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Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors offer homeowners natural light and fresh air and enhance the value of a house. Over time, however they can develop issues that require immediate attention. Understanding how patio doors work will help homeowners communicate better with contractors about problems they encounter. Here are some common patio door repair s:. Misaligned rollers Sometimes, a sliding patio door will get stuck and it's not easy to get it to open once more. The majority of these sluggish sliding patio doors can be repaired easily by a little oiling and cleaning, unless a structural issue is present. The most common culprit 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 it is necessary to clean the track and apply a thin coating of lubricant to let the rollers move easily. Misalignment can also occur due to wear or damage in the hinges connecting 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 roller alignment, causing resistance, as well as the door being heavier or having higher energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections will ensure that these elements are in sync to keep your patio doors functioning smoothly. To check roller-to-roller alignment and alignment, place an eagle's foot at one end of the track and employ a tramming tool to sweep across both rollers, observing the distance each travels. Repeat the same process at the opposite end of track and divide by two to find the rollers' alignment (Photo 1). This method isn't as precise as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's much more efficient and less time-consuming than measuring each rail with a level or carpenter's level. Another option for checking the alignment of rollers is to take off the head stop, which is a flat plate on the jamb of the door at the bottom of the frame, which stops the rollers. If the door is very heavy, you may require assistance in removing removable grilles and shades. Once the head stop is removed, remove the head track adjustment screws by pushing them out using an screwdriver. Reinstall the assembly by aligning each screw adjustment for the roller with its access hole and tapping it in with a Hammer. Dirty tracks or damaged tracks Sliding patio door can act as a magnet for dirt, debris and other elements. They are also susceptible to misalignment and other issues that may require professional repair services. To extend the lifespan of your patio doors, it is crucial to recognize and fix these problems as soon as possible. Dirty tracks are among the most frequent causes of problems with sliding patio doors. Over time, food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris can get trapped within the narrow spaces of your door's track and cause the door to stick or become difficult to open. It is recommended to clean and vacuum the patio door tracks every month, at minimum, to avoid problems. You can clean your patio door tracks using an anti-abrasive cleaning solution or warm soapy tap water after having removed any debris that is floating around. If you notice that some parts 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 frequently to prevent your sliding door becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we recommend adding silicone spray to the bottom track regularly. You can also rub paraffin wax on the track to enhance glide. A draft or a leak of air can also affect your sliding patio doors. This could happen when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has worn out or damaged. This could cause a gap between your sliding patio door and the frame. This allows air to enter and decreases the efficiency of energy. Ensure that your weather stripping is in good shape and replace it if needed. With regular use your patio door will show normal wear and wear and tear over time. These problems are usually not a sign of an urgent problem. Small repairs can prolong the life of your patio door. Contact a professional to address any issues as soon they appear to prevent costly repairs in the future. Glass that is cracked or warped A warped or cracked patio door can be a major eyesore and a potential security risk. It can also let in unwanted creatures and cause your home's temperature fluctuate dramatically. Fortunately, these issues are usually simple to fix if you catch them early. First, a quick look at the glass can help determine what kind of repair is required. Usually, cracks in glass are the result of stress or impact. These are more difficult to repair than chips on the surface. sliding patio door repair may have to replace the lead on this panel. This would require taking the glass off and replacing any broken pieces. To do this, an expert will require precise documentation of the glass as it looked originally to help match up the new glass to the old. Sometimes cracks in glass can be filled with plastic epoxy. You can purchase this in a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will typically employ a soldering iron to melt the plastic, then apply it to the crack in the glass. After it has cooled, the professional can wipe away any excess. If the glass crack isn't too big, there might be a chance to repair it using clear sealant. This type of product can be purchased at any hardware store. However, it is crucial to thoroughly dry the cracked area prior to applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. You can speed up the process by using a hair dryer or another fan. Weatherstripping that is damaged A damaged weather stripping is not just unsightly and a security risk but it also allows air from outside to seep in and cold or hot air escape. A quick fix with a new piece of weather stripping can save you money and keep your home more comfortable. Make sure you have the proper tools and materials. This includes a replacement weather stripping kit or adhesive/caulk sealant (depending on the repair method) and pliers, scissors, a utility knife, as well as gloves or goggles that are protective. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting through one end piece and pulling it up, along with any screws that attach it, if applicable. Remove any remaining pieces using pliers and a prybar. If you decide to replace the weather stripping, start by measuring the gap around the door frame. You can use these measurements to determine the size of weather stripping you will require. Be sure to leave an extra length for later fine-tuning. Once you have the right size, apply the adhesive backing and press it against the frame. If desired, tack it in place using a small nail or hammer. Apply wood filler onto the frame to cover any holes or divots. Let the filler dry completely before painting. It is best to use oil-based paints however, latex paint can also be used. Last but not least, clean your sliding door tracks and doors frequently. This will help prevent future issues such as sticking. Maintaining and repairing your patio doors will ensure that they remain functional, attractive and energy-efficient. You will save money and enjoy the outdoors while doing so. Happy home-fixing!