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Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors give homeowners light and fresh air, and they boost the value of a home. Over time, however they can develop issues that require immediate attention. Understanding how patio doors function can help homeowners communicate more effectively with contractors regarding issues they encounter. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered problems with patio doors: Rollers that are not aligned It's not always easy to open a sliding patio door. But, unless there's an underlying structural issue, most doors that aren't cooperating can be fixed by a bit of cleaning and lubrication. The most frequent cause is dirt on the lower track, which can cause the rollers to be pushed against the track below and cause them to be misaligned. In this instance, you'll need to clean the track and apply a thin coating of lubricant to let the rollers glide smoothly. The misalignment can also be caused by wear or damage to the hinges that connect the door panels that house some of these rollers; springs (whether torsion or extensions); and cables which lift the door. When worn or damaged these components could affect the alignment of the rollers, leading to resistance as well as other issues such as the door being heavier or having higher energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections can ensure that all these elements are in sync to keep your patio door functioning smoothly. To determine the alignment of rollers, set up an eagle's foot at one end of the track. employ a tramming tool to sweep across both rollers, recording the distance that each travels. Repeat sliding patio door repair near me at the opposite end of track and divide by two to determine the rollers' alignment (Photo 1). This method is not as accurate as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's much 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 taking off the head stop. This is an aluminum plate situated at the bottom of your door jamb. It stops the rollers. If the door is very heavy, you may require assistance in removal of the removable grilles and shades. After the head stop is removed, carefully remove the screws that adjust the head track by pushing them out using the help of a screwdriver. Then, reinstall the assembly by aligning each adjustment screw with its access hole and tapping it in with a hammer. Tracks that are damaged or dirty The sliding patio door acts as magnet for dirt, debris, and other elements. They can also be prone to misalignment and other issues that require professional repair. To extend the lifespan of your patio door finding and fixing these issues in the early stages is crucial. Dirty tracks are one of the most common causes of malfunctions in sliding patio doors. Over time, dirt and other debris such as pet hair, food crumbs and yard debris, could get caught in the tiny spaces between your sliding door tracks and cause it to get stuck or difficult to open. It is recommended to clean and vacuum your tracks of your patio door every month, at minimum, to avoid problems. After you've removed all of the loose debris then you can use a non-abrasive home cleaning solution or warm soapy water to clean down your patio door tracks. If you notice that some areas of the track are difficult to clean, use a butter knife or toothbrush to scrub these tiny spaces. In addition to cleaning the tracks, you should be sure to lubricate them frequently to avoid sliding doors from squeezing or becoming difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we suggest applying silicone spray to the bottom track regularly. You can also apply paraffin wax to increase the glide. Another issue that could affect your sliding patio door is air leak or draft. This could happen if the weather stripping of your sliding patio door has worn away or is damaged. This can cause a gap between your sliding patio door and the frame. This lets air in and reduces the energy efficiency. Make sure that your weatherstripping is in good order and replace it when needed. If you use it regularly, your patio door will show normal wear and tear over time. These problems are usually not an indication of a serious issue. Minor repairs can extend the lifespan of your patio door. Call a professional as quickly when you notice any issues to avoid costly repairs in the future. Glass that is warped or cracked A cracked or warped patio door can be a major eye-sore and could pose a security risk. It can also permit unwanted animals to enter your home and cause the temperature to fluctuate. These issues are simple to fix if they are detected early. First, a quick glance at the glass will determine the type of repair is needed. Glass cracks are typically caused by stress or impact. They can be a bit more difficult to repair than normal surface chips. A professional may have to re-lead the panel. This will mean removal of the glass and cleaning, as well as replacing any broken pieces. To help match the new glass to the old, professionals require precise documentation of the appearance of the piece at the time. Plastic epoxy can be used to fill in a crack. You can purchase this in a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will typically use a soldering iron to melt the plastic, then apply it to the crack in the glass. After it has been cooled, the professional will wipe away any excess. If the crack in the glass is not too large, there could be a chance of repairing it with clear sealant. You can purchase this kind of sealant at any hardware store. However, it is important to dry thoroughly the damaged area prior to applying the sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. You can speed up the process by using a hair dryer or a different fan. Weatherstripping damaged A weather stripping that is worn out is not just ugly and can pose a security risk it also lets outside air in and heat out. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping on your home. First, ensure that you have all the tools and materials. This includes a replacement weather stripping kit, or adhesive/caulk sealant (depending on your chosen repair method) and scissors, pliers, a utility knife, as well as gloves or goggles that are protective. Remove the old weather stripping, by cutting through an end piece and pulling it up with any screws attached if necessary. Remove any remaining pieces with pliers and a prybar. Begin by measuring the space around the door frame. Utilize the measurements to determine the size of weather stripping you will need. Make sure you leave extra length for later fine-tuning. Once you have the right size, apply the adhesive backing and press it against the frame. If you want you want to, use a nail to tack the frame in place. Finally apply some wood filler to any divots or holes in the frame. Let the filler completely dry before painting. In general, it is best to apply oil-based paint on the filler, however latex paint is also a good choice. Lastly, make sure to clean your sliding doors and tracks regularly. By taking the time to do this will prevent sticking and other issues in the future. Repairing and maintaining your patio doors will ensure they remain functional, attractive and energy-efficient. When you do this you can enjoy the great outdoors with confidence and save money at the same time! Happy fixing your home!