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Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors give homeowners natural light and fresh, air. They also increase the value of a house. But over time, they could create issues that must be addressed swiftly. Understanding how patio doors operate can help homeowners communicate better with contractors regarding issues they face. Here are some common repairs for patio doors:. Rollers that aren't aligned properly It's not always easy to open a patio sliding door. However, unless there's an underlying structural issue, the majority of uncooperative doors can be easily fixed with some cleaning and lubrication. The most common culprit is dirt in the lower track, which may cause the rollers to rub against the track at the bottom and cause them to misalign. In this instance, clean the track thoroughly before applying the lubricant in a thin layer to allow the rollers to glide smoothly. It can also be caused by damage or wear to the hinges that connect the doors that house a portion of these rollers; springs (whether extensions or torsion); and cables which lift the door. If damaged or worn out these components can cause problems with the alignment of the rollers, leading to resistance and other problems such as the door being heavier or having higher energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections will ensure that these elements are in good working order to ensure that your patio doors are operating smoothly. Set up a crow’s foot at one end, and use a trammingstick to sweep across the rollers. Take note of the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process at the opposite side of the track, and divide by 2 to obtain 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 faster and easier than measuring each individual rail with a level, or carpenter's level. Another option to check roller alignment is to remove the head stop, a flat plate on the jamb of the door at the bottom of the frame that blocks the rollers. If the door is very heavy, you may require assistance in taking off the grilles and shades that are removable. After removing the head stop take out the head track adjustment screws by backing them up with the screwdriver. Then, reinstalling the assembly, align each screw for adjustment to its access hole, and tapping it with the Hammer. Dirty or damaged tracks A sliding patio door can serve as a magnet for dirt, debris, and other elements. They are also susceptible to misalignment, as well as other issues that require professional repair. In order to extend the lifespan of your patio door, finding and fixing these issues promptly is crucial. One of the most frequent causes for sliding patio doors to malfunction is dirty tracks. Over time,, food debris, pet hair, and yard debris could get trapped in the tiny spaces of your door's track which can cause the door to become stuck or become difficult to open. It is recommended to clean and vacuum your patio door tracks at least once a month to avoid problems like this. Once you've removed all the loose debris 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 parts of the track are difficult to clean, try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean out these tiny spaces. In addition to cleaning the tracks, you must be sure to lubricate them frequently to avoid your sliding door from becoming stuck or becoming difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we suggest adding silicone spray to the bottom track regularly. You can also use paraffin wax to improve the glide. A draft or a leak of air can also impact your sliding patio doors. This can occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door is damaged or worn out. This can cause a gap between your patio door and the frame. This lets air in and reduces the energy efficiency. Check that your weatherstripping is in good shape and replace it if necessary. Over time your patio door could experience normal wear. However, these issues are typically not a sign of a serious issue. In the majority of cases, minor repairs can help extend the lifespan of your patio door and keep it operating properly. Call a professional as quickly when you notice any issues to avoid costly repairs. Glass that is cracked or warped A damaged or cracked patio door is a serious visual ailment and a potential security risk. It also allows in unwanted creatures and cause your home's temperature change dramatically. These issues are easy to fix when detected early. A quick glance at the glass will help determine what kind of repair is required. Usually, cracks in glass are due to stress or impact. They are more difficult to repair than chips on the surface. A professional will likely have to re-lead the panel. This will require the removal of the glass, cleaning it, and replacing the broken pieces. To do this, an expert will require precise documentation of the piece in its original form to aid in comparing the new glass with the old. 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 employ an soldering tool to melt the plastic and then apply it on the crack. After it has been cool, the professional can wipe away any excess. If the crack in the glass is not too large, there could be a possibility of repairing it with clear sealant. This type of product can be purchased at any hardware store. It is essential to thoroughly dry the damaged area prior to applying the sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. A hair dryer or any other fan can be used to expedite this procedure. Weatherstripping that is damaged A damaged weather stripping is not only unsightly and a security risk but it also allows outside air to enter and cold or heat to escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping in your home. First, make sure patio door hardware have all the tools and materials. This includes a new weather stripping kit, or caulk sealant or adhesive (depending on the repair method) tools, pliers, scissors, a utility knife, as well as gloves or goggles that are protective. Remove the weather stripping that was used previously by cutting through an end piece and pulling up with any screws attached, if applicable. Remove any remaining pieces using pliers and a prybar. Begin by measuring the gap around the door frame. You can use these measurements to determine the amount of weather stripping that you will require. Be sure to leave a little bit of extra length to adjust the fit later. Once you have the right size, apply the backing with adhesive and press it against the frame. If you wish you want to, use a nail to secure the frame to the wall. Apply wood filler to the frame to cover any holes or divots. Allow the filler to dry completely before applying any paint. It is best to use oil-based paints however, latex paint can also be used. Also, ensure that you clean your sliding doors and tracks regularly. This will help prevent future issues like sticking. Maintaining regular maintenance and repairs to your patio doors will ensure they stay functional, attractive, and energy-efficient. You'll save money and enjoy the outdoors while doing it. Enjoy your home renovation projects!