Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors offer homeowners natural sunlight and fresh air and boost the value of a home. In time, however they can develop issues that require immediate attention. Understanding how patio doors operate can help homeowners communicate better with contractors regarding issues they face. Here are some of the most common repairs to patio doors:. Rollers that aren't aligned properly Sometimes an outdoor sliding door can become stuck and it's not simple to get the thing to open again. However in the absence of a underlying structural issue, the majority of uncooperative doors can be easily fixed with some cleaning and lubrication. The most common culprit is dirt in the lower track, which can cause the rollers to be pushed against the track below and cause them to misalign. In this instance, clean the track thoroughly and apply the lubricant in a thin layer to allow the rollers to glide easily. In addition, misalignment can be caused because of wear or damage in the hinges that connect the doors, which house some of the rollers, springs either torsion or extension and cables that raise the door. When worn or damaged, these components can affect the alignment of the rollers, causing resistance and other problems such as the door being heavier or having higher energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections will ensure that these elements are in good working order to ensure that your patio doors are operating smoothly. To determine the alignment of rollers to determine alignment, set up an eagle's foot at the one end of the track and employ a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, observing the distance they travel. Repeat the process at the opposite end of the track, and then divide by 2 to obtain a reading of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method isn't as accurate as using pi tapes to measure the diameter directly, but it's faster and easier than measuring each individual rail using a level or carpenter's level. Another option for 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. This requires removing any grilles or shades that are removable and, in the event that the door is heavy, you should seek assistance in this process. Once the head stop is removed, carefully remove the head track adjustment screws by backing them out with the help of a screwdriver. Then, reinstall the assembly by aligning each screw adjustment for the roller with the access hole for it and tapping it in using the hammer. Dirty or damaged tracks Sliding patio doors can act as magnets for dirt, debris and other elements from outside. They are also susceptible to misalignment, and other issues that require professional repair. To extend the lifespan of your patio door, the identification and resolution of these issues in the early stages is crucial. One of the most common causes for sliding patio doors to malfunction is dirty tracks. Over time, dirt, food debris, pet hair, and yard debris could get trapped within the narrow spaces of the track of your sliding door and cause the door to stick or become difficult to open. To avoid this, it's 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 with warm soapy tap water after having removed any loose debris. If you find that certain parts of the track are difficult to clean, you can use a butter knife or toothbrush to clean these small areas. In addition to cleaning the tracks, you should be sure to lubricate them frequently to avoid your sliding door from becoming stuck or becoming difficult to open. If https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-croydon/ have Panda patio doors, we recommend adding silicone spray to your bottom track regularly. You can also apply paraffin wax to increase the glide. Another issue that could affect your sliding patio door is air leak or draft. This can occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has damaged or worn out. This can cause a gap between the door and frame that allows air to enter and reduce energy efficiency. Make sure that your weatherstripping is in good order and replace it if needed. With regular use, your patio door will go through normal wear and tear over time. However, these issues are typically not indicative of a significant issue. Minor repairs can extend the life of your patio door. Get a professional in touch to fix any issues as soon as they are apparent to prevent costly repairs in the future. Warped or cracked glass A cracked or warped patio door is a serious visual ailment and a potential security risk. It can also let in unwanted creatures and cause your home temperature fluctuate wildly. Thankfully, these problems are usually easy to fix if you catch them early. First, a quick look at the glass will help determine what kind of repair is needed. Generally, cracks in the glass are caused by stress or impact. They are more difficult to fix than simple surface chips. A professional may have to reconnect this panel. This would require taking the glass off, cleaning and replacing any broken pieces. To help match the new glass to the old, professionals require exact documentation of how the piece looked at the time. Plastic epoxy can be used to fill in a crack. You can buy this at a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will typically use the soldering iron to melt the plastic then apply it to the cracks in the glass. After it has been cool, the professional can clean any excess. If the crack is small, it may be possible to repair the glass using clear sealant. You can purchase this kind of product from any hardware retailer. It is essential to dry thoroughly the damaged area prior to applying the sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. A hair dryer or any other fan can be used to expedite this procedure. Weatherstripping that is damaged A weather stripping that is worn out not only looks ugly and is a security risk however it also allows outside air and heat to escape. A simple fix with a new piece of weather stripping will save you money and keep your home more comfortable. First, ensure that you have all the necessary tools and supplies. This includes a replacement weather stripping kit or caulk sealant adhesive (depending on the repair method) and pliers, scissors, a utility knife, and a pair of gloves or goggles that are protective. Remove the old weather stripping, by cutting through the end piece and pulling it up with any screws attached, if applicable. Remove any remaining pieces using pliers and a prybar. Begin by measuring the space around the door frame. You can use these measurements to determine the amount of weather stripping you require. Make sure you leave a little bit of extra length to adjust the size later. Once you've found the ideal size, place the backing and press it against the frame. If you wish you would like to use a small nail to tack the frame to the wall. Apply wood filler to the frame to fill any holes or divots. Let the filler dry completely before painting. It is recommended to apply oil-based paint over the filler, but latex paint will work too. The last thing to do is clean your sliding door tracks and doors frequently. Making the effort to do this can prevent the doors from sticking and other problems in the future. Keeping up with maintenance and repairs to your patio doors ensures they are practical, attractive and energy efficient. You'll save money and enjoy the great outdoors while doing it. Happy fixing your home!