install new rollers and springs to bring back the functionality of your patio door. If necessary, they'll assist you in choosing the appropriate locks to replace the ones that are damaged. You'll never have to think again about losing your keys, or getting damaged locks on your door. Adjust the Rollers Incorrectly aligned tracks or rollers can cause patio doors to be difficult to open and close. The solution for a stuck door can be easy if one or more of the issues mentioned above are present. If the problem persists, and you feel drafts or see an increase in your heating and cooling bills It could be time to replace your doors. The next step is check the rollers. The rollers are a key element in a sliding door track and if they're damaged or worn, they may cause the door to slam. To remove the rollers, using a Phillips screwdriver, push them gently upwards by removing the screw that holds them into place. You can easily take off the screws and replace the rollers if necessary. The wheels used in the majority of patio door systems are typically steel and can rust with time. Plastic wheels are utilized on the majority of doors that are newer, and they last much longer than metal ones. If your wheels have rusted and are worn out, you'll have to replace all tracks and rollers. If your rollers function, you can usually correct the alignment using the adjustment screws at the bottom of the track. (The screwdriver that you used to remove the rollers can also work). These screws will tighten or loosen the track to ensure it is properly positioned. Once you've got it correct, your door should be in full contact with the track, and there shouldn’t be any gaps. After the adjustment, spray lubricant with silicone on the tracks and rollers. Apply a generous amount of grease to the rollers as well as the track. Then, move the door backwards and forwards several times to spread it. Once the lubricant has dried, you should be capable of opening and closing your patio door without it becoming stuck or making any noises. If you're still having issues then contact your Milgard window dealer for assistance. They will assist you in finding the right replacement parts and show you how to install them. Replace the Glass Patio doors are an excellent option to let in sunlight and stunning views of the outdoors. However, they are also security-related because a damaged window could easily allow intruders to break into your home. Replacement of the glass on these doors is essential to ensure that they are secure and functioning properly. If the glass on your patio door has cracked, it could look like an extremely difficult task to replace the glass. With the right instructions replacing windows on a patio door is actually very simple. The job can be completed without taking the patio door out of its frame. To get started, first remove the trim around the glass, referred to as the mull. Use a putty blade to slide between the trim and door and then apply the small pry-bar and hammer. Be careful not to break or bend the trim, and make sure you wear gloves and long-sleeved clothes. After you have removed the old glass remove it and vacuum the area to remove all broken glass. Wipe the frame. Duct tape any cracks on the frame to reinforce it. Then, you can begin assembling the door. Make sure you measure (and note the thickness) the glass prior to beginning. This will help you ensure that the replacement glass is the proper size and thickness. After reassembling the frame, apply a clear silicone caulk to the edges of the opening. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/oldham-patio-door-repairs-near-me/ will stop water or air from seeping into the gap and damaging the new glass. Once the caulk is dry and the window is positioned, slide it into position. Then, use the glazing points as a way to secure it. After the glass is secured to the stop, replace them using brad nails. Then use the nail punch to push them in. Patio doors not only provide stunning views but they improve the energy efficiency of your home by reducing transfer of cold and heat from the inside to the outside. They also offer an additional layer of protection against weather and other elements which could damage your windows or cause leaks.