17 Reasons You Shouldn't Avoid Sliding Patio Door Repair
Sliding Patio Door Repair and Replacement Sliding patio doors are a great addition to any home. They're easy to operate and provide an expansive view. However, like any other household door, they're prone to wear and tear that requires repair or replacement. Make sure you regularly clean and lubricate your sliding patio doors to keep them in good condition. Lubricating sliding glass door repair Repair My Windows And Doors using graphite or silicon spray will enable them to slide smoothly and extend their usage. Roller Replacement If your sliding patio door does not roll easily, you may need to lubricate it. If the rollers have become damaged or worn, you will need to replace them. Replacing the rollers on your patio door will let your doors function smoothly and lessen the amount of force needed to open or close them. If your patio door is older, it may be necessary to take off the bottom portion of the frame to get access to the rollers. If this is the case then use a mallet made of rubber and a wood block to loosen the frame, and then pull it off. Save the roller screws to install your new rollers. Sliding glass door are a significant security feature in many homes and must be secured properly. In addition to making it difficult to open and close your door, damaged or worn-out roller wheels can create gaps that could be exploited by burglars. By replacing the rollers on your patio door, you can ensure that your home will be safe from unwanted visitors. After taking off the top and bottom rails it is a good idea to clean the entire length of the track with an alcohol soaked cloth. This will get rid of any dirt and make it easier to remove the doors from the track. The drainage holes on the bottom of the track should be visible but they are usually blocked by dirt. If you find that your track is susceptible to collecting dirt, consider installing a stainless-steel u-shaped part that snaps onto the track to provide an extra channel to allow water flow. You can get these from CR Laurence and other retailers who specialize in replacement sliding door parts. Make sure to install the first panel before installing the top panel. When the doors are back in place, you should be able test they are able to move freely and do not require a lot of force to open or close them. If they are still rough, you could adjust the new rollers to allow them to move more freely. Weather Stripping Replacement The weather strip seals on your sliding doors slowly wear out, permitting drafts and moisture to be able to. This can increase the cost of energy. It's a quick and easy project that can help you save money on heating bills. Sliding door weather stripping is available in a wide assortment of materials, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. You'll want to choose the right material that can stand up to friction, weather changes as well as extreme temperatures and foot traffic, without affecting the operation of the door. Foam and felt are affordable however they are susceptible to weather, and are visible in the frame. Vinyl is more expensive, but lasts years. Metals are durable however they might not look appropriate in modern homes. Rubber or plastic may be damaged over time and require frequent replacement. To install new weather stripping, first remove the door from its casing. Find the headstop on the top of the door It's usually small pieces of metal or plastic that is secured with screws. Take off the screws, then use a screwdriver that is flat to pry the headstop loose from the bottom of the door. Take off the weather stripping and any residue left behind with a putty knife or scraper. Don't try to remove the door off its tracks using just one person. You'll need to apply a lot of force. It is better to have a partner keep the door in place while you take it out of its frame. Find the channels that are holding your weather stripping. These should be covered with plugs that match the color of your doors. Pull up on the weatherstripping to separate it from the channel. Remove the plugs. Fin Seal is the most suitable type of weather stripping that is suitable for sliding patio doors. This type of weather seal has a Mylar centering in the brush material, and is very robust. It is suitable for almost all climates and can withstand the pressure of walking. The back of the stripping is made of a flexible, tough material that is able to be able to withstand the demands of sliding patio door. Door Alignment Sliding patio doors are a fantastic feature for any home, but just like everything else, they could benefit from a periodic adjustment to make sure they are working at their best. Over time, the components of these doors may wear out or become out of alignment, resulting in problems such as sticking, bumping into frames, or failing to lock properly. Regular maintenance and minor adjustments will keep these issues from happening and save you money and time. One of the main reasons for sliding door misalignment is the damage to rollers or tracks from sudden jolts or force. A quick repair with the right tools can resolve this problem, keeping your patio door moving smoothly for years to come. Other causes of misalignment include variations in temperature or humidity or weatherstripping wear and tear and inadequate installation. Parts can shift and become loose over time. This can cause the door to move, and not latch or close correctly. These changes over time could result in air drafts, and possibly water leakage into the home. It is crucial to clean and lubricate your sliding patio door track frequently to avoid these issues. A small amount of spray-lubricant can easily be purchased at any hardware retailer and applying it frequently with a small brush can keep the track running smoothly. Another common cause of sliding patio door misalignment is that the latch hook is not syncing with the strike plate that is on the jamb. To fix this begin by opening the door to expose the latch mechanism, giving you full visibility and access to it. Find the screw that adjusts this latch hook, and gently rotate it either way to adjust its length. A properly adjusted latch will ensure that the latch engages and hits the strike plate with no resistance or obstruction. Once you've made the necessary adjustments, check your door to ensure that it slides and locks properly. If there are any issues, continue the process until your sliding patio door is functioning properly. By following these easy steps you can save yourself a significant amount of money by not having to hire experts to make costly repairs. Frame Replacement Over time, screws on sliding door frames can loosen. This causes the frame to move a small amount. By regularly checking and tightening these screws will keep your doors from sagging or becoming stuck. A sliding screen can be fixed by a bit of clamping. However, a loose hinge may require replacement. It is possible to upgrade the patio's sliding feature without replacing the frame, but you must first assess the condition of the existing frame. This is a cheaper solution than replacing the entire frame and can meet specific requirements for example, such as a better insulation. A complete frame replacement involves the complete removal of the current hinged doors, window and frame from the wall opening. This allows an entirely new sliding patio be constructed, and allows for more flexibility in terms of style size, dimension and materials. Sliding glass doors are made to provide you with a stunning view of your backyard, but over time they can start showing signs of wear and tear. If your sliding glass doors are difficult to open or get stuck, you may have to replace the track or wheels. If the frame is in good condition it might suffice to replace the doors. Before you begin, make sure your work area is free of obstructions and you've laid down a drop cloth. Then, lay the sliding door flat on a work surface and take off the grilles and shades that can be removed. Make use of a screwdriver to remove the plugs that cover the screws for adjustment of the roller on the bottom of the frame (they are often covered with caps). After these have been removed, you can loosen and remove the bottom of the door from the track. After the frame is exposed, you can replace both the track and sliding door wheels. If your sliding door track is damaged or old it is best to replace it completely than repairing the existing track. You can buy a kit for an DIY project, or you can have an expert do it for you. In either case, be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions to ensure the proper installation.