A Guide To Patio Doors Repairs From Start To Finish Patio Doors Repairs

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

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

Misaligned rollers

Sometimes the sliding patio door gets stuck and it's not easy to get the thing to open again. Most of these non-cooperative sliding patio doors can be fixed easily by a little oiling and cleaning, unless a structural issue is present. Most often, dirt in the lower track can cause the rollers and bottom track to be misaligned. In this case it is necessary to clean the track and apply a light coating of lubricant, allowing the rollers move easily.


Misalignment may also be caused by wear or damage to the hinges that connect the doors that house a portion of these rollers, springs (whether torsion or extensions) and cables that lift the door. When these components are damaged or worn out, could affect roller alignment and lead to resistance and other issues, like the door feeling heavier or increased energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and periodic professional inspections can ensure that all the components work harmoniously to keep your patio door operating smoothly.

Create a crow's foot at one end and use the trammingstick to move across the rollers. Take note of the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process at the opposite end of the track, and divide by 2 to obtain a reading of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method is not as precise as using pi tapes to measure the diameter directly, but it's much faster and easier than measuring each rail with a level or carpenter's level.

You can also verify the alignment of the rollers by taking off the head stop. This is an aluminum plate located in the bottom of the door jamb. It stops the rollers. If the door is heavy you may require assistance in taking off the grilles and shades that are removable. After removing the head stop remove the head track adjusters screws by backing them up with a screwdriver. After reinstalling the assembly, align each roller adjustment screw to the hole that it is accessible through, and tapping it with a hammer.

Dirty tracks or damaged tracks

Patio doors that slide are magnets for dirt, debris and other outside elements. They also are susceptible to misalignment, and other issues which may require professional repair. To extend the lifespan of your patio door, identifying and addressing these problems in the early stages is crucial.

Dirty tracks are among the most frequent causes of malfunctions in sliding patio doors. Over time,, food particles, pet hair and yard debris could get trapped within the narrow spaces of your door's track, causing the door to stick or become difficult to open. To avoid problems like this, it's recommended to sweep and clean your patio door tracks at least once every month. After you've removed all of the debris that has accumulated, you can use a non-abrasive household cleaning solution or warm soapy water to wipe down your patio door tracks. If you find that certain areas of the track are difficult to clean, use the butter knife or toothbrush to clean these tiny spaces.

In addition to cleaning the tracks, you should lubricate them regularly to prevent sliding doors from squeezing 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 regular basis. You can also apply paraffin wax to improve the glide.

Another issue that could affect your sliding patio door is a air leak or draft. This may occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door is worn out or damaged. This could cause an opening between your sliding patio door and the frame. This lets air in and decreases the efficiency of energy. Make sure that your weather stripping is in good condition and replace it if needed.

If you use it regularly your patio door will show normal wear and wear and tear with time. These issues aren't usually a sign of an urgent problem. In most cases, small repairs can prolong the lifespan of your patio door and keep it functioning properly. Get a professional in touch to fix any problems as soon as they are apparent to avoid costly repairs in the future.

Warped or cracked glass

A patio door that's damaged or sagging can be a real eyesore, and it could pose an security risk. This could also allow unwanted animals into your home, causing the temperature to fluctuate. These problems are easy to fix if discovered early.

First, a quick glance at the glass will help determine what type of repair is required. Generally, cracks in the glass are caused by stress or impact. These are more difficult to repair than surface chips. A professional will probably need to replace the lead on this panel. This will require the removal of the glass, cleaning it, and replacing 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 with the original.

Plastic epoxy can be used to fill in a crack. It can be purchased at a hardware store or the home improvement section in many stores. A professional will use an soldering tool to melt the plastic then apply it on the crack. After it has cooled, the professional can remove any excess.

If the glass crack isn't too big, there might be a chance to repair it using clear sealant. This kind of product can be purchased at any hardware store. However, it is crucial to dry thoroughly the damaged area before 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 worn out weather stripping is not just unsightly and a security risk, but it also allows air from outside to get in and heat or cold escape. A simple fix using a new piece of weather stripping will save you money while keeping your home more comfortable.

Make sure patio doors repairs have the proper tools and materials. This includes a new weather stripping kit or caulk sealant adhesive (depending on the repair method) tools, scissors, pliers, utility knife, and some gloves or protective goggles. Then, remove the old weather stripping by cutting one end piece, then lifting it up with any screws for attachment when applicable. Remove any remaining pieces with pliers and a plier.

Begin by measuring the gap around the door frame. You can use these measurements to determine the length of weather stripping you need. Be sure to leave a bit of extra length to adjust the fit later. Once you've found the ideal size, apply the backing and press the material against the frame. If desired you would like to use a small nail to tack the frame to the wall.

Finally apply wood filler to any divots or holes in the frame. Let the filler dry completely prior to painting. It's best to use oil-based paint, but latex will also work.

Lastly, make sure to clean your tracks and sliding doors regularly. By taking the time to do this prevents sticking and other problems down the road. Making sure you are keeping up with maintenance and repairs to your patio doors will ensure they are attractive, functional, and energy-efficient. If you do this you can enjoy the great outdoors with confidence, and save money at the same time! Happy home-fixing!