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Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors give homeowners natural light and fresh clean air. They also boost the value of a house. However, over time, they could create issues that must be addressed immediately. Understanding the way patio doors operate will help homeowners communicate with contractors about the issues they experience. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered patio door problems: Rollers that are not aligned It's not always easy to open a sliding patio door. But it's not a sign of a structural issue, most uncooperative doors can be easily repaired with a little cleaning and lubrication. Most often, dirt in the lower track can cause the track's rollers and bottom track to be misaligned. In this case, clean the track thoroughly and apply a thin layer of lubricant to allow the rollers to glide smoothly. 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); and cables which lift the door. These components, when damaged or worn out, could cause roller alignment issues and lead to resistance and other issues, such as a heavier feeling door or higher energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and regular professional inspections can ensure that all the components work in harmony to ensure that your patio door is operating smoothly. Set up a crow’s foot at one end and use a trammingstick to sweep across the rollers. Note the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process at the opposite end of the track, and divide by 2 to obtain a reading of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method isn't as precise as using pi tape to measure diameter directly. It is however, 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 taking off the head stop. This is an aluminum plate situated at the bottom of the door jamb. It stops the rollers. This requires removing any grilles or shades that can be removed and, in the event that the door is heavy, getting help with this step. After removing the head stop remove the head track adjusters screws by backing them up with the screwdriver. Then, reinstalling the assembly, align each screw for adjustment to the hole that it is accessible through, and tapping it with the hammer. Dirty or damaged tracks Patio doors that slide open can act as magnets for dirt, debris and other elements outside. They are also prone to misalignment and other issues which may require professional repairs. In order to extend the life of your patio door, identifying and addressing these problems promptly is crucial. One of the main reasons for sliding patio doors to malfunction is filthy tracks. Over time dirt and other particles such as food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris, could get caught in the tiny spaces between the tracks of your sliding doors which can cause it to become stuck or difficult to open. To avoid these issues it is recommended to vacuum and clean your patio door tracks once per month. Once you've removed all the debris that is loose and dirt, you can use a non-abrasive home cleaning solution or warm soapy water to wipe down your patio door tracks. If you notice that certain areas of the track are more difficult to clean, you can try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean out these tiny spaces. You should also lubricate the tracks on a regular basis to prevent your sliding door 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 regular basis. You can also apply paraffin wax to enhance the glide. Another issue that could affect your sliding patio door is draft or air leak. This can happen when the weather stripping of your sliding patio door has worn away or has been damaged. This can cause a gap between the frame and door which allows air enter and reduce the efficiency of energy. Check that your weatherstripping is in good order and replace it if needed. Over time your patio door could experience normal wear. These problems are usually not an indication of a serious problem. Small repairs can prolong the life of your patio door. Contact a professional to address any problems as soon as they are apparent to prevent costly repairs in the future. Glass that is warped or cracked A cracked or warped patio door is an eye-sore and could pose a security risk. It could also allow in unwanted critters and make your home temperature fluctuate wildly. Fortunately, these issues are usually easy to fix when they are caught early. First, a quick look at the glass can determine the type of repair is needed. Glass cracks are typically caused by stress or impact. They are more difficult to repair than chips on the surface. A professional may have to re-lead this panel. This will require the removal of the glass, cleaning it, and replacing the broken pieces. This is why professionals will require accurate documentation of the piece in its original form to help match up the new glass to the old. Sometimes, a crack in the glass can be filled with epoxy made of plastic. It is available in a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will use a soldering tool to melt the plastic then apply it to the crack. After the plastic has cooled it is then removed by the professional any excess. If the crack in the glass isn't too big, there might be a chance of repairing it using clear sealant. You can purchase this type of sealant at any hardware retailer. It is essential to thoroughly dry the crack prior to applying sealant. This will stop the repair from failing. You can accelerate the process by using a hair dryer or another fan. Damaged weatherstripping A worn-out weather stripping not only looks ugly and is a security risk however it also allows outside air in and heat out. A simple fix with a new piece of weather stripping will save you money while keeping your home more comfortable. Ensure you have the right tools and materials. You will need a replacement weather-stripping kit or adhesive/caulk sealing agent (depending on the repair method you choose) tools, pliers and a pair of scissors, a utility knife as well as protective gloves or goggles and a new weather-stripping kit. Remove the old weather stripping, by cutting through an end piece and pulling it up with any screws attached, if applicable. Remove any remaining pieces using pliers and a prybar. Begin by measuring the space around the door frame. Use sliding patio door repairs near me to determine the size of weather stripping you require. Be sure to leave a bit of extra length so you can adjust the fit later. Once you've found the perfect size, apply the backing and press it against the frame. If you wish you would like to use a small nail to tack the frame to the wall. Finally apply wood filler to any divots or holes in the frame. Allow the filler to dry completely before applying any paint. It's best to use oil-based paints, however, latex paint can also be used. Finally, be sure to clean your tracks and sliding doors regularly. Taking the time to do this will prevent sticking and other issues later on. Making sure you are keeping up with maintenance and repairs to your patio doors ensures they remain functional, attractive, and energy-efficient. You can save money and enjoy the outdoors while doing it. Enjoy your home renovation projects!