Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors provide homeowners with natural light and fresh, clean air. They also boost the value of homes. Over time, however, they may develop problems that require immediate attention. Understanding how patio doors work will help homeowners communicate better with contractors regarding issues they encounter. Here are a few of the most common patio door problems: Rollers that are not aligned It's not always easy to open a sliding patio door. Most of these non-cooperative sliding patio doors can be fixed with a bit of oiling and cleaning, unless a structural issue is present. The most frequent cause is dirt in the lower track, which can cause the rollers to rub against the track at the bottom and cause them to become misaligned. In this instance, you'll need to clean the track and apply a light coat of lubricant so that the rollers glide smoothly. Misalignment can also occur because of wear or damage in the hinges connecting the doors, which house some of the rollers; springs, whether torsion or extension; and cables, which raise the door. When these components are damaged or worn, can alter the alignment of rollers and lead to resistance and other issues, like the door feeling heavier or a rise in energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections will ensure that these elements are working together to keep your patio doors functioning smoothly. Set up a crow’s foot at one end, and use the trammingstick to move across the rollers. Take note of the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process on the opposite end of the track, and divide by 2 to get a measurement of the rollers' parallelism (Photo 1). This method isn't as accurate as using pi tapes to measure the diameter directly, but it's much quicker and simpler than measuring each individual rail with a level, or carpenter's level. Another method of checking roller alignment is to remove the head stop, a flat plate on the door jamb at the bottom of the frame that blocks the rollers. If the door is heavy you may require help in removing removable grilles and shades. After removing the head stop take out the head track adjustment screws by backing them up with the screwdriver. After reinstalling the assembly by aligning each adjustment screw with the hole that it is accessible through, and tapping it with the hammer. Dirty or damaged tracks Sliding patio door can act as a magnet for dirt, debris, and other elements. They are also susceptible to misalignment and other issues that require professional repair services. To prolong the lifespan of your patio doors, it's crucial to recognize and fix these issues in the earliest time possible. One of the main reasons for sliding patio doors to fail is dirty tracks. Over time,, food particles, pet hair and yard debris can become trapped in the tiny spaces of your sliding door track, causing the door to snag or become difficult to open. To avoid problems like this it is recommended to sweep and clean your patio door tracks at least once every month. You can clean your patio door tracks with a non-abrasive cleaning solution, or warm soapy tap water after having removed any loose debris. If you notice that certain parts of the track are difficult to clean, use the butter knife or toothbrush to clean these tiny areas. In addition to cleaning the tracks, you must keep them lubricated to prevent sliding doors from squeezing or becoming difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors it is recommended to add silicone spray to the bottom track on a frequent basis. You can also apply paraffin wax along the track to increase glide. Another common issue that can affect your sliding patio door is a draft or air leak. This could happen when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has damaged or worn out. This could cause an opening between the frame and door which allows air enter and reduce energy efficiency. Make sure that your weatherstripping is in good shape and replace it when needed. Over time your patio door will see normal wear and tear. However, these issues are typically not indicative of a significant issue. Minor repairs can extend the lifespan of your patio door. Contact a professional as soon as you notice any problems to avoid costly repairs. Glass that is warped or cracked A patio door that is damaged or cracked can be a real eyesore and could be a security risk. This could also allow unwanted animals into 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 kind of repair is needed. Glass cracks are typically caused by stress or impact. They are more difficult to repair than simple cracks in the surface. A professional may have to re-lead this panel. This will require removing the glass and cleaning it, as well as replacing the broken pieces. For this reason, an expert will require precise documentation of the piece as it looked originally to ensure that the new glass to the old one. Plastic epoxy can be used to fill in a crack. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-watford/ can be bought from hardware stores or the home improvement section in many stores. A professional will typically employ the soldering iron to melt the plastic then apply it to the crack in the glass. After it has been cooled, the professional will wipe away any excess. If the crack is not too big, it may be possible to repair the glass with clear sealant. This type of product can be purchased at any hardware store. However, it is crucial to dry thoroughly the damaged area prior to applying sealant. This will prevent the repair from failing. A hair dryer or any other fan can be used to speed up this procedure. Damaged weatherstripping A damaged weather stripping is not just ugly and a security risk, but it also allows air from outside to get in and cold or heat to escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping in your home. First, ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials. This includes a new weather stripping kit or adhesive/caulk sealant (depending on the repair method) and scissors, pliers, a utility knife, and a pair of gloves or protective goggles. Remove the weather stripping that was used previously by cutting through the end piece and pulling up with any screws attached if necessary. Then take any remaining pieces over with pliers or a pry bar. Begin by measuring the space around the door frame. The measurements can be used to determine the length of weather stripping you will require. Make sure you leave a little extra length to fine-tune the size later. Once you have the correct size you can apply the backing with adhesive and press it against the frame. If you wish you want to, use a nail to secure the frame to the wall. Finally apply wood filler to any holes or divots in the frame. Let the filler dry completely before applying any paint. It's best to use oil-based paints however, latex paint can also be used. The last thing to do is make sure you clean your sliding tracks and doors frequently. This will help prevent future issues such as sticking. Maintaining and repairing your patio doors will ensure that they remain functional, attractive and energy efficient. You can save money while enjoying the outdoors while doing so. Enjoy your home improvement projects!