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Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors provide homeowners with natural sunlight and fresh air, and they boost the value of a home. Over time, however, they may develop problems that require immediate attention. Understanding how patio doors function will help homeowners communicate with a contractor about the issues they experience. Here are some of the most common patio door problems: Misaligned rollers Sometimes the sliding patio door will get stuck and it's difficult to get it to open once more. Most of these non-cooperative sliding patio doors can be fixed easily with a bit of oiling and cleaning, unless a structural issue is present. The majority of the time dirt in the lower track can cause the bottom track and rollers to be misaligned. In this instance, you'll need to clean the track and apply a thin coating of lubricant to let the rollers move easily. It 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. These components, when damaged or worn, can alter the alignment of rollers and cause resistance, as well as other problems, such as a heavier feeling door or a rise in energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional will ensure that these components are working together to keep your patio doors functioning smoothly. To verify the alignment between rollers, set up a crow's foot at one end of the track. employ a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, noting the distance they travel. Repeat the process on the other end of the track, then divide by 2 to obtain a reading of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method isn't as precise as using pi tapes to measure the diameter directly, but it's much quicker and simpler than measuring each individual rail with a level, or carpenter's level. Another option for checking roller alignment is to remove the head stop, a flat plate that is located on the door jamb at bottom of the frame, which stops the rollers. This will require removing any grilles or shades that can be removed, and when 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 adjustment screw with its access hole, and tapping it in using a Hammer. Tracks that are dirty or damaged The sliding patio door acts as magnet for dirt, debris, and other elements. They can also be susceptible to misalignment and other issues that could require professional repair. To extend the lifespan of your patio door identifying and addressing these problems promptly is crucial. One of the main reasons for sliding patio doors to malfunction is dirty tracks. Over time, dirt food particles, pet hair and yard debris can become stuck in the small spaces of your sliding door track, causing the door to stick or become difficult to open. It is recommended that you vacuum and clean the tracks of your patio door at least once a month to avoid these problems. After you've removed all of the loose debris then you can use a non-abrasive household cleaning solution or warm soapy water to clean down your patio door tracks. If you notice areas of the track are difficult to clean, try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean out these small areas. In addition to cleaning the tracks, you must keep them lubricated to prevent your sliding door from becoming stuck or becoming difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we suggest adding silicone spray to your bottom track on a regular basis. You can also rub paraffin wax along the track to improve the glide. Air leaks or drafts can also affect your sliding patio doors. This can happen when the weather stripping of your sliding patio door is worn or is damaged. This can cause an opening between your sliding patio door and the frame. This lets air in and decreases the efficiency of energy. Make sure that your weatherstripping is in good order and replace it when needed. Over time your patio door could experience normal wear. These problems are usually not an indication of a serious problem. In most cases, minor repairs can help extend the life of your patio door and ensure it is running smoothly. Consult a professional for any issues as soon as they are apparent to prevent costly repairs in the future. Glass that is warped or cracked A patio door that's cracked or warped is a real eye-sore and can pose a security risk. It could also allow in unwanted critters and make your home temperature fluctuate wildly. These issues are easy to fix when detected early. First, a quick look at the glass can determine the type of repair is required. Glass cracks are typically caused by impact or stress. They are more difficult to fix than normal cracks in the surface. A professional may need to re-lead this panel. This would require taking the glass off and replacing any broken pieces. This is why a professional will need accurate documentation of the piece in its original form to aid in comparing the new glass to the original. Plastic epoxy can be used to fill a crack. It can be purchased at hardware stores or in the home improvement section of many stores. A professional will employ a soldering tool to melt the plastic then apply it on the crack. After it has been cooled, the professional will clean any excess. If the crack is not too big, it may be possible to repair the glass with clear sealant. This kind of product can be found at any hardware store. However, it is important to thoroughly dry the damaged area before applying sealant. This will stop the repair from failing. You can speed up the process by using a hair dryer or a different fan. Weatherstripping damaged A weather stripping that is worn out is not only unsightly and a security hazard, but it also allows air from outside to get in and cold or heat to escape. A simple fix with a new piece of weather stripping could save you money while keeping your home more comfortable. Make sure you have the proper tools and materials. This includes a replacement weather stripping kit, or adhesive/caulk sealant (depending on your chosen repair method) and scissors, pliers, a utility knife, as well as gloves or goggles that are protective. Remove the old weather stripping, by cutting through an end piece and pulling it up using any screws that are attached, if necessary. Remove any remaining pieces using pliers and a plier. Begin by measuring patio doors repairs around the door frame. You can use the measurements to determine the amount of weather stripping you will require. Make sure you leave extra length for later fine-tuning. Once you've got the right size, apply the backing and press it against the frame. If you wish, use a small nail to tack the frame in place. Finally, apply wood filler to any divots or holes in the frame. Let the filler dry completely prior to painting. It is best to use oil-based paints, however, latex can also be used. Finally, be sure to clean your sliding doors and tracks regularly. This will help prevent future issues such as sticking. Maintaining regular maintenance and repairs to your patio doors ensures they are functional, attractive, and energy-efficient. You can save money and enjoy the outdoors while doing so. Happy fixing your home!