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Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors give homeowners natural light and fresh, clean air. They also boost the value of a home. However, over time, they can cause issues that must be addressed swiftly. Understanding how patio doors work can help homeowners communicate with a contractor regarding the issues they experience. Here are some of the most frequent patio door problems: Misaligned rollers It's not always simple to open a sliding patio door. However in the absence of a underlying structural problem, most such doors that aren't cooperating can be fixed by a bit of cleaning and lubrication. The most common culprit is dirt in the lower track, which could cause the rollers to rub against the track at the bottom and cause them to be misaligned. In this case you'll need to wash the track and apply a light coat of lubricant so that the rollers glide easily. Misalignment can also occur due to damage or wear in the hinges that connect the doors which house a portion of the rollers, springs either torsion or extension and cables, which lift the door. When they are damaged or worn out, could cause roller alignment issues and lead to resistance and other issues, such as the door feeling heavier or a rise in energy bills. Regular maintenance checks and professional inspections will ensure that these components are in sync to keep your patio doors operating smoothly. To verify the alignment between rollers to determine alignment, set up an eagle's foot at one end of the track. use a tramming stick to sweep across both rollers, observing the distance they travel. Repeat the same process at the opposite end of the track and divide by two to get the rollers' alignment (Photo 1). This method isn't as precise as using pi tape to measure the length directly. It is however, faster and more efficient than using a carpenter's or level to measure the length of each rail. You can also verify the alignment of the rollers by removing the head stop. This is an elongated plate that is located 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 taking off the head stop, remove the head track adjusters screws by backing them with the screwdriver. Then, reinstalling the assembly and aligning each roller adjustment screw to the hole that it is accessible through, and tapping it with a hammer. Dirty or damaged tracks The sliding patio door acts as magnet for dirt, debris and other elements. They can also be susceptible to misalignment, as well as other issues that require professional repair services. In order to extend the lifespan of your patio door, the identification and resolution of these issues early on is essential. One of the most frequent reasons for sliding patio doors to fail is filthy tracks. Over time, dirt, food debris, pet hair, and yard debris can become trapped within the narrow spaces of the track of your sliding door which can cause the door to stick or become difficult to open. It is recommended that you vacuum and clean the patio door tracks at least once a month to avoid problems. After you've cleared all the loose debris, you can use a non-abrasive home cleaning solution or warm soapy water to clean down your patio door tracks. If you notice that certain parts of the track are difficult to clean, you can use the butter knife or toothbrush to clean these small spaces. In addition to cleaning the tracks, you should lubricate them regularly to prevent sliding doors from squeezing or becoming difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we recommend adding silicone spray to your bottom track on a regular basis. upvc patio door repairs can also apply paraffin wax to increase the glide. Air leaks or drafts can also affect your sliding patio doors. This could occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has worn away or is damaged. This could cause gaps between your patio door and the frame. This allows air to enter and decreases the efficiency of energy. Make sure your weatherstripping is in good condition and replace it if needed. Over time your patio door could see normal wear and tear. These issues are not usually indicative of a major problem. Small repairs can prolong the lifespan of your patio door. Call a professional as quickly when you notice any issues to avoid costly repairs. Glass that is warped or cracked A damaged or cracked patio door is an eyesore and a potential security risk. This can also allow unwanted animals into your home and cause the temperature to fluctuate. Fortunately, these issues are usually simple to fix in the event that you spot them early. A quick glance at the glass will help you determine what type of repairs are needed. Glass cracks are typically caused by stress or impact. They can be a bit more difficult to fix than normal surface chips. A professional may require re-leading the panel. This will require removing the glass clean it, and replacing broken pieces. To ensure that the new glass with the old, a professional needs precise documentation of how the piece looked at the time. Sometimes cracks in the glass can be filled with plastic epoxy. It is available at a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will usually use a soldering iron to melt the plastic, then apply it to the crack in the glass. After it has been cooled, the professional will 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. You can buy this type of product from any hardware store. It is essential to dry the crack completely before applying sealant. This will stop the repair from failing. You can accelerate the process by using a hair dryer or other fan. Weatherstripping that is damaged A worn-out weather stripping not only looks ugly and can pose a security risk it also lets outside air in and heat out. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping on your home. Make sure you have the appropriate tools and materials. You will need a new weather-stripping kit or adhesive/caulk sealing agents (depending on the repair method you decide to use), pliers and scissors, a utility blade, protective goggles or gloves, and a replacement weather-stripping kit. Remove the old weather stripping by cutting through the end piece, and then pulling it back up with any screws attached, if appropriate. Remove any remaining pieces using pliers and a prybar. If you decide to replace the weather stripping, begin by measuring the distance around the door frame. The measurements can be used to determine the length of weather stripping that you will require. Make sure you leave a bit of extra length so that you can refine the fit later. Once you have the correct size then apply the backing with adhesive and press it against the frame. If you wish, nail it in place using a small nail or hammer. Finally, apply wood filler to any holes or divots in the frame. Let the filler completely dry before painting. It's best to use oil-based paints however, latex can also be used. The last thing to do is clean your sliding door tracks and doors regularly. This will avoid future issues such as sticking. Cleaning and maintaining your patio doors will ensure that they remain functional, attractive and energy-efficient. If you do this, you can enjoy the great outdoors with confidence and save some money at the same time! Enjoy your home improvement projects!