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Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors provide homeowners with natural fresh air and light and can increase a home's value. However, with time, they may cause issues that must be addressed swiftly. Understanding the way patio doors operate can help homeowners better communicate with a contractor regarding the issues they face. Here are some of the most common patio door problems: Rollers that are not aligned It's not always simple to open a sliding patio door. However, unless there's an underlying structural problem, most such doors that aren't cooperating could be fixed by a bit of cleaning and lubrication. The most frequent cause is dirt on the lower track, which can cause the rollers to be pushed against the track below and cause them to misalign. In this situation you'll need to wash the track and apply a thin coating of lubricant, allowing the rollers move easily. The misalignment could also be due to damage or wear in the hinges that connect the doors which house a portion of the rollers, springs either torsion or extension and cables, which lift the door. When they are damaged or worn, can alter the alignment of rollers and cause resistance, as well as other issues, such as the door feeling heavier or higher energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections can help ensure that all these elements are in sync to ensure that your patio door is operating smoothly. To determine the alignment of rollers, set up a crow's foot at one end of the track. Then employ a tramming tool to sweep across both rollers, noting the distance that each travels. Repeat the process at the opposite side of the track, then divide by 2 to get a measurement of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method is not as accurate as using pi tapes to measure the diameter directly, but it's much more efficient and less time-consuming than measuring each rail using a level or carpenter's level. Another method of checking roller alignment is to remove the head stop, which is a flat plate in the jamb of the door at the bottom of the frame, which stops the rollers. If the door is heavy, you may require help in taking off the grilles and shades that are removable. After removing the head stop, remove the head track adjusters screws by backing them with the screwdriver. After reinstalling your assembly and aligning each adjustment screw with the hole that it is accessible through, and tapping it with the 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 which may require professional repair. To prolong get redirected here of your patio door, identifying and addressing these problems promptly is crucial. One of the most common causes for sliding patio doors to malfunction is filthy tracks. Over time, dirt and other debris, such as food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris, could get caught in the tiny spaces between the tracks of your sliding doors, causing it to get stuck or difficult to open. It is recommended to clean and vacuum your tracks of your patio door every month, at minimum, to avoid problems like this. You can clean your patio door tracks with a non-abrasive cleaner or use warm soapy tap water after having removed any debris that is floating around. If you notice that some parts of the track are difficult to clean, you can try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean these tiny spaces. You should also lubricate the tracks regularly to avoid your sliding door becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you 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 common issue that can impact 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 a gap between the door and frame, which allows air to enter and reduce the efficiency of energy. Check that your weather stripping is in good condition and replace it when required. Over time your patio door could be subject to normal wear and tear. However, these issues are typically not indicators of a significant issue. In the majority of cases, minor repairs can help extend the life of your patio door and ensure that it is operating properly. Consult a professional for any problems as soon as they appear to save on costly repairs in the future. Glass that is damaged or warped A damaged or cracked patio door is a serious eyesore and a potential security risk. This can also allow unwanted animals into your home and cause the temperature to fluctuate. Fortunately, these issues are usually fixable if you catch them early. A quick glance at the glass will aid in determining what kind of repairs are required. Cracks in glass are usually caused by stress or impact. These are more difficult to repair than chips on the surface. A professional will probably need to reconnect this panel. This would 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 to the old one. Plastic epoxy can be used to fill in 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. Once the plastic has cooled down it is then removed by the professional any excess. If the glass crack is not too large, there could be a chance of repairing it using clear sealant. You can purchase this kind of product from any hardware retailer. However, it is important to thoroughly dry the cracked area before applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. A hair dryer or any other fan can be used to expedite this process. Weatherstripping damaged A weather stripping that is worn out is not only unsightly and a security risk but it also allows air from outside to enter and cold or heat to escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping inside your home. First, ensure that you have all the necessary tools and materials. This includes a replacement weather stripping kit or adhesive/caulk sealant (depending on your chosen repair method) and scissors, pliers, utility knife, and some gloves or goggles that are protective. Remove the old weather stripping, by cutting through the end piece and pulling up using any screws that are attached, if applicable. Remove any remaining pieces using pliers and a prybar. If you decide to replace the weather stripping, begin by measuring the distance around your door frame. The measurements can be used to determine the amount of weather stripping you will require. Make sure to leave some extra length for later fine-tuning. Once you've found the perfect size, apply the backing and press the material against the frame. If you wish you would like to use a small nail to tack the frame in place. Finally, apply wood filler to any holes or divots in the frame. Let the filler dry completely prior to painting. In general, it is best to apply oil-based paint on the filler, however latex paint is also a good choice. Also, ensure that you clean your sliding doors and tracks regularly. This will avoid future issues like sticking. Keeping up with maintenance and repairs to your patio doors ensures they remain functional, attractive and energy efficient. When you do this you will be able to enjoy the outdoors with confidence, and save money at the same time! Happy fixing your home!