Repair Patio Doors: The Ugly The Truth About Repair Patio Doors
How to Repair Patio Doors
Sliding patio doors enhance the look of your home and provide convenience and energy efficiency. They require regular maintenance in order to perform as they were intended to.
Doing these simple tasks can help extend the lifespan of your doors and minimize expensive repairs. In some cases an expert's assistance might be required for more extensive damage.
Clear the Tracks
If a sliding patio door becomes stuck in its tracks, it may be difficult to open and close. Fortunately, this is a simple problem to solve. In the majority of instances, the door needs to be lubricated to get it moving again.
Cleaning regularly your sliding patio doors and tracks can limit the buildup of dirt that can impede the operation of the tracks. Every week, you should vacuum or scrub your tracks and sill to remove dirt particles larger than. Then you can use a soft cloth or sponge with mild soap and warm water to wipe them clean and wash them thoroughly. You can also scrub off stubborn streaks of dirt off the tracks with a small brush, but be careful not to scratch or damage them. Be sure to clean all the nooks, crevices and corners of the sill and tracks.
When the sill and tracks are clean, they can be scrubbed using a lint-free cloth, and then dried using paper towels. If you have white vinegar on hand it can be used to remove stains that are stubborn on the tracks and sill. Apply a small amount on a clean, soft cloth and rub the area where the stain is. If the stain remains, you can try scrubbing them with a small toothbrush or an old toothbrush and then rinsing again.
Keep your sliding doors and tracks clean to prolong their life and make them more efficient. You should clean them every time you clean your windows. Be sure to check the weather strip on patio doors regularly and replace it if it is damaged or worn. This is a vital step in reducing the cost of energy while maintaining the indoor comfort. If you are experiencing drafts or an increase in your heating or cooling costs, it may be time to invest in new patio doors with better insulation and weather stripping.
Lubricate the Locks
The lock mechanism needs to be lubricated to ensure smooth operation of the patio door. This can also prolong the longevity of the lock since it won't be subjected to unnecessary wear and tear. Light machine oil is a good choice however, you could also make use of a graphite lock lubricant. The right lubricant can help stop the buildup of gunk that could cause damage to the pins of the lock.
Graphite powder is a great method to lubricate the lock cylinder since it doesn't wash away or attract dirt. The dry lubricant is readily available in a majority of hardware stores. It comes in a squeeze-bottle which lets you to blow the powder directly into the lock. After that, just insert your key and work it around and back to distribute the graphite over the internal parts of the lock.
You can also try spraying WD-40 directly into the lock cylinder. This will give you a quick blast of lubrication, however it might be too powerful for certain locks. If the lock is stuck it is possible to try moving the key in and out a few times to spread the WD-40 across all internal parts.
Teflon-based lubricants are another alternative. These lubricants are extremely robust and are able to withstand high temperatures which makes them the perfect option for locking. They're also water-resistant, so they'll help you avoid the rust that may affect other types of lubricants.
If your sliding patio doors are slightly difficult to open or close, it's because the locking mechanism isn't aligned with the frame of the door. If you're unable to fix the issue by yourself, it's best to call in a professional locksmith. They can look over your lock and figure out what's causing it to be difficult and stiff to operate. They can also install new springs and rollers to bring back the functionality of your patio door. If necessary, they'll assist you in selecting the best locks to replace those that are damaged. You'll never have to worry over losing your keys or having broken locks on your door.
Adjust the Rollers
Incorrectly aligned tracks or rollers can cause patio doors to become difficult to open and close. The fix for stuck doors can be simple if any of the above problems are present. If the problem continues to persist, and you feel drafts or you notice an increase in cooling and heating costs it could be the right time to replace your doors.
The next step is to check the rollers. patio door repairs are a key component in the sliding track of a door and, if damaged or worn, they could cause the door to slam. To remove the rollers with a Phillips screwdriver, pull them up gently by removing the screw that holds them into the position.
After the screws have been removed, you can remove and replace the rollers with new ones, if required. The wheels used in most patio door systems are generally made of steel and may be rusty with time. Plastic wheels are found on the majority of newer doors and they last much longer than steel ones. If your wheels are rusted and worn out, you'll need to replace all tracks and rollers.
If your rollers function normally, you can adjust the alignment by using the adjustment screws at the bottom of the track. (The screwdriver that you used to remove the rollers will work). The adjustment screws that you turn will either tighten or loosen the track in order to position it correctly. If you've got the adjustment right, the door should be in contact with the track all the way around and there aren't any gaps.
After the adjustment has been completed, lubricate the rollers and track using a silicone-based spray lubricant. Apply a good coat of lubricant and slide the door back and forth a few times to spread it out. After the lubricant is dry, you should be free to shut and open your patio door without any issues. If you still have trouble, contact your Milgard window dealer for assistance. They can guide you on how to replace the part and help you find them.
Replace the Glass
Patio doors are a fantastic way to fill your home with natural light and breathtaking views of the outside. However, they can also be security-related because a damaged window can easily allow intruders to break into your home. It is essential to replace the glass on these door panels to ensure they are in good working order and secure.
It might seem difficult to replace a patio door's glass if the glass has broken. With the right guidance replacing windows on the patio door is very simple. You can complete this task without removing the door from its frame. To begin, you must remove the trim around the glass, also referred to as the mull. Use a putty knife to slide between the trim and the door, and then use a small plier bar and hammer for easing it off. Wear gloves and long sleeves to avoid damaging the trim.
After the old glass is removed clean and sweep the area to remove any broken pieces glass and then wipe down the frame. Duct tape any cracks on the frame to help strengthen it. Then, you can begin assembling the door. Be sure to measure (and note the thickness) the original glass before you begin. This will help you get and install the correct glass replacement.
After reassembling the frame, apply a clear silicone caulk to the edges of the opening. This will stop water or air from leaking into the gap, causing damage to the glass. Once the caulk is dry and the window is positioned, slide it into position. Then use the glazing points to secure it. Once the glass is secured, replace the stops and tap into the brad nails with a nail punch.
Patio doors are not just for providing a beautiful view they increase the efficiency of your home by reducing heat and cold transfer from the inside to the outside. They can also add an extra level of protection against storms and other elements that could harm windows and cause leaks.