Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors offer homeowners natural fresh air and light and boost the value of a home. However, over time, they may develop problems that require immediate attention. Understanding how patio doors work can help homeowners communicate with a contractor regarding the issues they experience. Here are a few of the most common problems with patio doors: Rollers that are not aligned Sometimes, a sliding patio door can become stuck and it's difficult to get it to open again. The majority of these uncooperative sliding patio doors can be fixed easily with some cleaning and oiling, unless a structural problem is present. The most frequent cause is dirt on the lower track, which can cause the rollers to be pushed against the track below and cause them to be misaligned. In this instance, you'll need to clean the track and apply a thin coating of lubricant to let the rollers glide smoothly. It can be caused by damage or wear to the hinges connecting the doors that house a portion of these rollers; springs (whether extensions or torsion); and cables which lift the door. When these components are damaged or worn, may cause roller alignment issues and cause resistance and other issues, such as the door feeling heavier or increased energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional will ensure that these components are working together to ensure that your patio doors are operating smoothly. To verify the alignment between rollers, set up a crow's foot at the one end of the track and employ a tramming tool to sweep across both rollers, noting the distance that each travels. Repeat the process at the other end of track and divide by two to get the rollers' alignment (Photo 1). This method isn't as accurate as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's much faster and easier than measuring each rail using a level or carpenter's level. You can also test the alignment of the rollers by removing the head stop. This is an elongated plate that is located in the bottom of your door jamb. It stops the rollers. If https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/birmingham-patio-door-repairs-near-me/ is very heavy, you may require assistance in taking off the grilles and shades that are removable. After the head stop has been removed, remove the screws that adjust the head track by pushing them out using a screwdriver, then reinstall the assembly by aligning each roller adjustment screw with its access hole and tapping it in using the hammer. Dirty tracks or damaged tracks Sliding patio door can act as magnet for dirt, debris and other elements. They are also susceptible to misalignment, as well as other issues that may require professional repair. To prolong the life of your patio door, finding and fixing these issues in the early stages is crucial. One of the main causes for sliding patio doors to fail is dirty tracks. Over time dirt and other debris like pet hair, food crumbs and yard debris, can get caught in the tiny spaces between the tracks of your sliding doors, causing it to become stuck or difficult to open. To avoid these issues it is recommended to vacuum and clean your patio door tracks at least once every 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 certain areas of the track are difficult to clean, try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean out these tiny spaces. In addition to cleaning the tracks, you should keep them lubricated to prevent sliding doors from squeezing or becoming difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we suggest adding silicone spray to the bottom track on a regular basis. You can also use paraffin wax to improve the glide. Air leaks or drafts can also impact your sliding patio doors. This could happen if the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has worn away or has been damaged. This can cause an opening between the door and frame which allows air come in and reduces the efficiency of energy. Make sure your weatherstripping is in good order and replace it if necessary. Over time, your patio door may experience normal wear. These problems are usually not indicative of a major issue. Minor repairs can extend the lifespan of your patio door. Contact a professional to address any problems as soon as they occur to prevent costly repairs in the future. Glass that has cracked or warped A warped or cracked patio door is a serious visual ailment and a potential security risk. It can also permit unwanted animals to enter your home, causing the temperature to fluctuate. Thankfully, these problems are usually easy to fix in the event that you spot them early. A quick glance at the glass can assist you in determining what kind of repairs are required. Generally, cracks in the glass are the result of stress or impact. These 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 clean it, and replacing broken pieces. To make sure that the new glass to the old one, a professional needs accurate documentation of the appearance of the piece at the time. Sometimes cracks in glass can be filled with epoxy plastic. You can purchase this at a hardware store, or in the home improvement section. A professional will employ a 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 is small, it may be possible to repair the glass by using clear sealant. You can buy this type of sealant at any hardware retailer. It is important to dry the crack thoroughly before applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. A hair dryer or another fan can be used to expedite this procedure. Weatherstripping that is damaged A worn out weather stripping is not just unsightly and a security risk but it also allows outside air to seep in and cold or heat to escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping on your home. First, ensure that you have all the necessary tools and materials. This includes a replacement weather stripping kit, or caulk sealant adhesive (depending on your chosen repair method) tools, scissors, pliers, utility knife, and a pair of gloves or protective goggles. Remove the old weather stripping, by cutting through the end piece, and then pulling it back up using any screws that are attached, if appropriate. Remove any remaining pieces using pliers and a plier. Start by measuring the gap around the door frame. You can use the measurements to determine the amount of weather stripping that you need. Make sure you leave extra length to allow for fine-tuning later. Once you've got the right size, apply the backing and press it against the frame. If you want, secure it to the frame using the nail or hammer. Finally, apply some wood filler to any divots or holes in the frame. Let the filler dry completely prior to painting. It is best to use oil-based paints but latex will also work. Last but not least, take care to clean your sliding door tracks and doors frequently. This will avoid future issues such as sticking. Cleaning and maintaining your patio doors will ensure they remain functional, attractive and energy-efficient. You will save money while enjoying the great outdoors while doing so. Happy fixing your home!