How To Identify The Patio Doors Repairs That's Right For You Patio Doors Repairs

Patio doors give homeowners natural light and fresh, clean air. They also increase the value of homes. However, over time, they may develop problems that require immediate attention.

Understanding how patio doors work can help homeowners communicate with a contractor about the issues they experience. Here are some of the most common repairs to patio doors:.

Misaligned rollers

It's not always easy to open a patio sliding door. But, unless there's an underlying structural issue, the majority of doors that aren't cooperating can be fixed by a bit of cleaning and lubrication. The most frequent cause is dirt in the lower track, which could cause the rollers to be pushed against the track below and cause them to misalign. In this instance you'll need to wash the track and apply a thin coating of lubricant, allowing the rollers glide easily.

The misalignment could also be because of wear or damage in the hinges connecting the doors which house a portion of the rollers, springs either torsion or extension; and cables, which lift the door. When worn or damaged these components can cause problems with roller alignment, causing resistance and other problems such as an increased weight of the door or energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional will ensure that these parts are working together to keep your patio doors operating smoothly.

To check roller-to-roller alignment and alignment, place an eagle's foot at the one end of the track. employ a tramming tool to sweep across both rollers, recording the distance they travel. Repeat the process at the other end of the track, then divide by 2 to get a reading of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method is not as precise as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's much more efficient and less time-consuming than measuring each individual rail with a level or carpenter's level.

You can also verify the alignment of the rollers by removing the head stop. It is an aluminum plate located in the bottom of the door jamb. It stops the rollers. This requires removing any grilles or shades that are removable, and in the event that the door is heavy, obtaining assistance in this process. After removing the head stop remove the head track adjusters screws by backing them up with the screwdriver. After reinstalling your assembly and aligning each screw for adjustment to its access hole, and tapping it with the Hammer.

Dirty tracks or damaged tracks

Patio doors that slide open can act as magnets for debris, dirt and other elements from outside. They are also susceptible to misalignment and other issues that may require professional assistance to fix. To prolong the life of your patio door, identifying and addressing these problems promptly is crucial.

Dirty tracks are among the most common causes of problems with sliding patio doors. Over time, food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris can become trapped in the tiny spaces of the track of your sliding door which can cause the door to stick or become difficult to open. To avoid these issues, it's recommended to sweep and clean your patio door tracks once each month. After you've cleared all the loose debris and dirt, you can use a non-abrasive household cleaning solution or warm soapy water to clean down your patio door tracks. If you notice that certain areas of the track are difficult to clean, use a butter knife or toothbrush to scrub these tiny spaces.

It is also important to grease the tracks frequently to prevent sliding doors from becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we suggest adding silicone spray to your bottom track regularly. You can also rub paraffin wax on the track to improve the glide.

A draft or a leak of air can also impact your sliding patio doors. This can happen when the weather stripping of your sliding patio door has worn away or has been damaged. This can lead to gaps between your patio door and the frame. This allows air in and decreases the efficiency of energy. Ensure that your weather stripping is in good shape and replace it as necessary.

With patio door repairs near me will experience normal wear and tear over time. However, these issues are typically not a sign of a major problem. Small repairs can prolong the lifespan of your patio door. Contact a professional to address any issues as soon they are apparent to avoid costly repairs in the future.

Glass that has cracked or warped

A patio door that's damaged or sagging could be a major eye-sore, and it could pose a security risk. It can also let in unwanted critters and make your home temperature fluctuate wildly. These issues are simple to fix if they are detected early.

A quick glance at the glass will help determine what kind of repair is needed. Glass cracks are typically caused by impact or stress. These are more difficult to repair than chips on the surface. A professional will likely require re-leading the panel. This will require the removal of the glass and cleaning it, as well as replacing broken pieces. To help match the new glass with the original, professionals require exact documentation of the appearance of the piece at the time.


Plastic epoxy can be used to fill in a crack. This can be purchased from a hardware store or the home improvement section of many stores. A professional will use a soldering tool to melt the plastic then apply it on the crack. Once the plastic has cooled down and the professional has removed any excess.

If the glass crack isn't too big, there might be a chance of repairing it using clear sealant. You can purchase this kind of sealant at any hardware store. It is essential to thoroughly dry the cracked area prior to applying the sealant. This will prevent the repair from failing. You can speed up the process by using a hair dryer or other fan.

Weatherstripping damaged

A damaged weather stripping is not only unsightly and a security hazard, but it also allows air from outside to get in and cold or hot air to escape. A simple fix with a new piece of weather stripping will save you money and keep your home more comfortable.

First, ensure you have all the necessary tools and supplies. You'll require a replacement weather-stripping kit or adhesive/caulk sealing agent (depending on the repair method you choose) as well as pliers and scissors, a utility knife as well as protective gloves or goggles and a replacement weather-stripping kit. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting through one end piece and pulling it up along with any screws for attachment in the event that they are needed. Remove any remaining pieces with the pliers and a prybar.

If you decide to replace the weather stripping, begin by measuring the gap around your door frame. Utilize the measurements to determine the size of weather stripping you will need. Make sure you leave a little bit of extra length so that you can adjust the size later. Once you've found the perfect size, apply the backing with adhesive and press it against the frame. If you want, secure it to the frame with the nail or hammer.

Apply wood filler onto the frame to cover any holes or divots. Let the filler dry completely before applying paint. It is recommended to use oil-based paints, but latex will also work.

Finally, be sure to clean your sliding doors and tracks regularly. Taking the time to do this can prevent the doors from sticking and other problems down the road. Maintaining and repairing your patio doors will ensure they remain attractive, functional and energy efficient. You'll save money while enjoying the outdoors while doing it. Enjoy your home renovation projects!