Beware Of These “Trends” Concerning Patio Doors Repairs
Sliding Patio Doors Repairs Your sliding patio doors will let the outdoors in to your home and improve its energy efficiency. In time, they might begin to show signs that require some attention. The majority of sliding patio door issues are relatively easy to repair. Learn more about how you can keep your patio doors looking and operating like new:. Tracks that are dirty or damaged The tracks of your sliding patio door might be filthy or clogged. Over time, the dust and grime of daily usage accumulates on the tracks and can cause the door to become jammed or even collapse completely. Including regular light cleaning of sliding doors and their tracks in your chores at home can help minimize this build-up. Start by brushing or vacuuming any big debris from the tracks, and then wipe them clean with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaning product, such as dish soap. Vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution to get rid of stubborn grease and dirt stains. If you notice that your sliding door still won't move smoothly after following these steps, it may be the sign of more severe damage and requires a professional repair or replacement. There are a few simple fixes you can make before calling a professional to avoid costly repairs or replacements. Place upvc patio door repairs under your sliding doors. This will help to catch dirt before it gets to the tracks. Make sure to trim the plants and shrubs that are located near your sliding door to reduce the amount of debris tracked into the tracks. Close the door properly to prevent damage to the rollers and wheels. You can prolong the life of your doors by maintaining them clean and lubricated. Misaligned Rollers Sometimes, a patio could be misaligned. This is usually due to dirt, or other obstructions that can be easily removed. Sometimes, it's due to bent tracks or a bent roller. In this instance you can straighten the rollers by removing them using the adjustment screws, and then cleaning with the rubbing alcohol. These parts are often fragile. If your doors are stuck, you can grease the rollers. This will lessen friction and allow them to slide more easily. Make use of a silicone-based product because petroleum-based lubricants may draw dirt more quickly. It is crucial to clean the rollers and tracks before lubricating. Once you've cleaned the rollers, you are able to reinstall them using the screws for adjustment. It's recommended to apply the same lubricant that you used when cleaning them. Be sure to push the rollers fully into their channels when you reinstall them. You can test the door and see if it slides smoothly. If the problem persists it could be necessary to take the door off and inspect the rollers and tracks. If the rollers or tracks are bent in a way, they may need to be replaced. In this case, it's a good idea to call in an expert for the installation. Warped Glass Sliding glass doors are great to bring in natural light and the outdoors into a space, but they are also susceptible to damages that require repair or replacement. The most frequent problems that occur include cracking, warping and fading. Warping occurs when the components that comprise your sliding glass patio door start to degrade due to heat, sun and other environmental factors. Cracking often results from injuries caused by impact, like from a lawn mower or ball run-in, whereas fading typically is caused by repeated contact with sunlight and other natural elements. If your sliding glass patio doors are difficult to open or close it could be an indication that the tracks and rollers aren't functioning properly. This issue could be caused by the accumulation of dirt, rust, or debris in the track or wheels or a lack or lubrication. This issue can be solved by regularly cleaning the tracks and rollers and removing obstructions. Another reason your sliding patio doors may be difficult to open or close is because the locking mechanism has gone out of date. This could be due to the alignment of the track or wear and tear, but a simple fix is to adjust the locking mechanisms by turning the adjustment screws that are located in the bottom of the track. Drafts or air leaks around your sliding patio door are a common problem that can reduce the efficiency of your home's energy usage. They typically originate from damaged weather stripping or poor door alignment, which is easily fixed by replacing the old weather stripping and re-aligning the doors. Loose Handle If the handle of a sliding doors is loose, it can be quite annoying and make it difficult for people to open the door. This is typically caused by an improperly aligned locking mechanism, which can be fixed by loosening the screws that secure it and then tightening them until they are snug against the jamb of the door. Another common reason for a loose handle is that it is detached from the spindle that connects it to the handles' exterior and interior. This is usually caused by a variety of factors including excessive use, wear and tear or just general aging. If the problem is not resolved promptly, it may eventually result in the entire handle becoming loose, and possibly falling off completely. To resolve this issue it is necessary to find the screws that connect the handles' exterior and interior. The screws are typically hidden behind tabs made of plastic that can be removed with a flathead (or a Phillips head screwdriver, in some instances) screwdriver. It's a good idea to store these screws somewhere safe so that you don't lose them. After removing the handles, the next step will be to remove the spindle. This can be done by tapping on the end with a hammer or mallet until it falls free from its place within the door. The new handle is then fitted by putting the spindle into the interior handle hole and the other end through the exterior handle hole. Once the handle is in place it can be tightened by screwing the screws back into place and then ensuring that the locking and unlock mechanisms function correctly. Afflicted Weatherstripping Weatherstripping that is cracked or worn can let air and water get into your patio door, compromising your home's comfort and energy efficiency. It can let in moisture and create drafts, which can increase your cooling and heating costs. The good news is that replacing the weatherstripping is a simple repair that doesn't require professional assistance. You can remove the old weatherstripping by either loosing the staples using the help of a screwdriver or by gently prying it off with a putty knife and pulling it away from the door. Clean the area, and then apply a layer of weatherstripping that is backed with a foam seal. This will prevent leaks and improve the comfort of your. If your sliding patio door isn't working as it should, you need to address the issue immediately to avoid further damage and to keep them functioning for years to come. Depending on the severity of the issue is, a DIY solution or a professional repair/replacement could be the best option. The most common issues with sliding patio doors are dirty rollers due to debris in the tracks, misaligned wheels and a loose handle. In the majority of instances, these issues can be resolved by regular maintenance and cleaning, including lubricating the track, adjusting the rollers and tightening hardware. However, if these methods don't work, it's best to seek advice from a professional to ensure that your patio door is working exactly as it should. Check the warranty information before you decide to replace or repair your patio door. This will save you money in the future on repairs and replacements.