A Complete Guide To Patio Doors Repairs Dos And Don'ts Patio Doors Repairs

Patio doors provide homeowners with natural sunlight and fresh air and increase a home's value. In time, however they could develop issues that require immediate attention.


Understanding the way patio doors operate will help homeowners communicate with a contractor about the problems they encounter. Here are some of the most common patio door problems:

Rollers that are not aligned

It's not always easy to open a patio sliding door. Most of these uncooperative sliding patio doors can be repaired easily with some cleaning and oiling, unless a structural issue is present. Most often, dirt in the lower track can cause the bottom track and rollers to be misaligned. In this instance clean the track thoroughly before applying an even layer of lubricant so that the rollers can glide smoothly.

It can be caused by wear or damage to the hinges connecting the doors that house a portion of these rollers; springs (whether extensions or torsion) as well as cables that lift the door. If damaged or worn out these components could affect the alignment of the rollers, leading to resistance as well as other issues such as an increased weight of the door or energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections will ensure that these elements are in sync to keep your patio doors operating smoothly.

Install a crow's feet at one end. Use a trammingstick to sweep across the rollers. Take note of the distance each roller travels. Repeat the same process at the opposite end of the track, and then divide by two to find the alignment of the rollers (Photo 1). This method isn't as precise as using a pi tape to measure diameter directly. However, it's faster and easier than using a carpenter's level to measure the length of each rail.

You can also verify the alignment of the rollers by removing the head stop. This is a flat plate that is located in the bottom of the door jamb. It stops the rollers. This requires removing any grilles or shades that are removable and, when the door is heavy, obtaining help with this step. After the head stop is removed, remove the screws that adjust the head track by backing them out with an screwdriver. Reinstall the assembly by aligning each adjustment screw with its access hole and tapping it in with the Hammer.

Dirty or damaged tracks

Sliding patio door can act as an attraction for dirt, debris and other elements. They are also prone to misalignment, and other issues which may require professional assistance to fix. To prolong the lifespan of your patio doors, it's crucial to recognize and fix these problems in the earliest time possible.

Dirty tracks are one of the most common causes of sliding patio door malfunctions. Over time, dirt and other debris, such as pet hair, food crumbs and yard debris, can be trapped in the small spaces between the tracks of your sliding doors, causing it to become stuck or difficult to open. To avoid this, it's recommended to sweep and clean your patio door tracks once every month. Once you've removed all the debris that has accumulated then you can use a non-abrasive home cleaning solution or warm soapy water to clean down your patio door tracks. If patio door repairs notice areas of the track are harder to clean, you can try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean these tiny areas.

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

A draft or air leak can also impact your sliding patio doors. This could happen if the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has worn away or has been damaged. This could cause an opening between your sliding patio door and the frame. This lets air in and reduces the energy efficiency. Make sure your weatherstripping is in good condition and replace it if necessary.

If you use it regularly your patio door will experience normal wear and tear over time. These issues are not usually an indication of a serious problem. In the majority of cases, minor repairs can prolong the lifespan of your patio door and keep it functioning properly. Consult a professional for any issues as soon they appear to avoid costly repairs in the future.

Glass that is damaged or warped

A patio door that's cracked or warped could be a major eye-sore, and it could pose security risks. It can also let in unwanted animals and cause your home temperature fluctuate wildly. Thankfully, these problems are usually fixable in the event that you spot them early.

A quick glance at the glass will determine the type of repair is required. Glass cracks are typically caused by impact or stress. They are more difficult to repair than simple cracks in the surface. A professional may have to reconnect this panel. This would require taking the glass off, cleaning and replacing any broken pieces. To help match the new glass with the original, professionals require accurate documentation of how the piece looked at the time.

Plastic epoxy can be used to fill in a crack. It can be bought from hardware stores or in the home improvement section in many stores. A professional will usually use an iron soldering 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 is not too large, there could be a chance of repairing it using clear sealant. You can purchase this type of product at any hardware retailer. However, it is important to dry thoroughly the damaged area before applying sealant. This will stop the repair from failing. You can speed up the process by using a hair dryer or another fan.

Weatherstripping damaged

A worn-out weather stripping is not just ugly and can pose a security risk however it also allows outside air and heat to escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping in your home.

First, ensure you have all the tools and supplies. This includes a replacement weather stripping kit, or caulk sealant or adhesive (depending on the repair method) tools, scissors, pliers, a utility knife, and a pair of gloves or goggles that are protective. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting through the end piece, and then pulling it back up with any screws attached, if appropriate. Then, gently remove any pieces left over using pliers or a pry bar.

If you decide to replace the weather stripping, start by measuring the distance around the door frame. Make use of the measurements to determine the right size weather stripping you need. Make sure you leave a bit of extra length to fine-tune the size later. Once you have the right size you can apply the backing of the adhesive and press it against the frame. If you wish, nail it to the frame using the nail or hammer.

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

Last but not least, clean your sliding door tracks and doors frequently. This will prevent future problems such as sticking. Making sure you are keeping up with maintenance and repairs to your patio doors ensures they stay practical, attractive, and energy-efficient. You will save money while enjoying the outdoors while doing it. Happy home-fixing!