patio door repair company Doors Repairs

Patio doors offer homeowners natural fresh air and light, and they enhance the value of a house. In time, however they could develop issues that require immediate attention.

Understanding the way patio doors operate can help homeowners better communicate with a contractor about the problems they encounter. Here are some of the most common patio door problems:

Rollers that aren't aligned properly

It's sometimes difficult to open a sliding patio door. The majority of these uncooperative sliding patio doors can be fixed easily with a bit of oiling and cleaning, unless a structural problem is present. The most frequent cause is dirt on the lower track, which could cause the rollers to be pushed against the track below and cause them to become misaligned. In this instance, you'll need to clean the track and apply a light coating of lubricant to let the rollers glide smoothly.

The misalignment could also be due to damage or wear in the hinges that connect the doors, which house some of the rollers, springs either torsion or extension and cables, which raise the door. When worn or damaged, these components can affect the alignment of the rollers, leading to resistance and other problems such as a heavier door or higher energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional will ensure that these parts are in good working order to ensure that your patio doors are operating smoothly.

Install a crow's feet at one end, and use the tramming stick to sweep across the rollers. Take note of the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process at the other end of the track, and divide by 2 to obtain a reading of the rollers' parallelism (Photo 1). This method isn't as precise as using a pi tape to measure diameter directly. It is however, faster and easier than using a carpenter's or level to measure each rail.

Another option to check roller alignment is to remove the head stop, a flat plate that is located on the door jamb at bottom of the frame, which stops the rollers. If the door is heavy you may require assistance in taking off the grilles and shades that are removable. After the head stop is removed, remove the head track adjustment screws by removing them with an screwdriver. Reinstall the assembly by aligning each roller adjustment screw with its access hole, and tapping it in with a hammer.

Dirty tracks or damaged tracks

Sliding patio doors can serve as magnets for debris, dirt and other outside elements. They can also be prone to misalignment, as well as other issues that may require professional repair. To extend the life of your patio doors, it's essential to find and fix these problems as soon as you can.

Dirty tracks are one of the most frequent causes of problems with sliding patio doors. Over time dirt and other particles, such as pet hair, food crumbs and yard debris, can get caught in the tiny spaces between your sliding door tracks and cause it to get stuck or difficult to open. It is recommended to vacuum and clean the tracks of your patio doors every month at a minimum to avoid problems like this. You can clean your patio door tracks with an anti-abrasive cleaning solution or with warm soapy tap water after having removed any debris that is floating around. If you notice that certain areas of the track are more difficult to clean, you can try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean these tiny areas.

You should also lubricate the tracks on a regular basis to prevent your sliding door from becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you own Panda patio doors, it is recommended to apply silicone spray to the bottom track on a frequent basis. You can also use paraffin wax to increase the glide.

Another common issue that can impact your sliding patio door is air leak or draft. This could happen if the weather stripping on your sliding patio doors Repair door is worn or has been damaged. This can lead to gaps between your patio door and the frame. This allows air to enter and decreases the efficiency of energy. Make sure your weatherstripping is in good order and replace it if necessary.

With regular use your patio door will go through normal wear and tear over time. These problems are usually not an indication of a serious issue. In most cases, small repairs can extend the life of your patio door and ensure that it is running smoothly. Contact a professional to address any problems as soon as they occur to avoid costly repairs in the future.

Warped or cracked glass

A cracked or warped patio door can be a major visual ailment and a potential security risk. It could also allow in unwanted animals and cause your home's temperature fluctuate dramatically. Fortunately, these issues are usually fixable when they are caught early.

First, a quick look at the glass can determine the type of repair is needed. Cracks in glass are usually caused by impact or stress. They are more difficult to repair than simple surface chips. A professional will probably need to replace the lead on this panel. This will require removing the glass, cleaning it, and replacing broken pieces. This is why a professional will need accurate documentation of the glass as it was originally viewed to help match up the new glass to the old one.

Plastic epoxy can be used to fill a crack. You can buy this in a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will employ an soldering tool to melt the plastic then apply it on the crack. After the plastic has cooled, the professional can remove any excess.

If the crack is not too big it might be possible to repair patio doors the glass by using clear sealant. You can buy this type of sealant at any hardware retailer. However, it is important to thoroughly dry the cracked area prior to applying sealant. This will prevent the repair from failing. You can speed up the process by using a hair dryer or another fan.

Damaged weatherstripping

A damaged weather stripping is not only unsightly and a security risk but it also allows outside air to enter and cold or heat escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping on your home.

Make sure you have the appropriate tools and materials. This includes a replacement weather stripping kit, or caulk sealant adhesive (depending on the repair method) tools, pliers, scissors, a utility knife, and a pair of gloves or protective goggles. Remove the old weather stripping, by cutting through the end piece and pulling it up using any screws that are attached, if applicable. Then take care to remove any pieces still left over using pliers or a pry bar.

If you decide to replace the weather stripping, begin by measuring the distance around the door frame. The measurements can be used to determine the amount of weather stripping you will require. Be sure to leave an extra length for later fine-tuning. Once you've got the right size, place the backing and press the material against the frame. If desired, tack it to the frame with the nail or hammer.

Finally, apply some wood filler to any holes or divots in the frame. Let the filler dry completely before painting. It is recommended to apply oil-based paint on the filler, however latex paint is also a good choice.

Finally, be sure to clean your sliding doors and tracks regularly. By taking the time to do this will prevent sticking and other problems down the road. Keeping up with maintenance and repairs to your patio doors will ensure they stay functional, attractive, and energy-efficient. When you do this, you can enjoy the great outdoors with confidence, and save money at the same time! Happy home-fixing!