Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors give homeowners fresh air and light, and they enhance the value of a house. In time, however they can develop issues that require immediate attention. Understanding how patio doors operate will help homeowners communicate better with contractors about problems they encounter. Here are a few of the most frequent patio door problems: Rollers that are not aligned Sometimes an outdoor sliding door can become stuck and it's not easy to get it open once more. Most of these sluggish sliding patio doors can be fixed easily by a little oiling and cleaning, unless a structural problem is present. Most often dirt in the lower track can cause the rollers and bottom track to misalign. In this instance clean the track thoroughly before applying the lubricant in a thin layer so that the rollers are able to glide easily. It can be caused by wear or damage to the hinges connecting the door panels that house some of these rollers, springs (whether extensions or torsion) as well as cables that lift the door. If damaged or worn out these components could affect the alignment of the rollers, leading to resistance as well as other issues such as a heavier door or higher energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections will ensure that these components are in sync to keep your patio doors operating smoothly. Create a crow's foot at one end and use the tramming stick to sweep across the rollers. Note the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process at the other end of the track, and then divide by two to find the rollers' alignment (Photo 1). This method is not as precise as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's quicker and simpler than measuring each individual rail with a level, or carpenter's level. You can also check the alignment of the rollers by taking off the head stop. It is a flat plate that is located in the bottom of the door jamb. It stops the rollers. If the door is heavy, you may require help in taking off the grilles and shades that are removable. After taking off the head stop, take out the head track adjustment screws by backing them with a screwdriver. After reinstalling the assembly and aligning each adjustment screw with its access hole, then tapping it with a hammer. Tracks that are damaged or dirty Patio doors that slide can serve as magnets for dirt, debris and other outside elements. They can also be susceptible to misalignment and other issues that may require professional repair. To prolong the lifespan of your patio door, identifying and addressing these problems in the early stages is crucial. Dirty tracks are one of the most common causes of problems with sliding patio doors. Over time, dirt, food debris, pet hair, and yard debris can become trapped in the tiny spaces of your sliding door track and cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to open. To avoid problems like this it is recommended to vacuum and clean your patio door tracks at least once per month. After you've cleared all the loose debris and dirt, you can use a non-abrasive household cleaning solution or warm soapy water to clean down your patio door tracks. If you notice that some parts of the track are more difficult to clean, try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean these tiny spaces. In addition to cleaning the tracks, it is recommended to keep them lubricated to prevent your sliding door from sticking or becoming difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we suggest applying silicone spray to the bottom track on a regular basis. You can also use paraffin wax to increase the glide. A draft or a leak of air can also impact your sliding patio doors. This can occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door is damaged or worn out. This can cause a gap between your patio door and the frame. This lets air in and decreases the efficiency of energy. Make sure that your weatherstripping is in good condition and replace it if necessary. If you use it regularly, your patio door will go through normal wear and wear and tear over time. These issues aren't usually indicative of a major problem. Minor repairs can extend the lifespan of your patio door. Consult a professional for any issues as soon as they appear to avoid costly repairs in the future. Glass that is cracked or warped A warped or cracked patio door can be a major eye-sore and could pose a security risk. It can also permit unwanted animals into your home and cause the temperature to fluctuate. These issues are simple to fix when detected early. A quick glance at the glass can help determine what kind of repair is required. Generally, cracks in glass are the result of stress or impact. These are more difficult to repair than chips on the surface. A professional will probably require re-leading the panel. This will mean removal of the glass and cleaning, as well as replacing any broken pieces. To ensure that the new glass to the old, professionals require accurate documentation of the way the piece looked at the time. Plastic epoxy can be used to fill a crack. This can be purchased from hardware stores or in the home improvement section in many stores. A professional will typically use an iron soldering to melt the plastic, then apply it to the cracks in the glass. After it has been cooled, the professional will remove any excess. If the glass crack is not too large, there could be a chance of repairing it with clear sealant. This type of product is available at any hardware store. It is important to dry the crack thoroughly prior to applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. A hair dryer or other fan can be used to speed up this process. Weatherstripping damaged A worn-out weather stripping is not just ugly and is a security risk, but also allows outside air in and heat to escape. A quick fix with a new piece of weather stripping could save you money and keep your home more comfortable. Make sure you have the appropriate tools and materials. You'll need an additional weather-stripping kit, or adhesive/caulk sealing agent (depending on the repair method you select), pliers and scissors, a utility blade, protective goggles or gloves and a replacement weather-stripping kit. Remove the weather stripping that was used previously by cutting through an end piece, and then pulling it back up using any screws that are attached, if necessary. Then remove any pieces still left over using pliers or a pry bar. If you decide to replace the weather stripping, begin by measuring the gap that is around your door frame. The measurements can be used to determine the size of weather stripping you will require. Make sure https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-stevenage/ leave a bit of extra length so you can refine the fit later. Once you have the correct size you can apply the backing with adhesive and press it against the frame. If you wish you would like to use a small nail to secure the frame in place. Finally, apply wood filler to any divots or holes in the frame. Allow the filler to dry completely before applying any paint. It is best to use oil-based paint, however, latex can also be used. Last but not least, take care to clean your sliding door tracks and doors regularly. This will avoid future issues such as sticking. Maintaining regular maintenance and repairs to your patio doors ensures they stay functional, attractive and energy efficient. You will save money and enjoy the great outdoors while doing it. Happy home-fixing!