Why Patio Doors Repairs Can Be Greater Dangerous Than You Think Patio Doors Repairs

Patio doors offer homeowners natural light and fresh clean air. They also enhance the value of a house. But over time, they could develop issues that need to be addressed swiftly.

Understanding how patio doors operate can help homeowners communicate better with contractors about problems they encounter. Here are some of the most common repairs to patio doors:.

Rollers that aren't aligned properly

It's not always easy to open a patio sliding door. Most of these uncooperative sliding patio doors can be fixed easily by a little oiling and cleaning in the event that a structural issue is present. Most often dirt in the lower track can cause the track's rollers and bottom track to misalign. In this situation, clean the track thoroughly before applying an even layer of lubricant so that the rollers are able to glide smoothly.


It can also be caused by damage or wear to the hinges that connect the doors that house a portion of these rollers; springs (whether torsion or extensions) as well as cables that lift the door. When damaged or worn these components could affect roller alignment, causing resistance and other problems such as a heavier door or higher energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional will ensure that these elements are in good working order to keep your patio doors operating smoothly.

Create a crow's foot 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 then divide by 2 to obtain a reading of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method isn't as precise as using pi tape to measure the length directly. However, it's faster and less cumbersome than using a carpenter's or level to determine the rail's diameter.

Another option to check the alignment of rollers is to take off the head stop, a flat plate in the door jamb at the bottom of the frame, which stops the rollers. This will require removing any removable grilles or shades, and when the door is heavy, you should seek assistance in this process. After the head stop is removed, carefully remove the head track adjustment screws by pushing them out using a screwdriver, then reinstall the assembly by aligning each roller adjustment screw with its access hole, and tapping it in with a hammer.

Tracks that are damaged or dirty

A sliding patio door can serve as an attraction for dirt, debris and other elements. They are also susceptible to misalignment, as well as other issues that require professional repair services. To prolong the life of your patio door identifying and addressing these problems early on is essential.

Dirty tracks are one of the most common causes of sliding patio door malfunctions. Over patio door tune-up , dirt and other debris, such as food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris can be trapped in the small spaces between your sliding door tracks which can cause it to get stuck or difficult to open. It is recommended to clean and vacuum your tracks of your patio door at least once a month to avoid these problems. You can clean your patio door tracks using an anti-abrasive cleaning solution or with warm soapy tap water after you've removed any debris that is floating around. If you notice that certain areas of the track are difficult to clean, you can use the butter knife or toothbrush to clean these tiny areas.

In addition to cleaning the tracks, you should keep them lubricated to prevent your sliding door from sticking or becoming difficult to open. If you own Panda patio doors it is recommended that you add silicone spray to the bottom track on a frequent basis. You can also use paraffin wax to improve the glide.

Another common issue that can affect your sliding patio door is air leak or draft. This could occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has worn out or has been damaged. This can lead to gaps between your sliding patio door and the frame. This allows air to enter and reduces the energy efficiency. Check that your weatherstripping is in good condition and replace it if needed.

With regular use, your patio door will experience normal wear and wear and tear over time. However these issues are usually not a sign of a significant issue. In most cases, minor repairs can extend the lifespan of your patio door and ensure it is functioning properly. Contact a professional to address any issues as soon they occur to prevent costly repairs in the future.

Glass that is cracked or warped

A damaged or cracked patio door can be a major eye-sore and could pose a security risk. This could also allow unwanted animals to enter your home and cause the temperature to fluctuate. Fortunately, these issues are usually simple to fix when they are caught early.

First, a quick look at the glass can help determine what kind of repair is required. Cracks in glass are usually caused by impact or stress. These are more difficult to repair than surface chips. A professional may have to re-lead the panel. This will require taking the glass off and cleaning, as well as replacing any broken pieces. To ensure that the new glass to the original, a professional needs accurate documentation of the appearance of the piece at the time.

Sometimes, a crack in the glass can be filled with epoxy made of plastic. It can be purchased at hardware stores or in the home improvement section of many stores. A professional will use an soldering tool to melt the plastic and then apply it to the crack. After it has cooled, the professional can clean any excess.

If the glass crack is small, there may be a chance of repairing it using clear sealant. You can purchase this type of product at any hardware store. It is essential to dry thoroughly the damaged area prior to applying sealant. This will stop the repair from failing. You can accelerate the process by using a hair dryer or another fan.

Weatherstripping damaged

A worn out weather stripping is not just unsightly and a security hazard, but it also allows outside air to enter and heat or cold to escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping inside your home.

Make sure you have the appropriate tools and materials. This includes a new weather stripping kit or caulk sealant or adhesive (depending on your chosen repair method), pliers, scissors, a utility knife, and some gloves or protective goggles. Remove the weather stripping that was used previously by cutting through an end piece and pulling up using any screws that are attached, if applicable. Remove any remaining pieces with 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 length of weather stripping that you need. Make sure to leave some extra length to allow for fine-tuning later. Once you've found the perfect size, apply the backing and press it against the frame. If you want you would like to use a small nail to secure the frame to the wall.

Apply wood filler to the frame to cover any holes or divots. Let the filler dry completely prior to painting. It's best to use oil-based paints, however, latex paint can also be used.

Lastly, make sure to clean your tracks and sliding doors regularly. This will prevent future problems such as sticking. Repairing and maintaining your patio doors will ensure that they remain functional, attractive and energy efficient. When you do this, you can enjoy the great outdoors with confidence and save some money at the same time! Happy home-fixing!