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Patio Doors Repairs Patio doors provide homeowners with natural fresh air and light and boost the value of a home. In time, however they could develop issues that require immediate attention. Understanding how patio doors operate can help homeowners communicate more effectively with contractors about issues they face. Here are some of the most frequent problems with patio doors: Misaligned rollers It's not always simple to open a patio sliding door. The majority of these uncooperative sliding patio doors can be repaired easily with a bit of oiling and cleaning, unless a structural issue is present. Typically dirt on the lower track can cause the rollers and bottom track to become misaligned. In this situation, clean the track thoroughly and apply an even layer of lubricant so that the rollers can glide easily. It can be caused by damage or wear to the hinges that connect the door panels that house some of these rollers; springs (whether extensions or torsion); and cables which lift the door. These components, when damaged or worn out, could affect roller alignment and cause resistance, as well as other problems, such as the door feeling heavier or increased energy consumption. Regular maintenance checks and inspections by a professional can help ensure that all the components work in harmony to keep your patio door functioning smoothly. Install a crow's feet at one end and use the tramming stick to sweep across the rollers. Take note of the distance each roller travels. Repeat the process at the opposite end of the track, and then divide by 2 to obtain a reading of the parallelism of the rollers (Photo 1). This method is not as precise as using pi tapes to measure diameter directly, but it's more efficient and less time-consuming than measuring each individual rail using a level or carpenter's level. Another method of checking roller alignment is to remove the head stop, a flat plate on the door jamb at the bottom of the frame that blocks the rollers. If the door is very heavy, you may require help in removing removable grilles and shades. After removing the head stop, remove the head track adjusters screws by securing them with a screwdriver. Then, reinstalling the assembly by aligning each roller adjustment screw to the hole that it is accessible through, and tapping it with a hammer. Tracks that are damaged or dirty Sliding patio door can act as magnet for dirt, debris, and other 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 door finding and fixing these issues early on is essential. One of the most frequent causes for sliding patio doors to fail is dirty tracks. Over time dirt and other particles like food crumbs, pet hair and yard debris, could be trapped in the small spaces between your sliding door tracks which can cause it to get stuck or difficult to open. It is recommended that you clean and vacuum the tracks of your patio doors every month, at minimum, to avoid problems. You can clean your patio door tracks using an anti-abrasive cleaning solution or warm soapy tap water after you've removed any debris that is floating around. If you notice areas of the track are harder to clean, try using a butter knife or an old toothbrush to clean these small areas. In addition to cleaning the tracks, it is recommended to keep them lubricated to prevent your sliding door from sticking or becoming difficult to open. If you have Panda patio doors, we recommend adding silicone spray to your bottom track regularly. You can also rub paraffin wax along the track to improve glide. Another issue that could affect your sliding patio door is draft or air leak. This can occur when the weather stripping on your sliding patio door has worn out or damaged. This can lead to an opening between your sliding patio door and the frame. This allows air in and decreases the efficiency of energy. Ensure that your weather stripping is in good condition and replace it if required. Over time your patio door will be subject to normal wear and tear. However, these issues are typically not indicative of a major problem. Small repairs can prolong the life of your patio door. Consult a professional for any issues as soon as they are apparent to prevent costly repairs in the future. Warped or cracked glass A damaged or cracked patio door is a serious eyesore and a potential security risk. It can also permit unwanted animals to get into your home, causing the temperature to fluctuate. These problems are easy to fix if they are discovered early. A quick glance at the glass will help you determine what type of repairs are required. Usually, cracks in glass are due to stress or impact. They are more difficult to repair than surface chips. A professional will probably have to re-lead the panel. This will require removing the glass, cleaning it, and replacing the broken pieces. For this reason, a professional will need accurate documentation of the glass in its original form to help match up the new glass with the old. Sometimes cracks in the glass can be filled with plastic epoxy. You can purchase this at a hardware store or in the home improvement section. A professional will usually use an iron soldering to melt the plastic, then apply it to the cracks in the glass. After the plastic has cooled, the professional can remove any excess. If the crack in the glass is small, there may be a possibility of repairing it using clear sealant. You can buy this type of sealant at any hardware retailer. It is essential to dry the crack completely before applying sealant. This will stop the repair from failing. A hair dryer or another fan can be used to expedite this procedure. Weatherstripping damaged A weather stripping that's worn-out not only looks ugly and is a security risk however it also allows outside air and heat out. You can save money by replacing the weather stripping inside your home. Ensure you have the right tools and materials. This includes a replacement weather stripping kit or caulk sealant or adhesive (depending on the repair method) and scissors, pliers, a utility knife, and a pair of gloves or goggles that are protective. Remove patio door repair stripping that was used previously by cutting through the end piece and pulling up with any screws attached, if appropriate. Then, gently take any remaining pieces over with pliers or a pry bar. Start by measuring the gap around the door frame. Make use of the measurements to determine what size weather stripping you need. Make sure to leave some extra length to allow for fine-tuning later. Once you have the right size you can apply the backing with adhesive and press it against the frame. If you want you want to, use a nail to secure the frame to the wall. Finally apply some wood filler to any divots or holes in the frame. Let the filler dry completely before applying paint. In general, it is best to apply oil-based paint on the filler, however latex paint will work too. Last but not least, make sure you clean your sliding tracks and doors frequently. Taking the time to do this can prevent the doors from sticking and other problems later on. Cleaning and maintaining your patio doors will ensure that they remain attractive, functional and energy efficient. When you do this you can enjoy the outdoors with confidence, and save money in the process! Happy fixing your home!