The Top Patio Doors Repairs Gurus Do 3 Things Patio Doors Repairs

Patio doors give homeowners sunlight and fresh, clean air. They also enhance the value of homes. However, over time, they can create issues that must be addressed quickly.

Understanding the way patio doors operate can help homeowners communicate with contractors about the problems they encounter. Here are some common patio door repair s:.

Rollers that aren't aligned properly

It's not always easy to open a patio sliding door. But, unless there's an underlying structural issue, the majority of uncooperative doors can be easily fixed with some cleaning and lubrication. Typically dirt in the lower track can cause the bottom track and rollers to be misaligned. In this case, you'll need to clean the track and apply a thin coating of lubricant to let the rollers glide easily.

In addition, misalignment can be caused because of wear or damage in the hinges that connect the door panels, which house some of the rollers; springs, whether torsion or extension and cables, which raise the door. If damaged or worn out these components can cause problems with the alignment of the rollers, leading to resistance as well as other issues such as an increased weight of the door or energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional will ensure that these components are in sync to keep your patio doors operating smoothly.

To verify the alignment between rollers, set up the crow's feet at the one end of the track and employ a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, observing the distance each travels. Repeat the process on the opposite side of the track, and divide by 2 to get a reading of the rollers' parallelism (Photo 1). This method isn't as accurate as using pi tapes to measure the diameter directly, but it's faster and easier than measuring each individual rail with a level or carpenter's level.

You can also check the alignment of the rollers by removing the head stop. It is an aluminum plate situated at the bottom of your door jamb. It stops the rollers. This requires removing any removable grilles or shades and, in the event that the door is heavy, you should seek assistance in this process. Once the head stop has been removed, remove the screws that adjust the head track by backing them out with the help of a screwdriver. Then, reinstall the assembly by aligning each screw adjustment for the roller with its access hole and tapping it in with a Hammer.

Tracks that are dirty or damaged

Sliding patio doors can act as magnets for debris, dirt and other outside elements. They can also be prone to misalignment and other issues that may require professional repair services. To prolong the life of your patio door finding and fixing these issues early on is essential.

Dirty tracks are among the most frequent causes of malfunctions in sliding patio doors. Over time,, food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris could get trapped in the tiny spaces of your sliding door track which can cause the door to snag or become difficult to open. It is recommended to clean and vacuum your patio door tracks every month, at minimum, to avoid problems like this. After you've removed all of the debris that has accumulated, you can use a non-abrasive home cleaning solution or warm soapy water to clean down your patio door tracks. If you notice areas of the track are harder to clean, you can try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean out these tiny areas.

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 it is recommended to add silicone spray to the bottom track on a frequent basis. You can also apply paraffin wax along the track to increase glide.

A draft or a leak of air can also affect your sliding patio doors. This can occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door is damaged or worn out. This can cause gaps between the frame and the door, which allows air to be able to enter and decrease energy efficiency. Check that your weatherstripping is in good shape and replace it if necessary.

With consistent use, your patio door will go through normal wear and tear over time. These issues are not usually indicative of a major problem. In the majority of cases, minor repairs can prolong the lifespan of your patio door and keep it functioning properly. Call a professional as quickly when you spot any issues to avoid costly repairs in the future.

Glass that is cracked or warped

A cracked or warped patio door is an 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 simple to fix if you catch them early.

A quick glance at the glass will aid in determining what kind of repairs are required. Cracks in glass are usually caused by impact or stress. These are more difficult to repair than chips on the surface. A professional will probably need to replace the lead on this panel. This will require removal of the glass, cleaning and replacing any broken pieces. To ensure that the new glass with the old, a professional needs accurate documentation of how the piece looked at the time.

Sometimes cracks in glass can be filled with plastic epoxy. You can buy this at a hardware store, or in the home improvement section. A professional will employ a soldering tool to melt the plastic then apply it to the crack. Once the plastic has cooled it is then removed by the professional any excess.

If the crack is not too big it might be possible to repair the glass with clear sealant. This type of product can be purchased at any hardware store. It is essential to dry thoroughly the damaged area prior to applying the sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. A hair dryer or any other fan can be used to expedite this procedure.

Weatherstripping damaged

A weather stripping that's worn-out not only looks ugly and is a security risk, but also allows outside air and heat to escape. A simple fix using a new piece of weather stripping could save you money and keep your home more comfortable.

First, make sure you have all the necessary tools and supplies. This includes a new weather stripping kit, or caulk sealant or adhesive (depending on your chosen repair method) tools, scissors, pliers, a utility knife, as well as gloves or protective goggles. Remove the weather stripping that was used previously by cutting through the end piece and pulling up using any screws that are attached, if appropriate. Remove any remaining pieces using the pliers and a prybar.


Start by measuring the gap around the door frame. You can use these measurements to determine the length of weather stripping that you will require. Make sure you leave a little bit of extra length so you can adjust the size later. Once you have the right size then apply the adhesive backing and press it against the frame. If you want you want to, use a nail to secure the frame to the wall.

Finally, apply wood filler to any holes or divots in the frame. Let the filler dry completely before painting. It's best to use oil-based paints, however, latex can also be used.

Lastly, make sure to clean your sliding doors and tracks regularly. This will avoid future issues like sticking. Maintaining and repairing your patio doors will ensure that they remain functional, attractive and energy-efficient. By doing so you will be able to enjoy the outdoors with confidence and save money in the process! Happy fixing your home!