Why You Should Hire a Professional Patio Door Repair Company French patio doors are a fantastic option to connect your outdoor and indoor spaces. However, they may require periodic maintenance to address common problems. These include problems with alignment, damaged weatherstrippings, faulty handles and locks, foggy or broken glass, and drafts. Foggy glass is an indication of a weak seal, which can result in air and moisture leaks. This could affect energy efficiency and increase the cost of your utility bills. Misalignment As time passes, all sliding patio doors are susceptible to wear and wear and. They lose their original fit and can be difficult to open and close. Fortunately, all of these problems are easily solved by adjusting the door and restoring it to its original fit. The sliding patio doors depend on rollers for smooth sliding across the tracks, and when they're not aligned properly, it could cause them to stick and even damage your track system and glass panels. This could be caused by excessive use of the door, improper maintenance and cleaning, or simply due to age. To stop this from happening, periodically check your patio door for signs that it is out of alignment, and immediately take action whenever you notice. The most common indication that your patio door is not in alignment is when the operating panel has become difficult to open or close particularly when you try to lock it. This can be caused by a number of different issues, but the most common is that your door's rollers have lost their traction and aren't sliding along the track as effortlessly. This can be fixed by loosening the screws that adjust the door, which are usually located on the lower corners of your door. You can then move them clockwise or anticlockwise to adjust the door's height. You may also need to consult a professional when your patio door isn't aligned due to a frame shift. This may be difficult to identify and requires expert intervention. In this instance it might be necessary to install an shim of wood where the door jamb meets the operating panel. It is also common for double French patio doors to become uneven over time, which can make them more difficult to secure and allow drafts into your home. This is usually caused by the weight of the doors, which causes them to settle differently on the opposite side of the opening. Therefore, it's essential to check your French doors frequently and tighten any loose fasteners as quickly when you notice them, to avoid any further damage or draughts. Weatherstripping damaged A worn or damaged weatherstripping seal may cause gaps around your patio door, which allow drafts to get in. This could affect your home's comfort and energy efficiency. You can fix or replace the weatherstripping to eliminate drafts and improve insulation around your doors. Rollers that are misaligned Your patio door could be impeded by damaged or loose rollers. Regular cleaning and lubrication will aid in restoring the smooth operation. Dirty Tracks A layer of dust or dirt on the tracks can result in bumping or sticking when you open and close your patio door. This problem can be resolved by cleaning and Lubricating your rollers and tracks. Broken Glass French patio doors have large glass panels that offer ample natural light and beautiful views. If the glass begins to chip or cracks, it could weaken the strength and integrity of the door. It is recommended to repair it in the shortest time possible. Handles are faulty Handles Handles that are worn or loose can affect the functioning of your patio doors. By tightening the handles or replacing them can enhance the function and give solid grip to the handlebar. Weatherstripping damaged or missing Weatherstripping that is worn or missing creates gaps that allow drafts to enter your home. Replacing or fixing the weatherstripping will increase the efficiency of your energy and also reduce the noise. Look for visible damages, such as missing pieces or a swollen appearance. If the weatherstripping has been damaged, it is recommended to replace it according to the manufacturer's guidelines. You can also use a top-quality caulk to fill in cracks or gaps between your frames and doors. This is a simple solution that can be done quickly and costs less than replacing the existing weatherstripping. Examine your door's weatherstripping on a regular basis and take care to address any issues immediately to avoid costly repairs in the future. Along with improving efficiency, maintaining your doors and windows can help stop pests, moisture, and rot and maintain the appearance of your home. A professional can evaluate the condition of your door and suggest the best method for replacement or maintenance. Glass that is hazy or broken If you spot a crack or chip on your patio door glass It's time to replace it. Foggy or damaged patio doors can be a source of displeasure and also can be a security risk due to allowing intruders into the home. This is the reason it's vital to fix your patio door as soon as you notice any damage. The best method to determine if your glass requires to be replaced is by examining the appearance and condition of your door frame. Our professionals can often repair chips and cracks without having to replace the entire glass. You can then use caulk, flex-seal or other sealants to fill cracks and seal any gaps. If your patio doors are constructed of triple or double-pane insulated windows you should be worried when they start to get cloudy. This indicates that the window panes are suffering from leaks and that the inert gases that keep them warm in cold weather are no longer present. The loss of inert gas could cause windows to be less energy efficient than they used to be and is one of the primary reasons people choose to replace their patio doors rather than fixing them. It's possible that your windows produce excessive moisture. Dehumidifiers are able to help keep humidity levels down in the room that houses your patio doors. This will make your home more comfortable and reduce the chance of having to replace your patio doors. When removing glass that has shattered, always wear safety equipment like gloves and footwear to avoid abrasions from small fragments. It is also important to take your pets and children from the area until it's completely cleaned to avoid injuries. Once you've taken out the broken glass, it's time to clean the area of work and get ready to install the new patio door. Before you do this however, you must take the time to reseal the joints using caulk or flex-seal. This will keep any future moisture from leaking into the joints. You can then add a desiccant inside your sliding door to absorb any condensation that may occur in the future. Drafts Sliding patio doors are considered to be one of the biggest glass pieces in the home. This means they get a lot of use, and can be the source of drafts and air leakage. Drafts can be caused by many things, such as a insufficient or inadequate maintenance or wear and tear, as well as the aging process. A professional can identify the problem and address it, restoring the comfort of the home and boosting energy efficiency. Over time, the seal around your patio door will expand and contract as it adjusts to changing weather conditions. This can cause drafts or air leaks, which can cause discomfort for you and your family members, and also create inefficient energy use. Regularly cleaning https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-crawley/ and the lubrication of moving parts and replacing worn-out components is the best method to avoid drafts and air leaks. If you notice a draft, try doing the "Draft Test" to see if it is due to a poorly sealing door: You can stand close to your patio doors using an open flame from a lighter or match. If the flame moves as the draft is evident, your patio doors may not be adequately sealing. Replace them immediately. A damaged or worn-out weather stripping is another common reason for drafts. This can be easily repaired by removing the old weather stripping and replacing it with new, better quality weather strips that provide a tighter seal to minimize drafts. If the locking mechanism on your sliding patio door is damaged, it is recommended to seek out a professional for help to repair it. A broken lock could present security dangers, and increase your energy costs due to the loss of heat through the patio door. Replacing the lock is a simple repair that can be done quickly by an experienced technician. This will not only enhance your safety and security but also boost the value of your home and improve curb appeal. It is crucial to weigh your own capabilities and availability against the cost of hiring a professional before attempting DIY patio door repairs.