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Patio Doors Repairs

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

Understanding how patio doors work can help homeowners communicate with a contractor regarding the issues they experience. Here are some of the most common repairs to patio doors:.

Rollers that aren't aligned properly

Sometimes an outdoor sliding door will get stuck and it's not simple to get it to open once more. However it's not a sign of a structural issue, most doors that aren't cooperating could be repaired with a little cleaning and lubrication. Typically, dirt in the lower track can cause the track's rollers and bottom track to misalign. In this instance, you'll need to clean the track and apply a thin coating of lubricant to let the rollers glide smoothly.

Misalignment may be caused by damage or wear to the hinges connecting the doors that house a portion of these rollers, springs (whether torsion or extensions); and cables which lift the door. When these components are damaged or worn, can alter the alignment of rollers and cause resistance and other problems, such as a heavier feeling door or a rise in energy costs. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional will ensure that these elements are working together to keep your patio doors functioning smoothly.

Create a crow's foot at one end, and use the tramming stick to sweep across the rollers. Take note of the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process on the opposite side of the track, then divide by 2 to obtain a reading of the rollers' parallelism (Photo 1). This method is not as accurate as using pi tapes to measure the diameter directly, but it's much more efficient and less time-consuming than measuring each rail with a level, or carpenter's level.

Another option for checking the alignment of the rollers is to remove the head stop, which is a flat plate on the door jamb at bottom of the frame that blocks the rollers. This will require removing any grilles or shades that can be removed, and in the event that the door is heavy, getting assistance in this process. After the head stop is removed, carefully 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 a hammer.

Dirty or damaged tracks

A sliding patio door can serve as a magnet for dirt, debris and other elements. They also are susceptible to misalignment, as well as other issues that require professional repairs. To extend the lifespan of your patio doors, it is essential to find and fix these problems as soon as you can.

One of the main causes for sliding patio doors to malfunction is dirty tracks. Over time, dirt and other debris such as pet hair, food crumbs and yard debris can be trapped in the small spaces between your sliding door tracks which can cause it to become stuck or difficult to open. It is recommended to clean and vacuum your patio door tracks every month at a minimum to avoid these problems. After you've removed all of the loose debris, you can use a non-abrasive household cleaning solution or warm soapy water to wipe 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 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 recommend adding silicone spray to your bottom track on a regular basis. You can also apply paraffin wax along the track to improve glide.

Air leaks or drafts can also impact your sliding patio doors. This can occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has worn out or damaged. This can cause a gap between the frame and door that allows air to come in and reduces the efficiency of your energy. Check that your weatherstripping is in good order and replace it when needed.





Over time your patio door will experience normal wear. However, these issues are typically not a sign of a serious issue. In most cases, small repairs can help extend the lifespan of your patio door and ensure it is running smoothly. Get a professional in touch to fix any problems as soon as they appear to save on costly repairs in the future.

Glass that is cracked or warped

A patio door that's cracked or warped is a real eye-sore and can pose an security risk. This can also allow 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 look at the glass will help determine what kind of repair is needed. Generally, cracks in glass are the result of stress or impact. They are more difficult to repair than simple cracks in the surface. A professional will probably have to re-lead the panel. This will require the removal of the glass, cleaning it, and replacing broken pieces. For this reason, professionals will require accurate documentation of the piece as it was originally viewed to ensure that the new glass to the old.

Sometimes cracks in glass can be filled with plastic epoxy. It can be purchased at hardware stores or in the home improvement section in many stores. A professional will typically employ an iron soldering to melt the plastic, then apply it to the crack in the glass. After the plastic has cooled down, the professional can remove any excess.

If patio door repairs in the glass is not too large, there could be a possibility of repairing it using clear sealant. You can purchase this kind of sealant at any hardware store. It is essential to thoroughly dry the cracked area before applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. You can accelerate the process by using a hair dryer or a different fan.

Weatherstripping damaged

A worn-out weather stripping not only looks bad and can pose a security risk however it also allows outside air in and heat out. A quick fix with a new piece of weather stripping will save you money while keeping your home more comfortable.

Make sure you have the appropriate tools and materials. You will need a replacement weather-stripping kit or adhesive/caulk sealing agents (depending on the repair method you select) as well as pliers and scissors, a utility knife as well as protective gloves or goggles, and a replacement weather-stripping kit. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting one end piece and pulling it up along with any attaching screws if applicable. Then, gently take any remaining pieces over with pliers or a pry bar.

Begin by measuring the space around the door frame. Use the measurements to determine the size of weather stripping you will need. Be sure to leave an extra length to allow for fine-tuning later. Once you've found the perfect size, apply the backing and press it against the frame. If you want you would like to use a small nail to tack the frame to the wall.

Finally, apply some wood filler to any holes or divots in the frame. Allow the filler to dry completely before applying any paint. It's best to use oil-based paints, but latex will also work.

Lastly, make sure to clean your tracks and sliding doors regularly. By taking the time to do this prevents sticking and other problems down the road. Keeping up with maintenance and repairs to your patio doors ensures they remain functional, attractive and energy efficient. By doing so, you can enjoy the great outdoors with confidence, and save money at the same time! Enjoy your home improvements!