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Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors offer homeowners natural light and fresh, air. They also boost the value of a house. But with time, they may develop issues that need to be addressed swiftly. Understanding how patio doors work will help homeowners communicate with contractors about the issues they face. Here are some common patio door repairs:. Rollers that are not aligned It's not always simple to open a sliding patio door. But it's not a sign of a structural problem, most such doors that aren't cooperating can be fixed by a bit of cleaning and lubrication. The majority of the time, dirt in the lower track can cause the bottom track and rollers to become misaligned. In this instance, you'll need to clean the track and apply a light coat of lubricant so that the rollers glide easily. Misalignment may be caused by wear or damage to the hinges that connect the door panels that house some of these rollers, springs (whether torsion or extensions); and cables which lift the door. When worn or damaged, these components can affect roller alignment, causing resistance as well as other issues such as the door being heavier or having higher energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional will ensure that these elements are in good working order to keep your patio doors functioning smoothly. Install a crow's feet at one end, and use the trammingstick to move across the rollers. Note the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process at the other end of the track, and then divide by 2 to get a measurement of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method isn't as exact as using pi tape to measure the diameter directly. It is however, faster and less cumbersome than using a carpenter's or level to measure each rail. Another option for checking roller alignment is to remove the head stop, which is a flat plate that is located on the jamb of the door at the bottom of the frame that stops the rollers. This requires removing any removable grilles or shades and, if the door is heavy, getting assistance in this process. Once the head stop is removed, remove the screws that adjust the head track by pushing them out using an screwdriver. Reinstall the assembly by aligning each roller adjustment screw with the access hole for it and tapping it in with a hammer. Dirty or damaged tracks A sliding patio door can serve as an attraction for dirt, debris, and other elements. They are also susceptible to misalignment, and other issues that may require professional repairs. To extend the lifespan of your patio door, identifying and addressing these problems promptly is crucial. One of the most common reasons for sliding patio doors to fail is filthy tracks. Over time dirt and other particles like pet hair, food crumbs and yard debris can be trapped in the small spaces between your sliding door tracks, causing it to become stuck or difficult to open. To avoid problems like this, it's recommended to clean and vacuum your patio door tracks once every month. You can clean your patio door tracks using a non-abrasive cleaning solution, or use warm soapy tap water after you've removed any loose debris. If you notice areas of the track are more difficult to clean, try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean out these tiny spaces. You should also lubricate the tracks regularly to avoid sliding doors from becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, it is recommended that you add silicone spray to the bottom track on a frequent basis. You can also use paraffin wax to improve the glide. A draft or a leak of air can also affect your sliding patio doors. This could occur when the weather stripping of your sliding patio door is worn or is damaged. This can lead to a gap between your sliding patio door and the frame. This allows air in and reduces the energy efficiency. Check that your weatherstripping is in good order and replace it if needed. Over time, your patio door may be subject to normal wear and tear. These issues aren't usually an indication of a serious issue. In most cases, minor repairs can extend the life of your patio door and ensure it is functioning properly. Get in touch with a professional as soon as you notice any problems to avoid costly repairs. Glass that is damaged or warped A patio door that's damaged or cracked is a real eye-sore and could be an security risk. It also allows in unwanted critters and make your home's temperature change dramatically. Thankfully, these problems are usually fixable if you catch them early. First, a quick look at the glass will determine the type of repair is needed. Cracks in glass are usually caused by stress or impact. They can be a bit more difficult to repair than normal cracks in the surface. A professional will probably need to replace the lead on this panel. This will require removal of the glass, cleaning and replacing any broken pieces. This is why a professional will need accurate documentation of the piece as it looked originally to help match up the new glass with the old one. Sometimes, a crack in the glass can be filled with epoxy made of plastic. It can be purchased at hardware stores or the home improvement section of many stores. A professional will typically employ the soldering iron to melt the plastic, then apply it to the cracks in the glass. Once the plastic has cooled down and the professional has removed any excess. If the crack in the glass isn't too big, there might be a possibility of repairing it using clear sealant. You can purchase this type of sealant at any hardware store. However, it is important to thoroughly dry the cracked area prior to applying the sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. You can accelerate the process by using a hair dryer or a different fan. Weatherstripping that is damaged A worn out weather stripping is not just unsightly and a security hazard, but it also allows outside air to get in and cold or heat escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping in your home. First, ensure that you have all the necessary tools and supplies. This includes a new weather stripping kit or caulk sealant adhesive (depending on the repair method) tools, scissors, pliers, a utility knife, and a pair of gloves or protective goggles. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting through one end piece, then pulling it up along with any screws that attach it, when applicable. Then remove any pieces left over with pliers or a pry bar. Begin by measuring the gap around the door frame. Use the measurements to determine the size of weather stripping you need. Make sure you leave a little extra length so that you can fine-tune the fit later. Once you have the correct size, apply the adhesive backing and press it against the frame. If desired, tack it to the frame with a small nail or hammer. Apply wood filler onto the frame to cover 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 is also a good choice. Lastly, make sure to clean your tracks and sliding doors regularly. Taking patio door repair near me to do this prevents sticking and other problems in the future. Maintaining and repairing your patio doors will ensure that they remain attractive, functional and energy efficient. If you do this, you can enjoy the outdoors with confidence, and save money in the process! Happy fixing your home!