Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors provide homeowners with natural fresh air and light and can increase a home's value. But over time, they could develop issues that need to be addressed swiftly. Understanding how patio doors function can help homeowners communicate more effectively with contractors about issues they face. Here are some common patio door repairs:. Misaligned rollers Sometimes, a sliding patio door gets stuck and it's not simple to get the thing to open again. Most of these sluggish sliding patio doors can be fixed easily with a bit of oiling and cleaning, unless a structural issue is present. The majority of the time, dirt in the lower track can cause the track's rollers and bottom track to become misaligned. In this situation you'll need to wash the track and apply a light coat of lubricant so that the rollers glide smoothly. In addition, misalignment can be caused because of wear or damage in the hinges connecting the door panels that house some of the rollers, springs, whether torsion or extension and cables, which lift the door. When damaged or worn these components can cause problems with the alignment of the rollers, leading to resistance as well as other issues such as an increased weight of the door or energy costs. 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. Install a crow's feet at one end. Use a trammingstick to sweep across the rollers. Take note of the distance each roller travels. Repeat the same process at the opposite end of the track and divide by two to find the rollers' alignment (Photo 1). This method isn't as accurate as using pi tape to measure diameter directly. It is however, faster and less cumbersome than using a carpenter's or level to measure each rail. You can also verify the alignment of the rollers by taking off the head stop. This is an aluminum plate located in the bottom of your door jamb. It stops the rollers. If the door is heavy you may need help removing removable grilles and shades. Once the head stop has been removed, carefully remove the head track adjustment screws by pushing them out using the help of a screwdriver. Then, reinstall the assembly by aligning each screw adjustment for the roller with its access hole and tapping it in using a hammer. Dirty tracks or damaged tracks Sliding patio door can act as magnet for dirt, debris, and other elements. They are also prone to misalignment and other issues that require professional repairs. In order to extend the life of your patio door, the identification and resolution of these issues early on is essential. Dirty tracks are among the most frequent causes of sliding patio door malfunctions. Over time dirt and other particles such as food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris, could get caught in the tiny spaces between your sliding door tracks which can cause it to get stuck or difficult to open. To avoid these issues, it's recommended to vacuum and clean your patio door tracks at least once each month. After you've cleared all the debris that has accumulated then you can use a non-abrasive home cleaning solution or warm soapy water to wipe down your patio door tracks. If you notice that certain parts of the track are harder to clean, you can try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean these small areas. You should also lubricate the tracks frequently to prevent sliding doors from becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we suggest applying silicone spray to the bottom track regularly. You can also apply paraffin wax to enhance the glide. Another issue that could impact your sliding patio door is a draft or air leak. This could occur when the weather stripping of your sliding patio door has worn out or has been damaged. This could cause an opening between your patio door and the frame. This allows air to enter and decreases the efficiency of energy. Check that your weather stripping is in good working order and replace it if needed. Over time, your patio door may see normal wear and tear. These problems are usually not a sign of an urgent issue. Small repairs can prolong the life of your patio door. Get in touch with a professional as soon when you notice any issues to avoid costly repairs. Glass that has cracked or warped A patio door that is cracked or warped is a real eye-sore, and it could pose an security risk. It can also permit unwanted animals to get into your home, causing the temperature to fluctuate. Fortunately, these issues are usually simple to fix when they are caught early. First, a quick glance at the glass can help determine what kind of repair is required. Generally, cracks in the glass are caused by stress or impact. These are more difficult to repair than chips on the surface. A professional may require re-leading the panel. This will require removing the glass and replacing any broken pieces. To do this, a professional will need accurate documentation of the glass as it was originally viewed to ensure that the new glass with the old one. Plastic epoxy can be used to fill a crack. This can be purchased from hardware stores or in the home improvement section of many stores. A professional will usually use an iron soldering to melt the plastic then apply it to the crack in the glass. After it has cooled, the professional can clean any excess. If the crack is not too big, it may be possible to repair the glass by using clear sealant. You can buy this type of product from any hardware store. It is essential to thoroughly dry the damaged area 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 procedure. Weatherstripping damaged A worn out weather stripping is not just ugly and a security hazard, but it also allows outside air to enter and cold or hot air to escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping on your home. Make sure you have the proper tools and materials. You will need a new weather-stripping kit or adhesive/caulk sealing agents (depending on the repair method you decide to use) tools, pliers and a pair of scissors, a utility knife, protective goggles or gloves, and a replacement weather-stripping kit. Remove the weather stripping that was used previously by cutting through the end piece and pulling up with any screws attached if applicable. Remove any remaining pieces with pliers and a plier. If you decide to replace the weather stripping, begin by measuring the gap that is around your door frame. Utilize the measurements to determine the size of weather stripping you require. Make https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-crawley/ to leave some extra length to allow for fine-tuning later. Once you've got the right size, place the backing and press the material against the frame. If you want, secure it in place 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 applying any paint. In general, it is best to apply oil-based paint over the filler, however latex paint can also be used. Finally, be sure to clean your tracks and sliding doors regularly. This will help prevent future issues such as sticking. Cleaning and maintaining your patio doors will ensure that they remain attractive, functional and energy-efficient. You'll save money while enjoying the great outdoors while doing it. Happy fixing your home!