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Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors provide homeowners with natural fresh air and light and boost the value of a home. However, over time they can develop issues that require immediate attention. Understanding how patio doors operate can help homeowners communicate more effectively with contractors about issues they face. Here are a few of the most common problems with patio doors: Rollers that are not aligned Sometimes the sliding patio door gets stuck and it's not easy to get the thing to open once more. Most of these non-cooperative sliding patio doors can be fixed by a little oiling and cleaning in the event that a structural issue is present. The most frequent cause is dirt in the lower track, which may cause the rollers to be pushed against the track below and cause them to become misaligned. In this situation clean the track thoroughly and apply the lubricant in a thin layer so that the rollers can glide easily. The misalignment can also be caused by damage or wear to the hinges connecting the door panels that house some of these rollers; springs (whether extensions or torsion) and cables that lift the door. When worn or damaged these components can cause problems with the alignment of the rollers, causing resistance, as well as the door being heavier or having higher energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional will ensure that these parts are in good working order to keep your patio doors operating smoothly. To verify the alignment between rollers, set up the crow's feet at one end of the track and use a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, observing the distance each travels. Repeat the process at the other end of the track and divide by two to find the rollers' alignment (Photo 1). This method is not as precise as using pi tapes to measure the diameter directly, but it's much faster and easier than measuring each rail with a level or carpenter's level. You can also test the alignment of the rollers by removing the head stop. This is an aluminum plate situated at the bottom of your door jamb. It stops the rollers. If the door is very heavy, you may require assistance in removal of the removable grilles and shades. After the head stop is removed, remove the screws that adjust the head track by removing them with a screwdriver, then reinstall the assembly by aligning each adjustment screw with the access hole for it and tapping it in using a hammer. Tracks that are damaged or dirty The sliding patio door acts as a magnet for dirt, debris and other elements. They also are susceptible to misalignment and other issues that may require professional repair. To prolong the life of your patio door, finding and fixing these issues early on is essential. Dirty tracks are one of the most frequent causes of problems with sliding patio doors. Over time dirt and other particles such as food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris, can get trapped in the narrow spaces between the tracks of your sliding doors and cause it to become stuck or difficult to open. It is recommended that you clean and vacuum your patio door tracks every month, at minimum, to avoid these problems. You can clean your patio door tracks with a non-abrasive cleaning solution, or with warm soapy tap water after you've removed any loose debris. If you notice that some parts of the track are difficult to clean, you can use the butter knife or toothbrush to clean these small areas. It is also recommended to lubricate the tracks frequently to prevent your sliding door becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we suggest applying silicone spray to your bottom track on a regular basis. You can also rub paraffin wax along the track to increase glide. Another common issue that can affect your sliding patio door is draft or air leak. This can occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door is worn out or damaged. This could cause an opening between your sliding patio door and the frame. This allows air to enter and reduces the energy efficiency. Make sure that your weatherstripping is in good condition and replace it if necessary. Over time, your patio door may see normal wear and tear. These issues aren't usually an indication of a serious problem. Minor repairs can extend the lifespan of your patio door. Contact a professional as soon as you notice any problems to avoid costly repairs. Glass that has cracked or warped A damaged or cracked patio door is a serious eyesore and a potential security risk. This can also allow unwanted animals to get into your home, causing the temperature to fluctuate. These issues are simple to fix when caught early. First, a quick glance at the glass can determine the type of repair is needed. Usually, cracks in glass are the result of stress or impact. They are more difficult to repair than chips on the surface. A professional will probably need to replace the lead on this panel. This would require taking the glass off, cleaning and replacing any broken pieces. For this reason, professionals will require accurate documentation of the piece as it was originally viewed to ensure that the new glass with the original. Sometimes cracks in the glass can be filled with plastic epoxy. You can purchase this in a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will usually use an iron soldering to melt the plastic then apply it to the crack in the glass. After sliding patio door lock repair has been cooled, the professional will wipe away any excess. If the glass crack isn't too big, there might be a possibility of repairing it using clear sealant. This kind of product can be purchased at any hardware store. It is essential to dry thoroughly the damaged area prior to applying the sealant. This will stop the repair from failing. A hair dryer or other fan can be used to speed up this procedure. Damaged weatherstripping A damaged weather stripping is not just ugly and a security risk, but it also allows outside air to enter and heat or cold escape. A quick fix with a new piece of weather stripping will save you money and make your home more comfortable. Make sure you have the appropriate tools and materials. You'll need an additional weather-stripping kit, or adhesive or caulk sealing agent (depending on the repair method you decide to use), pliers and scissors, a utility knife, protective goggles or gloves, and a replacement weather-stripping kit. Then, remove the old weather stripping by cutting through the end piece and then lifting it up with any screws for attachment when applicable. Remove any remaining pieces using pliers and a plier. If you decide to replace the weather stripping, start by measuring the gap around the door frame. Make use of the measurements to determine the right size weather stripping you need. Make sure you leave a little bit of extra length to refine the size later. Once you've got the right size, apply the backing and press it against the frame. If you wish, nail it to the frame using small nails or hammers. Apply wood filler to the frame to fill any holes or divots. Let the filler completely dry before painting. It is recommended to apply oil-based paint on the filler, however latex paint will work too. Also, ensure that you clean your tracks and sliding doors regularly. This will avoid future issues like sticking. Cleaning and maintaining your patio doors will ensure they remain functional, attractive and energy-efficient. When you do this you will be able to enjoy the outdoors with confidence, and save money at the same time! Happy home-fixing!