Patio Door Repair - How to Keep Your Door in Good Shape
Patio doors are a beautiful and useful addition to any home, bridging the gap between outdoor and indoor living. However, they are subject to wear and tear and must to be maintained properly.
Damaged doors not only pose a security risk but also add to energy costs due to the fact that they allow cold air to enter the home.
Damaged Glass
Patio doors can be used to create a seamless transition indoors to outdoor. They can enhance the aesthetics of your house and increase the efficiency of your home's energy usage. However, over time the sliding mechanisms can experience issues that affect their function and overall performance.
One of the most common issues homeowners face with their patio doors is cracked or broken glass. It could be due to a variety of reasons. This could be caused by misaligned tracks or cold drafts entering the building. It could also be due to the door was not properly installed. If you're not sure of the cause, it is best to consult a professional.
Broken windows aren't just an issue for safety, but they can also lead to colder air entering the home, water intrusion or make your home attractive to criminals. It is also essential to repair damaged windows as quickly as possible, to avoid further damage.
You'll need to call an experienced glazier in the event that your patio door has broken. They can fix the glass. This is a quicker and less expensive option than replacing the whole door.
Sliding patio door glass panels are usually secured into the frame with glazing beads, which can be loose with time. These beads may also crack or break when exposed to high temperatures. You might be able to do the task yourself, based on the severity, however it is best to consult an expert to ensure an impeccable finish and secure installation.
Tracks that slide Tracks
Over time, dirt and dust, even rust, can build up on the tracks of your patio doors. This can cause a sluggish movement, so it's important to keep the tracks clean. You can do this using an easy detergent and brush. You can also use a degreaser to get rid of more pronounced build-ups. If your door is still unable to move smoothly, it could be that the track is bent or damaged.
This problem is usually caused by heavy doors or pets dragging in dirt, which can cause the internal cogs or the spindle to break. This can result in the handle becoming stuck and difficult to open.
Another reason for the sliding patio door's malfunctioning is an absence of lubrication. The best way to prevent future problems is done by applying a silicone-based grease to the tracks and rollers. Be sure to thoroughly clean the track before applying lubricant so it doesn't collect more dirt.
Test the door after applying the lubricant, moving it upwards and downwards. If it doesn't move easily, apply the lubricant again and repeat. At some point, you'll be in a position to get your sliding patio door moving without the need for a repair company.
If your door's tracks are bent, you could need to remove the door in order to straighten them. It's a big task and you'll need someone assist you. Begin by placing a drop cloth on the floor and taking off the plugs that cover the screws that adjust the roller. Usually, they are located in the corner of each side of the frame. Once the screws have been removed, the track will pull away from the wall. If you spot a section of the track that bends outward, take an rubber mallet and a block of wood. Place the wood on the part of the track which is bent outward, and then hit it with the mallet until the track becomes straight. Repeat the process on the other side of the track if necessary. Once the tracks are straight, you'll be in a position to reinstall your door and attach any hardware that was removed.
Broken Rollers
If you notice that your patio door is difficult to open, and it's catching or scraping on the track, then it may be time to replace the roller on the bottom. It will wear out with time, just like all moving parts. If you hold off too long, you may encounter difficulty in getting the door open. This can cause an excessive strain on other components such as handles, which could break, or the track which will be damaged.
It's a daunting task to replace the rollers as you will need to remove the entire panel from the frame. The first step is to retract the roller wheels. Then give the panel a gentle pull to determine if it will be able to come loose. If the panel does fall off, ask a person to assist you in removing the panel and placing it on a flat surface. After the panel is removed, it is time to look over it for indications of damage.
After you have done this, you can begin working on the rollers. You'll likely need an screwdriver, a pry bar or a stiff putty blade to take them off. Once london windows and doors 've removed your old ones, make a note of their design and dimensions so that when you replace them you are sure they're exactly the same.
It's possible there is no visible damage to the rollers, and they just need lubricating. If that's the case, just spray some silicone based oil on them and try sliding the panel again.
In more serious instances, the bogies that sit underneath the rollers may fail or the tracks on which they roll will be damaged. In this scenario, the entire track will have to be replaced. It's usually a two man job as the panel has to be removed from the frame made of aluminium before builders can be taken out. This is typically the longest phase of the repair process and care must be taken to avoid any cracking or shattered glass.
Weather Treatment
Paul and his wife were tired of their old patio door letting drafts through when they were in the living room, watching TV or sitting in their favorite recliner. They also noticed icicles inside the frame this past winter. Our product specialist informed the couple that their doors required to be treated to combat weather. The door was old and had a bit of corrosion from the ages and British weather. However it was repairable to enhance the appearance. They decided to go ahead by installing a new patio door and window treatments that would go with their home's decor.