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Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors provide homeowners with sunlight and fresh, clean air. They also increase the value of a house. But with time, they may create issues that must be addressed immediately. Understanding how patio doors function can help homeowners communicate better with contractors regarding issues they encounter. Here are some common repairs for patio doors:. Rollers that aren't aligned properly It's not always simple to open a patio sliding door. However in the absence of a underlying structural problem, most such doors that aren't cooperating can be fixed by a bit of cleaning and lubrication. Typically, dirt in the lower track can cause the rollers and bottom track to be misaligned. In this instance clean the track thoroughly and apply an even layer of lubricant so that the rollers can glide smoothly. Misalignment can also occur due to wear or damage in the hinges that connect the doors which house a portion of the rollers, springs, whether torsion or extension and cables, which raise 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 the door being heavier or having higher energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections will ensure that these parts are in good working order to keep your patio doors operating smoothly. To check roller-to-roller alignment, set up the crow's feet at the one end of the track and employ a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, recording the distance each travels. Repeat the process on the other end of the track, and divide by 2 to get a measurement of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method is not as precise as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's faster and easier than measuring each rail with a level, or carpenter's level. You can also test the alignment of the rollers by removing the head stop. It is a flat plate that is situated at the bottom of your door jamb. It stops the rollers. This will require removing any removable grilles or shades and, in the event that the door is heavy, you should seek help with this step. After taking off the head stop, remove the head track adjustments screws by backing them up with a screwdriver. After reinstalling your assembly by aligning each adjustment screw with its access hole, and tapping it with the hammer. Dirty or damaged tracks The sliding patio door acts as a magnet for dirt, debris, and other elements. They also are susceptible to misalignment, as well as other issues that require professional repair. In order to extend the life of your patio door identifying and addressing these problems in the early stages is crucial. Dirty tracks are one of the most frequent causes of sliding patio door malfunctions. Over time, food debris, pet hair, and yard debris could get trapped in the tiny spaces of the track of your sliding door which can cause the door to stick or become difficult to open. It is recommended to clean and vacuum your tracks of your patio doors at least once a month to avoid these problems. You can clean your patio door tracks using a non-abrasive cleaning solution, or with warm soapy tap water after having removed any loose debris. If you notice that some areas of the track are difficult to clean, use a butter knife or toothbrush to clean these small spaces. You should also lubricate the tracks on a regular basis to prevent sliding doors from becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we suggest adding silicone spray to your bottom track regularly. You can also apply paraffin wax to improve the glide. Another common issue that can affect your sliding patio door is a air leak or draft. This can happen when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has worn out or is damaged. This can lead to gaps between your sliding patio door and the frame. This lets air in and decreases the efficiency of energy. Ensure that your weather stripping is in good shape and replace it as required. Over time your patio door will be subject to normal wear and tear. These issues aren't usually indicative of a major issue. In most cases, small repairs can prolong the life of your patio door and keep it operating properly. Contact sliding glass door replacement to address any issues as soon as they occur to avoid costly repairs in the future. Glass that is damaged or warped A cracked or warped patio door can be a major visual ailment and a potential security risk. This can also allow unwanted animals into your home and cause the temperature to fluctuate. These issues are simple to fix if they are detected early. A quick glance at the glass will determine the type of repair is needed. Generally, cracks in glass are caused by stress or impact. They are more difficult to fix than simple surface chips. A professional will probably need to replace the lead on 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 was originally viewed to help match up the new glass to the old. Sometimes cracks in glass can be filled with epoxy made of plastic. You can purchase this in a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will use a soldering tool to melt the plastic then apply it to the crack. After the plastic has cooled down it is then removed by the professional any excess. If the crack isn't too large it is possible to repair the glass by using clear sealant. You can buy this type of sealant at any hardware store. It is essential to dry thoroughly the damaged area before applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. A hair dryer or other fan can be used to expedite this procedure. Damaged weatherstripping A weather stripping that's worn-out not only looks ugly and poses a security threat however it also allows outside air in and heat to escape. A simple fix using a new piece of weather stripping could save you money while keeping your home more comfortable. Make sure you have the proper tools and materials. This includes a replacement weather stripping kit or caulk sealant or adhesive (depending on the repair method) tools, pliers, scissors, a utility knife, and some gloves or protective goggles. Then, remove the old weather stripping by cutting one end piece and pulling it up along with any screws that attach it, in the event that they are needed. Remove any remaining pieces with the pliers and a prybar. Begin by measuring the gap around the door frame. The measurements can be used to determine the size of weather stripping that you will require. Make sure you leave extra length to allow for fine-tuning later. Once you've found the perfect size then apply the backing with adhesive and press it against the frame. If you wish, nail it to the frame using the nail or hammer. Apply wood filler to the frame to cover any divots or holes. Allow the filler to dry completely prior to applying any paint. Ideally, it's best to apply oil-based paint over the filler, however latex paint will work too. Last but not least, clean your sliding door tracks and doors frequently. This will avoid future issues like sticking. Maintaining and repairing your patio doors will ensure they remain attractive, functional and energy-efficient. If you do this, you can enjoy the great outdoors with confidence, and save money at the same time! Enjoy your home improvement projects!