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Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors provide homeowners with sunlight and fresh, air. They also boost 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 with a contractor about the issues they face. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered problems with patio doors: Rollers that are not aligned Sometimes, a sliding patio door will get stuck and it's not easy to get it to open once more. Most of these uncooperative sliding patio doors can be fixed with a bit of oiling and cleaning, unless a structural problem is present. Typically dirt on the lower track can cause the rollers and bottom track to misalign. In this situation clean the track thoroughly and apply the lubricant in a thin layer to allow the rollers to glide easily. The misalignment can also 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. These components, when damaged or worn out, could alter the alignment of rollers and cause resistance, as well as other problems, such as doors that feel heavier or higher energy bills. relevant web page and inspections by a professional can help ensure that these components are in sync to ensure that your patio door is operating smoothly. To determine the alignment of rollers and alignment, place an eagle's foot at one end of the track and employ a tramming tool to sweep across both rollers, observing the distance they travel. Repeat the process at the other end of the track, and then divide by two to get the alignment of the rollers (Photo 1). This method is not as accurate as using pi tapes to measure the diameter directly, but it's quicker and simpler than measuring each individual rail using a level or carpenter's level. Another option for checking roller alignment is to remove the head stop, which is a flat plate in the door jamb at the bottom of the frame that blocks the rollers. This requires the removal of any grilles or shades that can be removed, and in the event that the door is heavy, obtaining assistance with this step. After removing the head stop, take out the head track adjustment screws by backing them up with a screwdriver. After reinstalling your assembly and aligning each screw for adjustment to its access hole, and tapping it with a hammer. Dirty or damaged tracks Patio doors that slide open can serve as magnets for debris, dirt and other outside elements. They are also prone to misalignment, and other issues that require professional repairs. To extend the life of your patio doors, it is important to identify and address these problems in the earliest time possible. One of the most frequent causes for sliding patio doors to malfunction is dirty tracks. Over time, dirt and other debris such as food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris, can get caught in the tiny spaces between the tracks of your sliding doors and cause it to become stuck or difficult to open. To avoid these issues, it's recommended to clean and vacuum your patio door tracks at least once each month. After you've cleared all the debris that has accumulated then you can use a non-abrasive household cleaning solution or warm soapy water to clean down your patio door tracks. If you find that certain areas of the track are difficult to clean, use a butter knife or toothbrush to clean these tiny areas. In addition to cleaning the tracks, you must keep them lubricated 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 frequent basis. You can also use paraffin wax to improve the glide. A draft or air leak can also affect your sliding patio doors. This could occur when the weather stripping of your sliding patio door has worn out or has been damaged. This can result in a gap between the frame and the door that allows air to enter and reduce the efficiency of your energy. Make sure your weatherstripping is in good condition and replace it when needed. If you use it regularly your patio door will go through normal wear and wear and tear with time. However, these issues are typically not indicative of a major problem. In most cases, small repairs can help extend the lifespan of your patio door and ensure that it is running smoothly. Get in touch with a professional as soon when you spot any issues to avoid costly repairs in the future. Glass that has cracked or warped A patio door that's damaged or sagging can be a real eyesore and could be an security risk. This could also allow unwanted animals into your home, causing the temperature to fluctuate. Thankfully, these problems are usually fixable when they are caught early. A quick glance at the glass will help determine what kind of repair is required. Glass cracks are typically caused by stress or impact. They are more difficult to repair than simple cracks in the surface. A professional will likely need to re-lead the panel. This will require removing the glass, cleaning it, and replacing broken pieces. To ensure that the new glass with the original, a professional requires precise documentation of the way the piece looked at the time. 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 the soldering tool to melt the plastic and then apply it on the crack. After it has cooled, the professional can wipe away any excess. If the glass crack is not too large, there could be a chance to repair it using clear sealant. You can purchase this type of product at any hardware retailer. It is important to thoroughly dry the crack 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 damaged A worn-out weather stripping is not just ugly and is a security risk, but also allows outside air and heat to escape. A simple fix with a new piece of weather stripping can save you money and make your home more comfortable. Make sure you have the proper tools and materials. This includes a new weather stripping kit, or adhesive/caulk sealant (depending on the repair method) and 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 pulling up with any screws attached if applicable. Then take care to remove any pieces left over with pliers or a pry bar. Begin by measuring the gap around the door frame. Make use of the measurements to determine the size of weather stripping you will need. Make sure you leave a bit of extra length so that you can fine-tune the size later. Once you've found the perfect size you can apply the backing of the adhesive and press it against the frame. If desired, use a small nail to tack the frame to the wall. Finally apply some wood filler to any holes or divots in the frame. Let the filler completely dry before painting. It is recommended to use oil-based paints however, latex paint can also be used. Last but not least, take care to clean your sliding door tracks and doors frequently. Taking the time to do this prevents sticking and other issues later on. Maintaining and repairing your patio doors will ensure that they remain attractive, functional and energy-efficient. If you do this you will be able to enjoy the outdoors with confidence and save some money at the same time! Enjoy your home improvements!