Repairing Patio Doors Over time patio doors can become difficult to open, close, or latch. This can cause homeowners to be uncomfortable and have security worries. A professional door technician will examine the situation and determine whether the patio doors should be repaired or replaced. There are many ways a homeowner can address common issues with patio doors. French patio doors French patio doors allow you to enjoy the outdoors while allowing natural light into your home. But like any door, they may encounter problems from time to time. Regular maintenance and timely repairs will extend the lifespan of your door, regardless of whether it's because of a damaged lock, loose handle or aren't aligned correctly. Traditionally, French doors are made of wood, which provides natural insulation properties and provides warmth to rooms. Wood is susceptible to swelling and warping, and also rot. It requires regular maintenance. The most sought-after replacement for wood French doors is fiberglass which is impervious to decay and has a high-efficiency foam-filled core. Fiberglass is also more resistant to cold air and heat transmission than wood. In addition to their beauty and function, French doors add a sense of security to your home. The large glass panes provide the view of your outdoor space and make it difficult for burglars to get into your home. To protect your privacy and security the French doors should be secured with proper locks and handles that are simple to operate. Installing a burglar alarm on your French doors can provide you with extra security. These alarms use sensors that detect motion and wireless signals to detect break-ins and alert you to suspicious activities. You can also buy a shatterproof plastic film to cover your glass and protect it from thieves. Your French doors can become unbalanced over time because of frequent use or changes in your home's foundation. This can be due to damaged or loose hinges and rollers that need to be tightened. A professional door technician will adjust the hinges and track for smooth operation. Sliding patio doors Patio sliding doors offer a beautiful transition between indoors and out and allow plenty of light into the home. As time passes, these doors may develop issues. They may be difficult to close or open and creak or squeak or let air into the house. Identifying the specific source of the issue and carrying out regular maintenance or repairs will keep your patio door working well for many decades to come. If your sliding glass patio door is sliding or is becoming difficult to move, it could be due to dirt and dust accumulation in the track, worn rollers, or an alignment issue. After cleaning the track with a damp sponge and scrubber, you can lubricate it with the proper product. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wythenshawe-patio-door-repairs-near-me/ recommend using a spray bottle of silicone lubricant that will shield the track from corrosion. You can buy these products at any hardware store. Another issue that is common is that a patio door may be difficult to open and close because the handle being wobbly or loose. Often, this is simply the matter of tightening or replacing the loose screw holding the handle in place. In the end, it's essential to inspect and replace the weather strip on your sliding glass patio door when it's worn or cracked. A properly installed weather strip can increase energy efficiency and decrease noise, and also stop air leaks. To replace the weatherstrip, take off the door and then lift the bottom portion of the frame. Then, angle it sharply to lift the rollers off the track. Then, spread a dropcloth on the floor and take off the plugs that cover the roller adjustment screws. With a flathead screwdriver turn the screw counterclockwise until rollers retract into the track. Sliding glass patio doors Sliding patio doors offer homeowners many benefits. They let in light and natural light, allow easy access to backyards and other outdoor spaces and make homes more comfortable. They also allow occupants the ability to create an environment that is unique to their style and lifestyle. But, like any other component of a house, they can be damaged or broken and need repair. Fortunately, these repairs are fairly easy to carry out and could save you money and frustration in the long run. Many sliding door issues are caused by dirty or damaged tracks or rollers. Over time, dust and dirt, and even rust, can build up on the tracks, causing them to become difficult to move or become stuck. A simple fix for this is to clean the tracks and using a silicone-based lubricant in order to loosen them. Do not use grease as it can attract dirt and cause more problems. A incorrectly aligned locking system is a common reason that sliding doors are difficult to open or shut. If you notice that your patio door locks are difficult to lock or unlock, or aren't aligned properly with the frame of the doors it is a great idea to speak with an expert who will examine the hardware and determine if adjustments or replacement will be needed. If a sliding glass door starts to appear dull and cloudy, it's possible that the insulation seal between the two panes has been compromised. This issue is caused by condensation. If you suspect this is the case, consult an expert. Locks and handles The handles and locks on patio doors play a critical role in the functionality and security of your outdoor living space. Pick from a variety of functional and innovative patio door hardware, from color-matched and upgraded finishes to multipoint locking systems. Often times doors to patios become difficult to open due to the rollers that run at the top and bottom within the runner are wearing out and getting caught against the track. To prevent this from happening, clean the track of your sliding door each time you vacuum and apply a thin lubricant at least once every year. Do not apply WD40. ). If you are experiencing trouble opening your patio doors, it could be time to replace the lock and handle. Take off the handle inside and lock mechanism, and look for signs of wear. This could be a bent latch, a loose handle or handle screw, etc. If the latch is bent or damaged, it may be time to replace your mortise lock. It isn't easy to secure sliding glass patio doors. This is because the mechanism that locks them is fixed by a rod that is fixed to the frame and is operated by a handle. If the lock is loose it is possible to tighten the rod or replacing it altogether with an entirely new one. Sliding patio doors that have glass are a frequent target for burglars as they offer a clear view of the home and are usually located at the rear of the house. Installing a door jambar as well as anti snap locks can help keep your family safe. Weatherstripping The purpose of weatherstripping is to prevent the entry of air and rain into your home and thereby saving energy on heating and cooling costs. It is an easy, DIY moisture test to find out which windows and doors require additional seals. Wet your hands and run them across the edges of your window or door. You'll need more weatherstripping in case you feel cold air is entering your home. The majority of hardware stores sell felt weatherstripping in rolls. It is a bargain. It comes either plain or reinforced with a pliable metal strip that is easy to install. It is less durable than other types and may require replacement in two years. Another option is foam tape, which is available in plain and reinforced varieties. It is also simple to install, however it is less durable than rubber and can become vulnerable to damp conditions over time. Interlocking metal weatherstripping is a more durable option however it requires the removal of thresholds and should be left to experts. It has two V-shaped pieces of steel that interlock and form a tight seal when the door is closed. There are weatherstripping made of vinyl or rubber in a variety of shapes, colors and thicknesses. The choice between the two is mostly a matter of preference and budget. Rubber is generally more durable than vinyl and it seals better in conditions that are wet. Rubber is also an eco-friendly natural resource whereas vinyl is a petroleum-based product.