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Why Patio Doors Repairs Is A Lot More Dangerous Than You Realized
Patio Doors Repairs

Patio doors provide homeowners with sunlight and fresh, clean air. They also increase the value of a home. However, over time, they may develop problems that require immediate attention.

Understanding how patio doors function can help homeowners communicate more effectively with contractors about issues they encounter. Here are a few of the most common problems with patio doors:

Misaligned rollers

Sometimes, a sliding patio door gets stuck and it's not simple to get the thing to open once more. The majority of these uncooperative sliding patio doors can be fixed easily by a little oiling and cleaning, unless a structural issue is present. Typically, dirt in the lower track can cause the track's rollers and bottom track to misalign. In this instance you'll need to wash the track and apply a thin coating of lubricant to let the rollers glide easily.

It can also be caused by wear or damage to the hinges that connect the doors that house a portion of these rollers; springs (whether extensions or torsion) and cables that lift the door. These components, when damaged or worn, may affect roller alignment and lead to resistance and other issues, like the door feeling heavier or increased energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections will ensure that these parts are in sync to keep your patio doors functioning smoothly.

To check roller-to-roller alignment to determine alignment, set up a crow's foot at one end of the track. use a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, observing the distance they travel. Repeat the process at the opposite end of the track, then divide by 2 to obtain a reading of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method is not as accurate as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's much faster and easier than measuring each individual rail with a level or carpenter's level.

You can also check the alignment of the rollers by removing the head stop. This is an aluminum plate located in the bottom of your door jamb. It stops the rollers. This requires the removal of any grilles or shades that are removable, and when the door is heavy, obtaining help with this step. Once the head stop has been removed, remove the screws that adjust the head track by removing them with an screwdriver. Reinstall the assembly by aligning each roller adjustment screw with its access hole and tapping it in with the Hammer.

Dirty or damaged tracks

Sliding patio doors can serve as magnets for debris, dirt and other outside elements. They can also be prone to misalignment, as well as other issues that could require professional repair services. To extend the lifespan of your patio doors, it is crucial to recognize and fix these problems in the earliest time possible.

Dirty tracks are among the most frequent causes of sliding patio door malfunctions. Over time,, food particles, pet hair and yard debris can become trapped within the narrow spaces of your sliding door track, causing the door to snag or become difficult to open. It is recommended to clean and vacuum your tracks of your patio door every month, at minimum, to avoid these problems. Once you've removed all the debris that has accumulated, you can use a non-abrasive household cleaning solution or warm soapy water to wipe down your patio door tracks. If you notice that some parts of the track are harder to clean, you can try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean out these small spaces.

It is also important to grease the tracks regularly to avoid your sliding door becoming stuck or difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, it is recommended to add silicone spray to the bottom track on a regular basis. You can also use paraffin wax to improve the glide.

Air leaks or drafts can also impact your sliding patio doors. This could happen if the weather stripping of your sliding patio door has worn away or is damaged. This could cause an opening between the frame and the door which allows air enter and reduce the efficiency of your energy. Ensure that your weather stripping is in good condition and replace it when needed.

With regular use, your patio door will experience normal wear and tear over time. These issues aren't usually a sign of an urgent problem. patio door lock repair can prolong the life of your patio door. Contact a professional to address any issues as soon as they are apparent to avoid costly repairs in the future.

Glass that has cracked or warped

A cracked or warped patio door can be a major eyesore and a potential security risk. This could also allow unwanted animals to enter your home, causing the temperature to fluctuate. Fortunately, these issues are usually easy to fix in the event that you spot them early.


A quick glance at the glass will assist you in determining what kind of repairs are needed. Generally, cracks in the glass are due to stress or impact. They can be a bit more difficult to fix than simple surface chips. A professional may need to reconnect 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 glass in its original form to ensure that the new glass with the old.

Plastic epoxy can be used to fill in a crack. This can be purchased from a hardware store or the home improvement section of a lot of stores. A professional will typically employ an iron soldering to melt the plastic, then apply it to the cracks in the glass. After it has been cool, the professional can wipe away any excess.

If the crack in the glass isn't too big, there might be a possibility of repairing it using clear sealant. This kind of product is available at any hardware store. However, it is crucial to thoroughly dry the damaged area prior to applying sealant. This will ensure that the repair is successful. You can speed up the process by using a hair dryer or another fan.

Damaged weatherstripping

A weather stripping that is worn out is not just unsightly and a security risk but it also allows outside air to enter and cold or hot air escape. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping on your home.

Make sure you have the appropriate tools and materials. You'll need an additional weather-stripping kit, or adhesive/caulk sealing agents (depending on the repair method you choose) as well as pliers and scissors, a utility knife, protective goggles or gloves and a replacement weather-stripping kit. Then, remove the old weather stripping by cutting the end piece and then lifting it up with any attaching screws when applicable. Remove any remaining pieces with the pliers and a prybar.

If you decide to replace the weather stripping, begin by measuring the distance around the door frame. You can use the measurements to determine the amount of weather stripping you need. Be sure to leave a little extra length so that you can refine the size later. Once you've found the perfect size, apply the backing and press the material against the frame. If desired, tack it to the frame using the nail or hammer.

Apply wood filler onto the frame to cover any holes or divots. Let the filler completely dry before painting. Ideally, it's best to apply oil-based paint on the filler, however latex paint will work too.

Finally, be sure to clean your tracks and sliding doors regularly. By taking the time to do this will prevent sticking and other problems in the future. Repairing and maintaining your patio doors will ensure that they remain functional, attractive and energy efficient. You'll save money while enjoying the great outdoors while doing so. Enjoy your home renovation projects!

Read More: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/patio-door-repairs-canterbury/